In 1897, Steve Papanicholas left his home in Greece. They settled in Chicago, where he founded Overland Coffee Co. Steve's dedication to coffee and his knack for sourcing, roasting, and blending quality beans quickly earned him a reputation for excellence. His meticulous practices set the standard for a multi-generational commitment to great coffee.

By 1925, Steve’s nephew Angelo had joined the business, bringing his own passion and skill to the family trade. Angelo, along with his sons Nick and Gus, branched off to establish Aroma Coffee Co. They provided premium coffee to restaurants, department stores, and boutiques, offering a taste of café-quality coffee to those seeking a refined cup long before cafés became commonplace in the U.S. This era marked the beginning of our family's enduring influence on America’s coffee culture.

Nick Papanicholas, having spent years learning the art of roasting and blending from his family, envisioned bringing premium coffee into people’s homes. He believed that the world’s best beans should be accessible to everyone—not just in specialty shops but at the grocery store level. In 1984, Nick brought PapaNicholas Coffee to store shelves, making high-quality coffee more accessible than ever. His vision of fair pricing for premium coffee resonated with coffee lovers, marking the start of a new chapter for PapaNicholas Coffee.

Today, PapaNicholas Coffee remains family-owned and operated, a company guided by heritage but crafted for the modern coffee drinker. We continue to source only the finest high-grown Arabica beans, roast them in small batches, and price them fairly so everyone can enjoy the perfect cup. Our unique Blend After Roast® (B.A.R.) process, perfected over decades, is a testament to our dedication to consistent quality and rich flavor.