Our Name

In 1918, during World War I, the U.S. Marines launched an assault on the Belleau Wood forest in France by crossing a wheat field into oncoming German machine gun fire.

After three weeks of brutal tree-to-tree fighting, including multiple charges on German machine gun nests with fixed bayonets and hand-to-hand combat, and after trading possession of the forest with the Germans six times, the Marines cleared Belleau Wood of the German Army entirely on June 26.

It was here that the Marines nickname "Devil Dog" was born. As the story goes, German officers, in their battle reports, referred to the Marines as "Teufelshunde" (German for "Devil Dogs") as a result of the ferocity with which the Marines fought, and the name stuck.

Behind the Brew

Devil Dog Coffee Company, aka 'Devil Dog Cold Brew', is a gift from my heart to yours. In 2006, coffee became the drink which created opportunities for genuine, heartfelt, and significant conversations to occur that led to a deep healing of my soul. Coffee became my wellspring of life.

New and healthy friendships were born from inviting other people to join me at the proverbial well for a cup of coffee. Because of the relationships established from gathering together, sharing coffee, and getting to know each other better. It is my hope and intention that each sip of Devil Dog Cold Brew will bring you closer to reaching out and fostering new and healthy friendships.

Eric Gates
CEO & Founder

Eric lives life serving others. From his time in the Marine Corps as a Reconnaissance Marine to a nine year stint as an Austin Police officer, Eric is proud to have helped others. Today, as the owner of Devil Dog Coffee Company and being a person in recovery, the calling to make a positive impact in our communities and helping others still resonates. Eric works hard to provide products that not only taste good, but also do good. His mission is using Devil Dog coffee to bring people together to foster deeper and more meaningful relationships.

Cruz Rodriguez
Community Wholesale Director

Cruz has a heart for serving others. As a Marine Raider and Gulf War Veteran, Cruz understands a life of selflessness and sacrifice to our nation. After the Marine Corps, he served for 21 years as a high school arts teacher as well as a football and baseball coach. His passion for his community and making connections carries on as our Community Wholesale Director. Cruz helps to bring our Coffee With A Cause into the Austin metro retail locations, so that others benefit from our passion to build bridges and establish deeper connections in our communities.

“Best cold brew ever. Depending on where you live they offer delivery.”

Heather Hilger Muhs

“The best cold brew coffee you’ll ever buy!! They pour their heart and soul in every cup that’s brewed.”

Drea Mcadams

"I just discovered this magical elixir and I’m hooked! Y’all, seriously, getcha some."

Michele McLendon Bryant

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Our Name

Behind the Brew

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