Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We've got answers. If you don't find what you're looking for below, reach out to us directly at southerngroundscoffee.contact@gmail.com — we're happy to help.
☕ About Southern Grounds Coffee Co.
Why is Southern Grounds different from other coffee companies?
Most coffee companies focus on coffee. We focus on the people drinking it.
Southern Grounds Coffee Co. was built for hardworking people who start early, stay late, and appreciate a good cup of coffee along the way. From offshore crews and linemen to farmers, mechanics, and everyday folks, we're here to serve coffee that's honest, dependable, and worth looking forward to.
Every coffee we offer is thoughtfully selected, carefully roasted, and chosen because it's something we'd proudly drink ourselves. We're not chasing trends or trying to be the biggest coffee company on the internet. We're focused on good people, honest business, and damn good coffee.
We're a small, owner-operated business based in Cottonwood, Alabama, and we're grateful for every customer who chooses to support us.
Which Southern Grounds coffee should I try first?
It depends on how you like your coffee, but here are our favorite starting points:
☀️ If you like smooth and easy-drinking coffee: Start with Cottonwood Sunrise or Southern Pecan. These are approachable, crowd-pleasing coffees that are easy to enjoy every day.
💪 If you like bold, strong coffee: Try Shellback Reserve – Kenya AA, Seattle Blend, or E-Line After Dark Espresso Roast. These coffees are built for early mornings, long shifts, and serious coffee drinkers.
🍫 If you enjoy flavored coffee: Fireside Pecan, Butterscotch Toffee, Jamaican Me Crazy, and Coconut Cream Dream are customer favorites packed with flavor and aroma.
☕ If you're an espresso drinker: E-Line After Dark Espresso Roast and Espresso Noir are excellent places to start.
🤔 Still not sure?
Start with Southern Pecan.
It’s one of our most popular coffees for a reason — smooth, approachable, and packed with that Southern flavor that keeps people coming back for another cup.
Do you roast your own coffee?
Southern Grounds Coffee Co. partners with experienced specialty coffee roasters to bring you high-quality, freshly roasted coffee.
We focus on selecting exceptional coffees, building a brand we're proud of, and providing outstanding customer service. Every coffee we offer is chosen because we'd happily drink it ourselves and recommend it to our own family and friends.
By working with trusted roasting partners, we're able to offer a wider variety of fresh coffees while maintaining the quality standards our customers expect.
☕ Coffee Freshness
How fresh is your coffee?
Every bag of Southern Grounds coffee is roasted to order and shipped directly to you. We don't let bags sit on shelves — your coffee is as fresh as it gets when it arrives at your door.
How should I store my coffee to keep it fresh?
Store your coffee in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep it in the original sealed bag or transfer it to an airtight container. Avoid storing coffee in the refrigerator or freezer, as temperature changes can introduce moisture and affect flavor.
How long will my coffee stay fresh after opening?
For the best flavor, we recommend enjoying your coffee within 2–4 weeks of opening. Whole bean coffee stays fresh longer than pre-ground, since grinding exposes more surface area to air.
🫘 Ground vs. Whole Bean
What's the difference between ground and whole bean coffee?
Whole bean coffee stays fresher longer because the beans are only ground right before brewing, preserving more of the natural oils and aromas. Ground coffee is more convenient — it's ready to brew straight from the bag with no grinder needed.
Which grind option should I choose?
- Ground Drip — Pre-ground for standard drip coffee makers. The most popular and convenient option.
- Cold Brew — Coarser grind designed specifically for cold brew steeping. Don't use this in a drip machine.
- Whole Bean — Best for espresso machines, pour-overs, French presses, or any brewing method where you control the grind size yourself.
Can I request a different grind size?
Our coffees are available in the grind options listed on each product page. If you have a specific brewing method in mind, whole bean gives you the most flexibility.
📦 Shipping & Order Processing
How long does it take to process my order?
Orders are typically processed within 2–5 business days after purchase. During holidays, promotions, or high-volume periods, processing may take a little longer. We appreciate your patience.
How long will shipping take?
Delivery times vary based on your location and the shipping method selected at checkout. Once your order ships, you'll receive a tracking number by email so you can follow it all the way to your door.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your location and order size. Occasionally we run free shipping promotions — sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to select countries outside the United States. Available destinations and rates are shown at checkout based on your shipping address.
If your country is not available at checkout, we may not yet ship there. We’re working to expand our reach, so feel free to contact us at southerngroundscoffee.contact@gmail.com with questions about shipping to your location.
What if my order is delayed?
While we do everything we can to get your order to you on time, Southern Grounds Coffee Co. is not responsible for delays caused by carriers, weather, holidays, or events outside our control. If your order seems significantly delayed, contact us at southerngroundscoffee.contact@gmail.com and we'll help track it down.
What if I entered the wrong shipping address?
Please double-check your shipping address before placing your order. We are not responsible for orders shipped to incorrectly entered addresses. If you catch a mistake right after ordering, contact us immediately and we'll do our best to correct it before it ships.
🍫 Flavored Coffees
What flavored coffees do you carry?
Our Flavored Coffee collection includes Southern-inspired blends like Southern Pecan, Fireside Pecan, Butterscotch Toffee, Amaretto, Cherry Amaretto, Coconut Cream Dream, Blueberry Crumble, Homestead Carrot Cake, Sweet Crumb Blend, and End of Hitch Blend — with more added regularly.
Are the flavors natural or artificial?
Our flavored coffees use flavoring added to the roasted beans. Specific flavoring details vary by product — check the individual product description for more information.
