At their second Roast Rider, Wayne Richmon points out Seth Lubaton’s mural merging a coffee motif with a VABeachVA vibe and Lisa immerses herself in “The Monk of Mokha” which mentions George Howell, one of their roasters. Photo credit: Annabelle Xanthos
As Wayne and Lisa Richmon prepared to launch their second Roast Rider Coffee + Cafe, Wayne decided it was time to create a signature drink: “Our version of the Frappuccino, but nothing like the Frappuccino.”
It’s no coincidence he cites that frosty concoction as inspiration. George Howell, the man who helped develop it at his Massachusetts-based Coffee Connection (which Starbucks later bought along with the trademarked name Frappuccino), is Wayne’s idol as Howell revolutionized the industry’s storage and technology systems and pioneered paying farmers prices far exceeding Fair Trade. His current company, George Howell Coffee, is one of the few roasters the Richmons showcase at their Hilltop East hub, known for sustainable, socially-responsible coffee and a very VABeachVA vibe…