Bittersweet Innovation: ‘Bubba Brewing’ Founders Launch Coffee Company and Balloons Tribute for Late Son

On December 14, 2024, Paul and Dora Smith gathered with family outside their Maricopa home for a heartfelt balloon launch in memory of their son, Paul Smith III, who passed away over a year ago from peritoneal mesothelioma. This poignant event marked not only their remembrance of him but also the soft launch of their online coffee venture, Bubba Brewing Company, held two weeks prior during the Thanksgiving weekend.

The inspiration for the coffee business stemmed from conversations with their son during his recovery from surgery. Paul Smith III, who died at the age of 37, had expressed his dream of creating a mobile coffee business to his parents. “He had said, ‘Mom and Dad, when I get better, I want to have a mobile coffee business,’” said Paul Smith, recalling their son’s aspirations. “He wanted to buy a van and sell coffee and books.”

Though his dream remained unfulfilled, the Smiths have channeled their grief into an initiative that honors their son’s memory while raising awareness about mesothelioma. The new business also aims to establish a trust fund for his daughters, a gesture filled with love and remembrance.

Reflecting on the process of launching the coffee company, Smith shared, “This has been very therapeutic for my wife and me. It doesn’t replace him, but to know that it’s keeping his spirit alive, that’s most important to us.”

The Bubba Brewing Company website features coffee blends inspired by Paul’s philosophical Instagram account, which attracted over 42,000 followers during his lifetime. Currently, the company offers three coffee blends available in whole bean, ground, and K-cup formats, priced at $17.99, which includes tax. 

Locals interested in purchasing coffee can contact Paul Smith directly for pickup or local delivery, or they may anticipate sales at upcoming events like the Copa Farmers Market, set to debut next month. With sales already reaching $1,000, the Smiths are hopeful that their venture not only honors their son’s legacy but also serves the community.