Our Story

At Cuppr, our story begins with a simple truth: we love independent coffee shops. These aren’t just places to grab a latte, they’re gathering spots, workspaces, creative hubs, and second homes. In the years after Covid, like so many others, we found ourselves searching for those “third places” where community still thrives. Each of us discovered local cafés that welcomed us in, fueled our mornings, and provided us with a sense of connection. Cuppr was born from the desire to celebrate the spirit of the independent coffee shop and champion the lifestyle of the “coffee shop tourist.” We believe every café has a unique story worth sharing, and we’re here to help people find them.

Contact
Two coffee cups with brown coffee remnants on a silver tray, and a beige takeout container with Japanese characters written on it, all on a black table.

Our Vision

We envision a world where small, independent businesses can compete and thrive without compromise.

Our Misison

Our mission is to create a vibrant community of independent coffee shops and coffee shop patrons.

A coffee counter with a green wooden front, white cups, glasses, and pastries on plates. There's a black espresso machine with cups on top, stacks of paper cups, and a small table with glassware and cups. A red wall lamp is on the white wall above.
A top-down view of a white coffee mug filled with dark coffee on a white surface, with coffee drips and a coffee ring stain nearby.

Our Values

  • Cuppr is all about connecting communities and celebrating our beloved 3rd spaces. We are beholden to the communities and partners that we serve.

  • Every independent coffee shop is different. We honor and support the independence of our partners to operate and serve their communities as they see fit.

  • If it isn’t worth doing well, it isn’t worth doing. We believe in doing what we say we’re going to do, and making things right if we miss the mark.

  • Communities are built by individuals from all walks of life. We celebrate and welcome unique offerings, backgrounds, beliefs, and values.

  • We strive for sustainable growth that provides long-term support for the environment and our communities.

Meet the team

A young girl with light brown hair styled in pigtails with pink and white hair ties, wearing large glasses, a white shirt with pink sleeves, and blue eyeshadow.
A man with dark wavy hair, a mustache, and light skin, wearing a white collared shirt, black tie, and tan sweater, smiling indoors with a blurred background.
Portrait of a man with light skin, blue eyes, short brown hair, and a beard, wearing a dark blue checkered suit and white shirt, against a black background.
A smiling man with a beard and blue eyes wearing a teal shirt against a natural background.

  • CEO / Co-Founder

    Aaron Samudio is a community-builder, entrepreneur, and advocate for independent coffee culture. With a background in program leadership, nonprofit management, and startup development, Aaron saw a gap in the coffee industry: independent shops often lacked access to the tools, technology, and collective strength enjoyed by large chains.

    That vision sparked Cuppr, a digital marketplace designed to empower local cafés, strengthen discoverability, and create shared prosperity across the coffee ecosystem. Aaron brings a blend of business strategy, hands-on industry knowledge, and passion for building resilient communities into everything Cuppr does.

    Beyond Cuppr, Aaron is deeply committed to initiatives that connect people, strengthen local economies, and make ownership more accessible. He believes that small businesses are the heart of thriving communities and that coffee shops, in particular, are keystone gathering spaces where culture, creativity, and conversation flourish.

  • COO / Co-Founder

    Drey brings a blend of Silicon Valley experience and entrepreneurial spirit to Cuppr. With three degrees - Computer Engineering, IT Management, and an MBA - he’s built a career spanning technology and leadership roles at Symantec, Adobe, and Western Governors University. At Cuppr, Drey leads business development, financial and legal operations, and helps shape product direction.

    Since the onset of Covid, he’s traded traditional office life for the hum of independent coffee shops, where he finds focus, connection, and inspiration. His go-to order? A classic espresso paired with sparkling water. Simple, bold, and refreshing, much like his approach to building Cuppr.

  • CTO / Co-Founder

    Gunnar Gabrielson is the technical mind behind everything that makes Cuppr work. Gunnar is a deeply principled engineer who has seen it all. His experience spans designing pixel perfect websites to architecting the complex backend systems that power them. He loves the challenge of taking a big idea, breaking it down to its core, and building something that’s powerful, scalable, and genuinely helpful.

    Gunnar is a firm believer that the best technology is the kind that builds community and creates real human connection, a philosophy that’s at the heart of everything we do. This people first approach guides all of his work, from the code he writes, the user experiences he builds and the way he collaborates. When he’s not logged in, you can find him spending time with his family, hitting a mountain bike trail, or exploring local coffee shops. He loves how independent shops build community, create deep roots, and act as a genuine place for people to connect.

  • Strategic Advisor

    Sadie is a long-time coffee shop owner and operator, with over 8 years of experience building and running her own shops and serving their communities. She is currently the owner of Moon Peak Coffee House in Provo, Utah.

  • Im working on it!!!

A young woman with blonde hair and blue eyes taking a selfie, wearing a black and white striped shirt, with a green beverage in a glass in front of her.