ReAnimator Coffee brews success with TD Bank's backing

Business Journals

02-05-2025

Behind every growing business is a series of pivotal decisions – where to open, how to expand, when to invest and who to rely on for support along the way. For companies like ReAnimator Coffee, choosing the right bank has made all the difference.
The Philadelphia-based specialty coffee company has built its reputation on light roasts, exceptional service and deep neighborhood ties. Since its earliest days, the company has relied on TD Bank not just for financing but also for a meaningful relationship that helps support both growth and daily operations.
From securing its first commercial-grade roaster to buying a building for its sixth cafe, ReAnimator has benefited from consistent banking support from TD Bank. Co-founder Mark Capriotti points to that long-standing relationship – particularly with Business Relationship Manager Kevin Dunn – as a key factor in the company's ability to scale smartly and operate with confidence.
'I email or call Kevin about anything from a cash deposit issue or a wire situation to a loan on a big piece of equipment,' said Capriotti. 'Kevin usually does a good job of under-promising and over-delivering.'
From roasting roots to retail expansion
It all began with a love for great coffee. In 2011, Capriotti and co-founder Mark Corpus turned their shared passion for single-origin beans into a basement roasting project in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood. What began as a side business selling at farmers' markets and co-ops quickly grew into a thriving brand with a loyal following.
'We started ReAnimator as a side hustle. I don't really think people used the phrase 'side hustle' at that time,' shared Capriotti.
From its early days, the company focused specifically on light roast coffee – a less common offering at the time – which allowed the natural flavor profiles of each origin to shine. This approach became a foundational element of the brand.
'The more you roast the bean, the more of the roast you taste. More of the roast, less of the intrinsic flavors of the coffee itself,' Capriotti explained.
This philosophy not only shaped their roasting style but also guided the company's growth. After receiving a loan from TD Bank to purchase its first commercial roaster, ReAnimator opened its first cafe in 2013. Just one year later, it expanded again, opening a second cafe while moving roasting operations into a more visible and accessible facility.
'While we were still searching for a place to put that second coffee roaster, we got a loan for it because it was a significant cost. TD was working with us and was good with everything (converging) at once,' said Capriotti. 'We took delivery of that coffee roaster in the fall of 2012, and that was a big move for us.'
Financing growth with the right banking institution
Today, ReAnimator's second location remains one of its most unique. It features a full-service coffee bar with production visible in the background, allowing customers to see and experience the roasting process firsthand, something made possible, in part, by early support from TD Bank as the company scaled.
'You see the retail location, and you experience that. And you see the production, and you get to understand, 'I'm in the place where the coffee gets produced,'' Capriotti noted.
For him, managing a coffee business goes beyond beans and branding. He believes the company's success is rooted in running a tight and thoughtful operation across all levels.
'We try extremely hard to be a disciplined business and be disciplined business owners,' said Capriotti. 'Anybody can have a hit product in any segment. But if you don't execute on the business side, you're not going to make it.'
That commitment to disciplined decision-making extends beyond ReAnimator's day-to-day operations. Having a reliable banking resource that offers financial clarity has been essential to its ability to grow strategically. Dunn regularly works with the team to talk through major decisions, whether they're evaluating equipment purchases or comparing financing options.
'When they set out to purchase a building for its upcoming Mount Airy cafe, I recommended pursuing a U.S. Small Business Administration loan,' recalled Dunn. 'While more complex than a traditional loan, it ultimately offered better long-term benefits.'
Dunn's recommendation to pursue an SBA loan reflected his deep understanding of ReAnimator's financial structure, operational priorities and long-term goals. His consistent ability to offer solutions tailored to the business, grounded in both responsiveness and insight, has made him a trusted resource at every stage. Whether navigating a major investment or resolving day-to-day questions, Dunn's support has played a steady role in ReAnimator's continued growth.
TD's guidance for everyday business needs
The relationship between ReAnimator and TD Bank extends far beyond major loan decisions. Dunn provides constant support and insightful guidance on operational issues like cash deposits, wire transfers and account permissions – elements that are critical for a multi-location retail business.
When it comes to acquiring equipment or planning new store builds, Dunn also provides side-by-side comparisons that help ReAnimator evaluate leases versus loans. The process allows for better forecasting and control.
'He's giving me the choice of, 'Here's the rate, here's the term, here's the down payment,'' said Capriotti. He added that Dunn's strength lies not just in providing numbers but in presenting options that align with where the business is and where it wants to go.
That kind of clarity has defined ReAnimator's long-standing relationship with TD Bank. Capriotti points to consistent support and transparency as key reasons for staying with the bank. The personal relationship with Dunn is at the core of that continued loyalty.
'As long as I have Kevin, I wouldn't bank anywhere else,' Capriotti stressed.
Investing in neighborhoods, not just real estate
That same intentional, relationship-driven mindset guides how ReAnimator approaches physical growth. Rather than target high-rent business districts, ReAnimator has consistently opened its cafes in emerging residential neighborhoods. The strategy has helped the company connect with local communities while avoiding inflated commercial leases.
'We would rather go the neighborhood route and bet on a neighborhood and people wanting to be in the neighborhood for its amenities,' said Capriotti.
Dunn sees this focus on community-rooted locations as one of ReAnimator's defining strengths. He believes it gives the brand an authenticity that customers respond to. This approach also proved advantageous during the pandemic, when retail locations in central business districts saw steep declines in foot traffic.
ReAnimator's neighborhood-based locations remained steady, thanks to loyal customer bases. TD Bank shares this same commitment to the communities it serves, which is part of what makes the bank's support of ReAnimator such a natural fit.
Planning for the future with TD Bank
As ReAnimator continues its growth, the owners plan to open new retail locations, expand their online subscription program and deepen wholesale partnerships. Each new milestone is guided by thoughtful planning and backed by TD Bank – an institution that values community connection and takes the time to understand the people behind the business, not just the bottom line.
'TD Bank continues to provide for us, which is why we stay with them,' said Capriotti.
Dunn remains deeply committed to ReAnimator's future and the relationship they've built over the years.
'We're here to support them for the long haul – because when we understand our customers and their goals, we can succeed together,' said Dunn.
Lindsey Nolen is a freelance writer.