Jacksonville's Coffee Legacy: From A&P to Eight O'Clock Revival

Jacksonville, Florida, USA - Nestled in the heart of Jacksonville, at 1741 West Beaver Street, lies the historical significance of Eight O’Clock Coffee. Once a household name within American kitchens, this brand hails from a legacy traced back to the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P), founded in 1859 by George Gilman in New York City. Known initially as Gilman & Company, A&P transformed into a retail titan by 1930, boasting $2.9 billion in sales across an astounding 16,000 stores. Comparatively, A&P was the Walmart or McDonald’s of its time, playing a prominent role in the retail landscape until its decline began post-World War II, unable to keep pace in a changing market.

As Jacksonville became A&P’s Southeastern Headquarters, it was also the birthplace of an industrial bakery and the Eight O’Clock Coffee roasting plant, which opened its doors in 1925. By 1932, the surrounding community was treated to the delightful aroma of fresh coffee as A&P expanded with an extensive bakery. Unfortunately, A&P’s thunder faded as newer retailers began to dominate the market, leading to its ultimate closure in 2015.

A Taste of History

What’s curious about Eight O’Clock Coffee is how it transformed from a brand once entirely under the A&P umbrella to a staple in American stores today, manufactured by the Eight O’Clock Coffee Company, a subsidiary of Tata Consumer Products. The brand, recognized for its distinctive logo and variety, didn’t just survive— it flourished. Originally introduced as „Eight O’Clock Breakfast Coffee“ in 1859, the name wasn’t officially adopted until 1919 after a survey revealed that 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. were the peak times for coffee consumption across America.

Eight O’Clock Coffee hit its peak popularity in the U.S. by 1930, securing over a quarter of the market share. It even won a Gold Medal at the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, showcasing its quality and appeal. But A&P’s struggle in the retail frontier led to the brand being sold off in 2003 to Gryphon Investors, which established the independent Eight O’Clock Coffee Company—marking a new chapter.

Legends of Jacksonville Coffee Roasters

Jacksonville boasts rich coffee heritage beyond just Eight O’Clock. Bingham Coffee Company, established in 1933, has its roots in the National Coffee Company, which was founded by Polychronis Hanjakos in 1930 after he initially joined the Colonial Coffee & Tea Company. Meanwhile, Bartley Coffee Company emerged in 1936, soon rebranded as Martin Coffee Company, further elevating Jacksonville’s reputation as a coffee haven.

Don’t forget Condaxis Coffee & Tea Inc., founded by Peter “Tykie” Condaxis in 1959, with a modest investment of $500. Emerging as the second-largest coffee roaster in Jacksonville, its legacy lives on through local partnerships, supplying beloved diners and theaters around town.

While A&P may have closed its doors years ago, its influence, especially through Eight O’Clock Coffee, endures. The brand continues to be available across supermarkets in the U.S., evolving with the times, and still capturing the hearts—and taste buds—of many.

So, the next time you find yourself sipping on a warm cup of Eight O’Clock Coffee, take a moment to appreciate the history that brewed it. After all, there’s something to be said for savoring a drink that carries with it the flavor of resilience and tradition.