Some businesses start with investors and a five-year plan. Ours started with a laptop, a love for coffee, and two friends with a DIY attitude.
Anchors Up! Coffee Company was founded in February 2024 by Billy Maine and Brian McSweeney, two longtime friends who share a passion for caffeine, hard work, and pushing the edge. We wanted to create more than just another coffee brand—we wanted to build something that represents perseverance, self-reliance, and the grind that comes with chasing what matters.
Why "Anchors Up"?
If you grew up in the New England hardcore scene, you might remember Anchors Up—a legendary underground venue in Haverhill where bands played in tight, no-frills spaces filled with energy and passion. That DIY, punk rock spirit has always resonated with us. Life is about doing things your way, pushing forward without waiting for permission, and never losing that edge.
That’s exactly how we approached this company. We weren’t handed a blueprint for success—we just knew we wanted to create high-quality coffee with a brand that meant something. So we started with what we had, learned as we went, and built something real.
Fueled by Friendship, Built on Grit
At its core, Anchors Up! is about people having each other’s backs—something we’ve always done in our own lives. When Billy and his girlfriend needed a place to live after a housefire, Brian and his wife welcomed them into their home without hesitation. That’s just the kind of friendship we have—pushing each other, supporting each other, and always moving forward.
Life throws challenges at everyone, but it’s about what you do with them. When Brian was hit by a car and pinned against a Starbucks (yeah, the irony isn’t lost on us, talk about motivation to start roasting your own coffee!), he fought through a grueling recovery to get back to his new normal. That resilience is what we stand for. Whether it’s in business, fitness, or life—you show up, put in the work, and keep going.
Where We’re Headed
What started as an online shop quickly became something bigger. We’ve been hitting local CrossFit competitions, serving cold brew to athletes who know a thing or two about embracing the grind. The goal? To keep growing, keep pushing, and eventually open our own brick-and-mortar coffee spot—a place built on the same relentless energy that got us here.
Until then, we’ll keep roasting, grinding, and moving forward. Because that’s who we are.
So grab a cup, get after it, and remember: Anchors Up!
