During the 2020 NBA bubble season in Orlando, Jimmy Butler found an unconventional way to pass the time: selling coffee. Using an espresso machine in his hotel room, he started charging $20 per cup, capitalizing on his wealthy, captive audience.
This venture, which he named Bigface, initially served as a side hustle but would later become a defining part of his entrepreneurial journey. Butler’s first customer was his Miami Heat teammate Goran Dragic, who, according to Butler, never actually paid for his drinks, racking up an unpaid tab in the process.
While Dragic may still owe him money, Butler found something more valuable in his coffee-selling experience—the joy of connecting with people. The bubble was a restrictive environment, where players had little to do outside of basketball.
For Butler, making and serving coffee became a welcome escape. He recalled how much he enjoyed those moments and realized that he wanted to continue having these interactions beyond the NBA bubble. What started as an experiment quickly turned into a passion that Butler couldn’t ignore.
Jimmy Butler brings Bigface Coffee to Miami with passion and hands-on dedication
Fast forward four years, and Butler turned his coffee dream into a reality. In December, he opened the first brick-and-mortar Bigface café in Miami’s Design District. While the brand had previously been exclusive to the Orlando bubble, it was now accessible to the public.
The timing of the store’s launch was significant, as it occurred while Butler was still playing for the Miami Heat—though he was later traded to the Golden State Warriors in February. Despite the career change, his commitment to his coffee venture remained steadfast.
Jimmy Butler (NBA)To celebrate Bigface’s opening, Butler hosted a grand launch party, attended by high-profile celebrities like Carmelo Anthony, DJ Khaled, and Paul Pogba. While some might see the venture as a celebrity-driven side project, Butler has taken a hands-on approach.
He has spent offseasons traveling across South America, sampling coffee beans to ensure the highest quality for his brand. His dedication is further emphasized by his choice of leadership, bringing in Britt Berg, a former Intelligentsia executive, as Bigface’s chief operating officer.
Bigface Coffee Creates Authentic Connections Through Passion, Community, and Meaningful Experiences
Butler’s coffee venture has not only been about business but also about fostering relationships. One memorable experience for him was sharing coffee with Brazilian soccer star Neymar in Brazil, a country known as the world’s largest coffee exporter. Sitting and conversing with one of soccer’s greatest players over a cup of his own coffee was a surreal moment for Butler, highlighting how his passion for coffee had opened doors to unique experiences and meaningful interactions.
Beyond serving coffee, Butler envisions Bigface as a place for genuine human connection. Before moving to Golden State, he was frequently behind the counter, personally making drinks and engaging with customers. He encourages visitors to treat celebrities like regular people, valuing conversations over photos or autographs.
For Butler, Bigface is more than a business—it’s a lifestyle centered around authenticity, conversation, and community. His ultimate goal is to create a welcoming space where people, whether NBA fans or casual coffee lovers, can connect on a personal level.
