The Meteor co-founder Doug Zell Built Pioneering Cafe Brand Intelligentsia in the Mid 90’s

Doug Zell is the cofounder of various businesses including Intelligentsia Coffee, Allied Cyle Works, and of course, The Meteor, where you can find him fastidiously attending to the smallest details of the cafe, bike shop and wine bar.

What unfolds in part 1 of our 2 part interview, is a story about racing bikes in the midwest in the 80s, pioneering the modern coffee industry in the 90's and discovering an appreciation for design in the aughts. If you listen closely, you'll notice that Doug was at the forefront of the "direct trade" movement, which nurtures relationships directly with native growers in order to enhance businesses on both sides of the transaction. This first installment, with its focus on establishing a consumer aesthetic. sets the stage for why Doug is an outsized contributor to Austin's bike community.

We'll cover that in Part 2. Please enjoy this remarkable episode, as Doug's experience and vibe make him a special addition to our guest list.