Hugo Coffee Roasters: Coffee and Animal Rescue Mission

This article reflects Hugo Coffee Roasters as we covered it in 2023. Donation amounts, shipping availability, partnerships, sourcing and retail details can change, so verify current information with the company.

Hugo Coffee Roasters combined specialty coffee with an animal-rescue mission. Founder Claudia McMullin, a former lawyer, moved into coffee after purchasing a shop at the Park City Visitor Center and eventually began roasting coffee herself.

How Hugo Coffee Roasters started

McMullin founded Hugo Coffee Roasters in 2018 after deciding to roast beans for her own shop. The company was named for her rescue dog, Hugo, tying the brand directly to its animal-welfare focus.

Animal rescue mission

At the time of our 2023 coverage, Hugo Coffee Roasters said it donated $2.50 for every item sold to small animal rescues and sanctuaries. Its stated support extended beyond dogs to organizations helping cats, farm animals and other rescued animals. Because donation programs can change, treat that amount as historical rather than a current guarantee.

Coffee and sourcing

The company described its coffee as 100% Arabica and cited origins including Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Mexico and Tanzania. It also emphasized ethical and sustainable sourcing. Coffee selections and origins naturally rotate, so current bags may differ from those available when this story was published.

Retail and wholesale presence in 2023

Hugo operated a Park City coffee shop and also sold roasted coffee beyond Utah, including through online ordering and wholesale relationships. Our original coverage also noted collaborations connected with PepsiCo, Frito-Lay and Stacy’s Rise. Those references describe the company’s position at the time and are not meant to imply ongoing partnerships.

More coffee coverage

For more options, see Famadillo’s guide to coffee for flavor, quality and sustainability and our coffee products for busy parents.

Bottom line

What distinguished Hugo Coffee Roasters in our 2023 coverage was the combination of coffee roasting and a clearly defined animal-rescue mission. The brand story began with McMullin’s career change and rescue dog, then grew into a coffee business built around that cause.