How Patrick Pierce Built Fleet Coffee Into an Austin Favorite

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TLDR

A perfect shot of espresso lasts just a few seconds—hot, balanced, and gone before you know it. But behind that fleeting moment of enjoyment is a world of precision, craftsmanship, and dedication. For Patrick Pierce, founder of Fleet Coffee in Austin, Texas, this idea defines his approach to coffee. What might seem like a quick sip to the customer is the result of years of training, technique, and deep industry expertise.

Since opening in March 2016, Fleet Coffee has grown from a small, focused coffee shop into a brand that represents specialty coffee at its finest. With three locations across Austin, Patrick has navigated the challenges of growth, customer evolution, and a changing coffee culture—all while staying committed to his vision of exceptional coffee, intentional service, and continuous learning.

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Building Fleet Coffee: A Vision Years in the Making

Patrick’s journey in coffee started right after high school, long before Fleet Coffee became a reality. Unlike many entrepreneurs who stumble into the industry, he knew from the beginning that coffee was his calling. He worked at Caffè Medici and later at Briggo Inc., gaining hands-on experience that shaped his approach to both coffee craftsmanship and business operations.

By the time Fleet Coffee was ready to open, Austin’s specialty coffee scene was still developing. Unlike today, where third-wave coffee shops are on nearly every corner, Fleet started with a minimal menu, catering to a small but knowledgeable audience—industry professionals, barista champions, and true coffee enthusiasts. The shop was built around a high-level coffee experience, where precision and execution mattered above all else.

Over time, as Fleet expanded from East Austin to Downtown, the business adapted to serve a broader customer base. While maintaining its focus on high-quality coffee, it gradually introduced offerings that appealed to a wider demographic—balancing the needs of casual coffee drinkers with the expectations of seasoned coffee aficionados.