Maas Coffee Roasters has always been more than a place to get a cup of coffee along the Emerald Coast. Since its beginnings in Fort Walton Beach, the brand has carried a reputation for carefully roasted beans, bold flavors and a community vibe. Generations of customers have come to know Maas Coffee as a roaster first and foremost—a name rooted in quality rather than trends.
In 2023, a new chapter began when Teddy and Lupe Batarao, longtime fans of Maas, decided to acquire the brand. For them, this was not just a business opportunity but a chance to preserve and grow something that mattered to them. Their daughter Eliana now runs the original Fort Walton Beach location, keeping the roots of Maas strong while Teddy and Lupe expand the vision in Destin.
What sets Maas apart from other cafés is that they roast their own beans. The coffee beans are selected with care, roasted with precision and brewed in a way that highlights the unique qualities of each blend. Favorites like Jazz and the Breakfast Roast have developed loyal followings, each carrying flavors that reflect Maas Coffee’s attention to detail and consistency. This dedication to roasting ensures that every cup tastes distinct and fresh—something that can’t be duplicated by relying on outside suppliers.
The Batarao family’s expansion into Destin represents more than just growth; it’s a natural extension of the Maas identity. The new location offers an atmosphere that balances energy with calm—an easy fit for all kinds of gatherings. Students settle into quiet corners with laptops, friends meet for unhurried conversations, and professionals find a comfortable space for meetings. Couples drift in for dates, with the soft hum of conversation and the artistry of a latte setting the perfect tone. Even the café’s simple chess board tells the story of what the Bataraos are building: an environment that encourages connection, thought and time well spent.
What keeps people coming back to Mass Coffee Roasters is the craftsmanship in every drink. The baristas at Maas are not just pouring coffee; they are creating small works of art. Beautiful latte designs such as hearts and leaves float on top of velvety espresso—the kind of detail that makes an ordinary order feel special. It’s a reminder that Maas treats coffee as both a craft and a passion. Customers walk away satisfied, with the memory of a beverage prepared with care.
For Teddy and Lupe, Maas Coffee is about honoring history while embracing the future. They see themselves as stewards of a brand that has meant something to locals for years, while also carrying the responsibility of introducing it to a broader audience. Their love for coffee, combined with their respect for what Maas represents, drives them to protect the roaster’s identity while ensuring it grows in new directions.
As Destin continues to expand and welcome new residents and visitors, Maas Coffee is poised to become a cornerstone of the community. Whether someone has been drinking Maas for years at the Fort Walton location or is walking in for the first time in Destin, the feeling is the same: This is coffee with roots, coffee done right, coffee that connects people.
With cafés competing for attention, Maas Coffee remains something special—a roaster with history, a future guided by passion and a presence that continues to grow without losing sight of what made it iconic in the first place.