Augusta, January 25, 2026
Commander Coffee, formerly known as Ubora Coffee, has rebranded to strengthen its military connection and community commitment. Co-founded by veterans, the establishment aims to highlight its dedication to supporting the veteran community through initiatives like free coffee events for veterans. This transformation represents not only a name change but also an affirmation of the business’s values and resilience as a small enterprise driving local economic development.
Augusta Coffee Shop Rebrands, Honors Military Roots
A beloved downtown Augusta establishment, formerly known as Ubora Coffee, has officially rebranded as Commander Coffee. This strategic name change deeply embeds the business’s strong connection to the military and its commitment to community service, reflecting an entrepreneurial spirit that resonates throughout the greater Aiken area. The evolution of this local enterprise highlights the innovation and resilience characteristic of small businesses driving regional economic development.
The transformation from Ubora Coffee to Commander Coffee is more than just a name change; it represents a reaffirmation of the founders’ values and a clear salute to the armed forces. This move underscores how local businesses often find unique ways to honor significant aspects of their identity and community ties, fostering growth and a sense of shared purpose within the economy. Such initiatives exemplify how dedicated South Carolina entrepreneurs contribute to the vibrancy of their local areas.
The Journey from Ubora to Commander Coffee
Ubora Coffee first opened its doors in downtown Augusta in November 2018, having launched in 2017. The original name, “Ubora,” is a Swahili word meaning “excellence”. This name reflected the company’s initial goal of striving for excellence in every cup of coffee. The establishment quickly became known for its expertly brewed, ethically sourced, and fair-traded specialty coffees, which are roasted in-house and come from various regions globally, including Rwanda, Honduras, Ethiopia, and Brazil.
The decision to rebrand as Commander Coffee stems from a desire to more explicitly honor the strong military ties embedded in the company’s foundation. This transition showcases how businesses can adapt their identity to better reflect core values and resonate with a key part of their community, a hallmark of responsive small business growth.
A Deep Military Connection
The military connection at the heart of Commander Coffee is profound. The business was co-founded by a group of veterans, including Andre Leon, who, as of December 2024, has served for 12 years as an active-duty officer in the U.S. Navy. Co-owner Phillip Weisner is also a veteran. This direct link to military service has shaped the business’s mission, which includes a dedication to supporting military veterans and coffee farmers.
Commander Coffee actively supports the veteran community through employment, with a Navy veteran serving as their roastmaster and a disabled veteran as their lead managing barista. The company also hosts regular “Veteran Coffee Connection” events every Tuesday, providing free coffee for veterans. Furthermore, they offer a “Watchstander Blend” specifically dedicated to military personnel, first responders, and those who “stand the watch,” acknowledging their service and dedication. This deep integration of military appreciation is a testament to personal achievement and community involvement.
Entrepreneurial Resilience and Community Engagement
The journey of this Augusta area business has not been without its challenges, demonstrating significant small business resilience. In May 2022, the coffee shop experienced a substantial flood due to a burst pipe, leading to a two-month closure. Despite this setback, the business successfully reopened, a testament to its fortitude and the support of its patrons. This ability to “adapt and overcome,” as described by co-owner Phillip Weisner in a broader business context, echoes a spirit often found in military training and entrepreneurial endeavors alike.
Beyond serving exceptional coffee, Commander Coffee’s objective is to cultivate a sense of community and collaboration. Andre Leon emphasizes a civic duty to pass on opportunities and help others, viewing the business as a platform to serve the community. This philosophy of community involvement and mutual support is a vital component of regional economic development, particularly in fostering a supportive environment for local entrepreneurial spirit.
Looking Ahead: Commander Coffee’s Impact
Located at 1128 Jones Street in downtown Augusta, Commander Coffee continues to offer a diverse menu of coffee delights and culinary treats, including paninis and croissant sandwiches. The rebranding is expected to further solidify its identity and mission, drawing attention to its veteran-owned status and its active role in community support.
The success and evolution of businesses like Commander Coffee serve as a powerful example of how local entrepreneurial efforts, combined with a strong sense of purpose and community engagement, contribute significantly to the broader Midlands economic growth. Their commitment to excellence and service showcases the positive outcomes that arise when businesses are deeply rooted in their values and their community.
Conclusion
The transformation of Ubora Coffee into Commander Coffee in downtown Augusta is a notable development, reflecting a business that deeply values its military connections and community role. It underscores the spirit of local entrepreneurial innovation and small business resilience that enriches the Aiken area and the wider region. As Commander Coffee embarks on this new chapter, residents are encouraged to support this veteran-owned establishment, recognizing its contribution to both the local economy and its meaningful engagement with the community. Supporting such local ventures is essential for nurturing a vibrant economic future in our region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Ubora Coffee’s new name?
Ubora Coffee has been renamed Commander Coffee.
What inspired the name change to Commander Coffee?
The name change to Commander Coffee was inspired by the business’s military connection.
What does the original name “Ubora” mean?
The original name “Ubora” is Swahili for “excellence.”
Is Commander Coffee a veteran-owned business?
Yes, Commander Coffee was co-founded by a group of veterans.
Does Commander Coffee support veterans?
Yes, Commander Coffee’s mission includes supporting military veterans, and they host “Veteran Coffee Connection” events every Tuesday, offering free coffee for veterans.
Where is Commander Coffee located?
Commander Coffee is located in downtown Augusta, GA, at 1128 Jones Street.
Key Features of Commander Coffee
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Previous Name | Ubora Coffee |
| New Name | Commander Coffee |
| Inspiration for New Name | Military connection |
| Previous Name Meaning (Ubora) | “Excellence” in Swahili |
| Ownership | Veteran-owned |
| Community Initiatives | “Veteran Coffee Connection” events (free coffee for veterans on Tuesdays), “Watchstander Blend” dedicated to military and first responders |
| Location | Downtown Augusta, GA (1128 Jones St.) |
| Products | In-house roasted, ethically sourced, fair-traded specialty coffees; food items (e.g., paninis, croissant sandwiches) |
| Resilience Highlight | Successfully reopened after a two-month closure due to flooding in May 2022 |
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Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