Are flavored coffees available in decaf?
Many of our flavored coffees are available in both regular and decaf options. Look for the Regular/Decaf selector on each product page.
Will flavored coffee work in my espresso machine?
Flavored coffees can be brewed in an espresso machine, though they're most popular as drip or pour-over coffees. If you want to use them in an espresso machine, select Whole Bean so you can dial in your grind.
💪 Strongest Coffees
Which Southern Grounds coffee is the strongest?
Our Strong & Bold collection is built for people who like their coffee serious. Highlights include:
- Shellback Reserve – Kenya AA — A bold single origin with bright, full-bodied intensity
- E-Line After Dark Espresso Roast — Dark, rich, and built for the shot glass
- Seattle Blend — A classic dark roast with deep, smoky character
- Espresso Noir — Full-bodied and roasted dark for maximum strength
What makes a coffee "strong"?
Strength in coffee comes from roast level and brew ratio. Dark roasts have a bolder, more intense flavor. For maximum strength, use more coffee per cup and choose a dark roast whole bean so you can grind fresh.
🌱 Fair Trade Organic Coffees
What does Fair Trade Organic mean?
Fair Trade certification means the farmers who grew your coffee were paid a fair price for their work. Organic certification means the coffee was grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Together, they mean your cup is good for you and good for the people and land behind every bean.
Which coffees are Fair Trade Organic?
Our Fair Trade Organic collection includes Brazil Bob-o-Link and Fair Trade Organic Italian Roast, among others. Look for the Fair Trade Organic label on individual product pages.
Are Fair Trade Organic coffees available in multiple sizes?
Yes — most Fair Trade Organic coffees are available in 12oz, 2lb, and 5lb sizes, and in Ground Drip, Cold Brew, and Whole Bean options.
☕ Espresso
Which coffees work best for espresso?
Our Espresso collection is specifically curated for espresso brewing, including:
- E-Line After Dark Espresso Roast — Dark, bold, and built for the shot glass
- Espresso Noir — Rich and full-bodied
- Fair Trade Organic Italian Roast — Classic Italian-style dark roast
- Fair Trade Organic Café Bella — Smooth and balanced for espresso or milk drinks
Do I need to buy the Espresso grind for my espresso machine?
We recommend selecting Whole Bean for espresso machines so you can grind to the exact fineness your machine requires. Espresso grind size is very specific and varies by machine — whole bean gives you full control.
Can I use espresso roasts in a regular drip machine?
Yes — dark roast espresso coffees can absolutely be brewed in a drip machine. They'll produce a bold, rich cup. Select Ground Drip if you don't have a grinder.
🔄 Returns & Refunds
What is your return policy?
Because coffee is a perishable food product, we do not accept returns on opened coffee bags. Unopened, unused coffee in its original sealed packaging may be eligible for return within 30 days of delivery. Proof of purchase is required.
To request a return, contact us at southerngroundscoffee.contact@gmail.com.
My order arrived damaged or incorrect — what do I do?
We're sorry to hear that! Please inspect your order upon arrival and contact us within 7 days of delivery at southerngroundscoffee.contact@gmail.com. Include your order number and a photo of the issue and we'll make it right through a replacement, store credit, or refund.
How long do refunds take?
Once your return is received and inspected, approved refunds are issued to your original payment method within 10 business days. Your bank or card provider may require additional time to post the funds.
What items are not eligible for return?
The following cannot be returned: opened coffee bags, ground coffee once shipped, perishable food items, sale items, gift cards, and custom or special-order items.
Do you offer exchanges?
We don't offer direct exchanges on opened coffee products. If something isn't right with your order, contact us and we'll work with you on the best solution.
👕 Southern Grounds Gear
What kind of gear do you carry?
Southern Grounds Gear includes coffee-inspired apparel and drinkware — t-shirts, hoodies, trucker hats, tumblers, mugs, stickers, and more. All designed for hardworking Southern life.
Are your apparel items true to size?
Sizing details are listed on each product page. Our t-shirts and hoodies are available in a wide range of sizes (S through 5XL on select styles). If you're between sizes, we recommend sizing up for a relaxed fit.
Can I return gear items?
Our gear is produced on demand by print-on-demand partners, which means each item is made specifically for your order. Because of this, gear items are generally not eligible for return or exchange unless the item arrives defective, damaged, or incorrect.
If there’s a problem with your order, contact us within 7 days of delivery at southerngroundscoffee.contact@gmail.com with your order number and a photo, and we’ll make it right.
How is gear fulfilled?
Our gear is produced on demand by trusted print partners, which means each item is made specifically for your order. This keeps quality high and waste low. Production typically takes 2–5 business days before shipping.
📬 Contact & Support
How do I contact Southern Grounds Coffee Co.?
The best way to reach us is by email at southerngroundscoffee.contact@gmail.com. You can also use the Contact Us form on our website.
Where are you located?
Southern Grounds Coffee Co. is based in Cottonwood, Alabama, United States.
What are your customer support hours?
We're a small, hardworking team. We do our best to respond to all inquiries within 1–2 business days.
I have a question about my order — what information should I include?
To help us resolve your issue as quickly as possible, please include your order number, the email address used at checkout, and a brief description of the issue. If your order arrived damaged, a photo helps a lot.
Southern Grounds Coffee Co. — Good people. Honest business. Damn good coffee.
📧 southerngroundscoffee.contact@gmail.com | 🌐 southerngroundscoffeeco.com