Knowledge Perk Coffee Co. is expanding across South Carolina with plans to open its first drive-thru café in Little River in fall 2025, according to The Post and Courier.
“We’ve grown from five to 10 locations in under 18 months with more on the way — proof that our hybrid model of corporate and licensed cafés is both replicable and in demand,” CEO Ryan Sanderson told the outlet. “We aim to build a national brand with local roots, and moving from license to franchise (while still expanding corporately) is the next likely step toward that goal.”
In addition to new locations, Knowledge Perk is growing through partnerships with Coastal Carolina University, the University of South Carolina and the United States Disc Golf Championship.
The Rock Hill-based company serves green coffee sourced through direct trade and import, with a focus on quality and supporting coffee-growing communities.
“We’re a small-batch roastery with a mission to transform the way you experience coffee and the global community that brings it to you,” the company states on its website.
Its menu includes cold brew, lattes, espresso drinks, matcha and tea. Seasonal offerings include the Cookie Butter Latte, Matcha Latte and Honey Badger Latte. Food options range from Bronx-sourced bagels and croissants to sandwiches such as turkey and provolone, caprese chicken salad and roast beef melts.
Coffee blends are also available online, including limited releases, signature blends and single-origin selections from individual growers and regions.
Founded in 2017 by Sanderson and Jonathan Taylor, Knowledge Perk operates locations in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Charlotte, Spartanburg and Myrtle Beach. Two more locations are expected to open soon: one in the lobby of Gateway 737 in Columbia, and another at The Mill at Fountain Inn in Spartanburg.
What Now Charleston has reached out to the company for more information. This article may be updated.
