Considering Gini Behrendt’s warm smile, it’s no surprise she has a passion for roasting beans and, with her late husband Ralph, founded Flying Rhino Coffee.
Their journey began percolating in 2005 after the two glass artists purchased a vintage coffee roaster.Achieving success at The Farmer’s Market, Flying Rhino then began selling at specialty groceries. To ensure freshness, Gini and Ralph refused to sell roasted beans that remained unsold after 30 days. “That was a hard road to go when you’re a brand new business, but that standard was important to us. We still hold to it.”
Ralph passed away in June 2014, forcing Gini to make adjustments without her life and business partner, but with the help of her Uptown community.
“Living in UpTown, I feel like I have meaning. It feels wonderful and safe. I love supporting the other businesses here. I thought about leaving this area, but there’s so much love here. There’s so much to do, so much to be involved in. If you plug into it, you feel full, loved and satisfied. I can’t think of a better place to live than where I’m at, so I’m not going anywhere.”
Unsung Heroes is sponsored by Market on the Green. Part of ProMedica Ebeid Institute, the market is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our community by increasing access to healthy, affordable food; delivering nutritional education; and providing job training opportunities. The market supports local and receives fresh coffee daily from Flying Rhino Coffee. Visit the market at 1806 Madison Ave., Downtown Toledo, and like them on Facebook at Facebook.com/ProMedicaMarketOnTheGreen
Considering Gini Behrendt’s warm smile, it’s no surprise she has a passion for roasting beans and, with her late husband Ralph, founded Flying Rhino Coffee.
Their journey began percolating in 2005 after the two glass artists purchased a vintage coffee roaster.Achieving success at The Farmer’s Market, Flying Rhino then began selling at specialty groceries. To ensure freshness, Gini and Ralph refused to sell roasted beans that remained unsold after 30 days. “That was a hard road to go when you’re a brand new business, but that standard was important to us. We still hold to it.”
Ralph passed away in June 2014, forcing Gini to make adjustments without her life and business partner, but with the help of her Uptown community.
“Living in UpTown, I feel like I have meaning. It feels wonderful and safe. I love supporting the other businesses here. I thought about leaving this area, but there’s so much love here. There’s so much to do, so much to be involved in. If you plug into it, you feel full, loved and satisfied. I can’t think of a better place to live than where I’m at, so I’m not going anywhere.”
Unsung Heroes is sponsored by Market on the Green. Part of ProMedica Ebeid Institute, the market is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our community by increasing access to healthy, affordable food; delivering nutritional education; and providing job training opportunities. The market supports local and receives fresh coffee daily from Flying Rhino Coffee. Visit the market at 1806 Madison Ave., Downtown Toledo, and like them on Facebook at Facebook.com/ProMedicaMarketOnTheGreen
