About Us

Coffee Express has been serving Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut since 1986 with our coffee roots extending back to the 1970s. It was President Don Barbeau’s taste for entrepreneurship that led to his decision to lead a family coffee business. In 1995, Coffee Express doubled its size with the acquisition of the office-coffee division of respected roaster New England Coffee Company.  

Don built his business from a one-person coffee merchant to the largest independent coffee supplier in the area, serving more than 600 office customers. His philosophy was simple: choose the highest grade of coffee at the best prices. Next, he made a major commitment to customer service. It’s what the company was built on and still fuels its growth today.

These are exciting times for coffee:  brewing technology is changing at a rapid pace and water filtration techniques offer modern benefits for taste and health.  As always, good coffee starts with good-tasting water. As a local expert in the science of water filtration and a long-standing member of the Pawtucket Water Supply Board, Don has been instrumental in improving water quality for the residents of Pawtucket.

Dedicated to the community, Don is president of the Parish Council for St. Teresa Parish where he chaired a capital campaign that raised over $1 million. He was named the Outstanding Partner in Philanthropy by the local chapter of the National Society of Fundraising Executives, and was recognized by The Providence Center for his volunteer pursuits to aid the mental health community. He is active on the Small Business Council of the Greater Providence Chamber.