Exit 11 Coffee Honored as a 2025 CO—100 Culture Champion by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

We are thrilled to announce that Exit 11 Coffee, LLC has been selected as one of the 2025 CO—100 honorees in the Culture Champions category by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. U.S. Chamber of Commerce

"This recognition is a clear testament to the culture we’re building every day — a culture defined by community, creativity, collaboration, and coffee. It’s not just about what we do, but how we do it," said Angela Garland, Top Female Entrepreneur and CEO of Exit 11 Coffee.

What the CO—100 Program Celebrates

The CO—100 is the Chamber’s flagship awards program designed to spotlight America’s top small and mid-sized businesses. These are companies that demonstrate exceptional growth, innovation, impact, and workplace culture. (ref: U.S. Chamber of Commerce+2ASBN Small Business Network+2)

Specifically, the Culture Champions category recognizes businesses that have cultivated vibrant, rewarding cultures — organizations that draw in and retain dedicated employees who help move the business forward. U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Why This Means So Much to Exit 11 Coffee

From our earliest days in Washington, Missouri, our goal has been clear: build more than a coffee shop. Build a local + regional brand that celebrates real people — our team, our customers, our community. Being honored in the Culture Champions category gives meaningful validation to that mission.

We believe in:

• Creating a workplace where people feel valued and engaged — where each team member knows their voice matters and their contribution counts.

• Fostering community both inside and outside our doors — with customers who become friends, employees who have endless opportunities and where we value volunteering, sponsoring and giving back to the communities we serve.

• Staying curious and open to growth — whether it’s brewing techniques, customer experience, or how we care for one another as a team.

A Memorable Trip to D.C.

Co-owners Angela Garland and Scott Garland attended the CO—100 in-person event in Washington, D.C. in early October. The weekend was full of surprises: despite the temporary federal government shutdown they arrived to explore the Smithsonian Institution museums, hopped around town on Lime scooters and took in engaging workshops on AI, branding, and the future of small business.

Angela reflects, “The weekend was unexpected — from scooting around D.C. to rubbing shoulders with the brightest small business leaders. But what stood out most was seeing how our culture here at Exit 11 Coffee stacks up among the best. We came home inspired, grateful and ready to elevate our game.”

The Garlands also enjoyed a formal evening dinner with five-star service, appreciating the chance to celebrate alongside fellow honorees and sponsors like Square, Walmart, Google, T-Mobile, American Express and Dell. Angela commented, ”And the best was meeting entrepreneur and 'Shark Tank' star Daymond John who was our speaker for the last day of the event!"

What’s Next for Our Team and Our Community

While being named a CO—100 Culture Champion is a milestone, we see it as a springboard — not a finish line. Here’s how we’re channeling this recognition into action:

• For our team: We’re redoubling our investment in employee development, culture-driven initiatives, and meaningful team experiences.

• For our customers and community: You’ll see us doubling down on the local vibe you’ve come to know — expanding our menu, hosting more community events, and keeping our doors wide open to neighbor-friendly atmosphere.

• For our brand and growth: This recognition gives us a national platform, and we’ll use it to connect with more partners, explore new markets, and keep innovating in how we deliver exceptional coffee experiences.

Thank You

This achievement wouldn’t be possible without our incredible team, our loyal customers, our supportive partners, and the larger Washington area community. Thank you for believing in what we’re building at Exit 11 Coffee. Your trust drives us to be better every single day.

Here’s to the next chapter: continuing to brew excellence, cultivate culture, and make space for everyone who walks through our doors.

Cheers to growth, connection, and coffee.

Warmly,

Angela Garland, CEO, Owner & Co-Founder

Scott Garland, Co-Founder

Exit 11 Coffee