Our Story
At a young age, Edgar Allan Joe owner Dillon Cafiero knew he had a love for people and conversations. In 2012, Cafiero had a unique opportunity to work for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. That experience solidified that putting smiles on people’s faces and making them happy was his passion. Fast forward a few years, and Cafiero would end up working for a coffee shop, where inspiring these smiles was as much a part of the business as the brew. The multi-sensory experience would leave an indelible mark on him. The unique sounds of milk frothing, the grinding of a single origin bag of Sumatra; the many conversations heard throughout the café. The smell of fresh espresso, filling his nose the moment it was pulled: the sight of seeing someone smile after that first sip of coffee; the warmth of the cup, handed to an eager customer ready to start their day, thanks to him.
One day, it just clicked for Cafiero. This was it. This was what he wanted to do. This is how he could make his passion a reality.
In June 2020, Cafiero was let go from his job due to Covid-19. This serendipitous turn of events led Cafiero to make a leap and start his dream business, and just like that,
Edgar Allan Joe was officially born in 2020.
Here at Edgar Allan Joe, our coffee is always roasted in small batches made to order so you know you are always getting the freshest coffee possible. We ship and hand deliver whole bean, ground coffee, and some really cool merch! We think you’re going to really love it and hope our coffee can put a smile on your face.
—MEET THE OWNER—
“Deep into the darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.”
-Edgar Allan Poe
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Hi there!!
My name is Dillon Cafiero and I LOVE coffee! Who doesn’t?!
I was born and raised in Farmingdale, a tiny town in New Jersey by 2 amazing parents alongside 3 younger brothers. Both my mother and my father each own respective businesses. As the old adage goes, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” and now, I too have a business of my own.
So why Edgar Allan Joe? Well back in high school English class I was never involved one bit in the enjoyment of literature that was taught. Never stuck, but one story did, and that story was the Raven by Edgar Allan Poe. I don’t know if it was the fact that it was gloomy, raining, and thundering that day or my coffee was extra dark, but the Raven seemed to just click with me. Down the road when I worked for Walt Disney World, my good friend Chase West had some added inspiration and Edgar Allan Joe became an idea, and just that. When I was let go from my job, the thought of looking for a new job was at the forefront of my thinking. When you go from a very secured job to nothing, it can be a very frightening feeling. After a week of reflecting I realized what I needed to do and that was to take action towards my dreams of owning a business, specifically a coffee shop. Having grown up with my dad owning a business I was subconsciously rewired at a young age that being my own boss was what I was destined for. That’s why I jumped at starting a business versus finding another job after being let go amidst a pandemic.
A little about me personally, I enjoy going for 20+ mile bike rides down the Jersey Shore, and taking my 3 year old puppy, Lucy (dogs are always puppies at heart, change my mind) for a walk. My go to cup of joe is definitely a dark roasted cold brew, black.
Thank you for your time, and I can’t wait for you to try some Edgar Allan Joe!