BLK & Bold Celebrates Major Retail Milestone with Walmart Debut

Now in 600 Walmart Stores Nationwide with Two Signature Blends in Ground and Whole-Bean Formats

Des Moines, IA – August 5, 2025 — BLK & Bold®, the largest independently owned social impact coffee brand, is excited to announce its nationwide debut at Walmart. Beginning August 5th, shoppers coast to coast can find BLK & Bold’s two signature coffees, Rise & GRND, a medium roast, and Smoove Operator, a dark roast, in both ground and whole-bean formats at 600 Walmart locations.

Since its founding in 2018 by Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson, BLK & Bold has fused premium coffee with purpose, donating five percent of gross profits to its For Our Youth initiative. That commitment has generated over $450,000 for programs supporting more than 25,000 youth in need. Through its dedication to social impact, BLK & Bold has also distributed 30,000 pounds of food, delivered high-impact tutoring to over 1,000 students, contributed more than $150,000 to the Fair Trade Community Development Fund, and provided internet access to over 100 families. As the company expands into Walmart stores nationwide, it continues to scale its impact—channeling increased proceeds into mentorship programs, coding labs, and wellness initiatives for underserved youth. With every milestone, BLK & Bold reinforces its mission to uplift the communities it serves.

“In a time when resources for underserved youth are stretched thin, our Walmart launch bridges the gap between aspiration and opportunity,” said Pernell Cezar, Co-Founder and CEO of BLK & Bold. “This collaboration amplifies our ability to create safe spaces, spark creativity, and empower the next generation—one coffee cup at a time.”

Rise & GRND and Smoove Operator were crafted to deliver balanced flavor and exceptional quality. Each blend is roasted in small batches and ethically sourced from trusted growers, reflecting BLK & Bold’s commitment to both taste and transparency. 

“Every Walmart location we enter represents a new opportunity to invest in our neighborhoods,” added Rod Johnson, Co-Founder and Chief Values Officer. “We look forward to seeing how this nationwide rollout drives connection and gives back where it matters most.”

With Walmart now on its roster, BLK & Bold products are carried in more than 11,600 retail locations nationwide and across regional grocers. Each 10.5-ounce bag retails for $10.96 and is shelved in the coffee aisle alongside other premium offerings. The latest expansion into Walmart reflects the brand’s continued momentum, backed by collaborations with cultural icons like Ben & Jerry’s, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, and Marvel. 

For more information on the Walmart launch and upcoming activations, visit the BLK & Bold website or follow @blkandbold on social media.

ABOUT BLK & Bold:

Founded by Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson, BLK & Bold is a trailblazing coffee brand committed to fostering a community centered around social impact. From its modest beginnings in a garage with a tabletop roaster, the company has grown into a 33,000 sq ft warehouse and has donated over a quarter of a million dollars to date. As the first Black-owned coffee nationally distributed coffee brand, BLK & Bold proudly allocates 5% of its gross profits to initiatives that support youth programming, workforce development, and community growth. Its B Corp certification attests to the company’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. Recognized as one of The Fast 50: Top Growing NMSDC-certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and a two-time Inc. 5000 list maker, BLK & Bold exemplifies rapid growth and innovation in the industry.

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better — anytime and anywhere — in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 270 million customers and members visit more than 10,750 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2025 revenue of $681 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunities. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X (formerly known as Twitter) at twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart.