Grand Prairie Billie Joe Coffee Shop Named Top 100 Coffee Shop

Grand Prairie's own Billie Joe Coffee has brewed its way onto Yelp's Top 100 Coffee Shops in America list. As the only shop in North Texas to make the cut, this hometown favorite is putting our city on the coffee map.

What began as a small booth at the Grand Prairie Farmers Market, selling freshly roasted beans, has since grown into a beloved local café. In 2021, founder Billie Joe Brown turned his passion into a brick-and-mortar space, serving small-batch specialty coffee and a rotating menu of seasonal sips like the Great Pumpkin Billie Joe, Billie Blanca, Café Flan, and By the Campfire.

Conveniently located between IKEA and Bass Pro Shops - just south of EpicCentral -Billie Joe Coffee can be found at 1015 IKEA Pl, Suite 200.

We sat down with Billy Brown, owner and founder of Billie Joe Coffee, to talk about his journey from farmers market vendor to national recognition, and what it means to represent Grand Prairie on a big stage.

Are you originally from Grand Prairie?

Billy Brown: I'm local to DFW. I lived in Grand Prairie for about 15-16 years before moving to Mansfield last year, but I still consider myself a Grand Prairie native. My wife taught in GPISD for 13 years, and both of my daughters went to school here. So, we're still very much rooted here.

How did you first start selling coffee?

Billy Brown: Around 2018, I began roasting beans in my garage. A co-worker encouraged me to sell them, so I brought them to the Grand Prairie Farmers Market. That was my first step, just bags of beans, no drinks or pastries.

Do you remember your very first sale?

Billy Brown: Absolutely. It was cold that day, and honestly, I didn't think anyone would buy my coffee. But Holly, a salsa vendor at the market, bought the very first bag. That sale kept me going. If it hadn't been for her, I might have walked away. Funny enough, she reached out this morning to congratulate me on making Yelp's list.

At what point did you know it was time to open your own shop?

Billy Brown: Honestly, it wasn't my plan. Customers at the farmers market kept telling me, "Open a shop, open a shop." At first, I thought they were crazy. I was just roasting beans in my garage. But their encouragement pushed me to take a leap of faith. So, in December 2021, we opened our doors.

What advice would you give other small vendors who want to transition into brick-and-mortar?

Billy Brown: Keep going. The farmers market is the perfect incubator; you can test ideas, get feedback, and tweak your product. Treat every weekend like it's your business. Customers will guide you if you're willing to listen.

What's your favorite part about owning a small business in Grand Prairie?

Billy Brown: It's the community. I hire locals, and when people come in, they recognize my baristas. Neighbors tell their friends, and word spreads. It's not just about serving coffee - it's about serving Grand Prairie.

What does it mean to you to be the only DFW shop on Yelp's Top 100 list?

Billy Brown: It means a lot. It shows that even the little guy can do it. We're just a small team in a growing city, and now we've earned national recognition. That's huge. Not just for me, but for Grand Prairie.

Did you expect national attention so quickly?

Billy Brown: Not at all. I was just focused on making good coffee and serving my community. It's still sinking in, but it gives us confidence to know people all over the country are hearing about Billie Joe Coffee.

Where do you hope to see Billie Joe Coffee in five years?

Billy Brown: We want to keep improving our hospitality, expand our menu, and maybe even open another location. We're also exploring ideas like live music and late-night events. This is just the beginning.

What makes your coffee roasting process unique?

Billy Brown: I'm self-taught and a bit old school. I roast on-site, in small batches, so customers get the freshest coffee possible. Every variety - whether from El Salvador or Kenya - has its own flavor profile, and we want people to taste that.

You're known for your pastries, too. Do you make them in-house?

Billy Brown: Yes, I design many of them myself. Two of our signature pastries are the Basque cheesecake and an "Oro Tiramisu," which has a Latin flair. We also partner with a local bakery and invite small bakers to pop up at our shop.

Finally, what would you say to aspiring small business owners in Grand Prairie?

Billy Brown: Listen to your gut and just get out there. Don't compare yourself to the big brands; focus on your craft and your customers. The recognition will come. That's been my journey, and if it can happen for me, it can happen for others too.

Any closing thoughts?

Billy Brown: Just gratitude. I want to thank the City of Grand Prairie. This is home, and we're proud to put it on the map.