In the heart of Salt Lake City, a unique coffee shop stands as a testament to resilience, passion, and the indomitable spirit of America's veterans. Overdraft, an army vet owned coffee shop, is more than just a place to grab your morning joe – it's a symbol of one soldier's journey from the battlefield to the world of business, and a beacon of hope for veterans everywhere.
The Man Behind the Beans: Meet Jack Armstrong
Jack Armstrong, a decorated U.S. Army veteran with over 20 years of service, never imagined he'd be trading his combat boots for an apron. After retiring from the military in 2020, Jack found himself at a crossroads, unsure of how to transition back into civilian life. Little did he know that his love for coffee, cultivated during long nights on deployment, would become the foundation of his new mission.
From Battlefield to Barista
Jack's journey from soldier to entrepreneur wasn't straightforward. Like many veterans, he struggled with the transition to civilian life. According to a 2019 study by the Pew Research Center, 27% of veterans reported difficulty readjusting to civilian life after their military service. For Jack, the solution came in an unexpected form – coffee.
"During my time in the service, coffee was more than just a drink. It was a moment of normalcy in chaos, a brief respite during long missions. I never thought it would become my second calling," Jack reflects.
The Birth of Overdraft: When Passion Meets Purpose
From Idea to Reality
In 2022, with the world still reeling from the aftermath of the global pandemic, Jack decided to take a leap of faith. Using his life savings and a small business loan, he opened the doors to Overdraft Coffee Shop. The name, a playful nod to both military and financial terminology, reflects Jack's commitment to going above and beyond in everything he does.
The timing was challenging – according to the National Restaurant Association, more than 110,000 eating and drinking establishments closed in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, Jack's military training had prepared him for adversity.
A Unique Blend of Military Precision and Coffee Culture
Stepping into Overdraft is like entering a world where military discipline meets the warm, inviting atmosphere of a neighborhood café. The walls are adorned with tasteful military memorabilia, each piece telling a story of service and sacrifice. But it's not just the décor that sets Overdraft apart – it's the meticulous attention to detail in every cup of coffee served.
More Than Just Coffee: Overdraft's Mission and Impact
Empowering Veterans Through Employment
One of Jack's primary goals with Overdraft was to create a supportive environment for fellow veterans transitioning to civilian life. As of 2025, 75% of Overdraft's staff are veterans, each bringing their unique skills and experiences to the table.
"I wanted to create a place where veterans could feel at home, while also gaining valuable skills in the service industry," Jack explains. "It's about giving them a new mission and a sense of purpose."
This approach aligns with research from the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, which found that veteran-owned businesses are 30% more likely to employ other veterans compared to non-veteran-owned businesses.
Community Outreach and Support
Overdraft isn't just a business – it's a community hub. The shop regularly hosts events for veterans, including support groups, job fairs, and workshops on entrepreneurship. In 2024 alone, these initiatives helped over 200 veterans in the Salt Lake City area find employment or start their own businesses.
The Overdraft Experience: What Sets It Apart
Signature Blends with a Military Twist
Overdraft's coffee menu reads like a military operation briefing, with blends named after famous battles and military terms. The "D-Day Roast" is a bold, dark blend that'll wake you up faster than a drill sergeant, while the "Peacekeeping Blend" offers a smoother, more diplomatic flavor profile.
Sourcing with a Purpose
Jack's commitment to quality extends beyond the shop's walls. Overdraft sources its beans from veteran-owned farms in Colombia and Ethiopia, supporting a global network of military entrepreneurs. This approach not only ensures top-quality coffee but also aligns with the growing consumer preference for ethically sourced products.
Military-Grade Efficiency with a Personal Touch
True to his military background, Jack has implemented systems that ensure lightning-fast service without compromising on quality. The "Rapid Deployment" ordering system allows customers to place orders via a mobile app, with precision timing that would make any logistics officer proud.
Overcoming Obstacles
Starting a business is never easy, and Jack faced his fair share of challenges. From supply chain disruptions to the ever-changing landscape of health regulations, each obstacle was met with the same determination that saw him through his military career.
"In the army, we're taught to adapt and overcome," Jack says. "Running a business isn't so different from leading a mission – you need strategy, flexibility, and a great team behind you."
Expanding the Ranks
As of 2025, Overdraft has expanded to three locations across Salt Lake City, with plans for further growth in the works. Each new shop maintains the core values and aesthetics of the original, creating a network of veteran-friendly spaces throughout the city.
The Future of Overdraft: Scaling Without Compromising Values
Franchise Opportunities for Fellow Veterans
Looking ahead, Jack envisions Overdraft as more than just a local success story. He's developing a franchise model specifically designed for veteran entrepreneurs, providing them with the tools and support needed to open their own Overdraft locations.
This aligns with trends in veteran entrepreneurship. According to the Small Business Administration, veterans are 45% more likely to be self-employed than non-veterans, indicating a strong entrepreneurial spirit within the veteran community.
Sustainable Practices and Ethical Sourcing
As Overdraft grows, so does its commitment to sustainability. The company has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2027, implementing eco-friendly practices across all aspects of the business, from compostable cups to energy-efficient equipment.
The Ripple Effect: Inspiring Other Veteran-Owned Businesses
Overdraft's success has not gone unnoticed. Since its inception, the number of veteran-owned businesses in Salt Lake City has increased by 30%, with many citing Jack's story as their inspiration.
"Seeing what Jack has accomplished with Overdraft gave me the courage to start my own business," says Maria Gonzalez, a former Navy officer who recently opened a fitness studio. "It's proof that our military skills can translate into successful entrepreneurship."
The Impact on Veteran Employment
Overdraft's success goes beyond its own walls. By prioritizing veteran employment, the company is addressing a critical need. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while veteran unemployment has decreased in recent years, veterans still face unique challenges in the job market.
- In 2020, the unemployment rate for veterans was 6.5%, compared to 8.0% for non-veterans.
- Post-9/11 veterans face higher unemployment rates than veterans from other eras.
- Veterans with service-connected disabilities have higher unemployment rates than veterans without disabilities.
By providing not just jobs, but career pathways and skill development, Overdraft is making a significant impact on these statistics in its local community.
Coffee with a Cause: Overdraft's Charitable Initiatives
Overdraft's commitment to the veteran community extends beyond employment. The company has established the "Brewed for Bravery" foundation, which allocates 5% of all profits to veteran support organizations. Key initiatives include:
- Scholarships for veterans pursuing higher education
- Funding for PTSD treatment programs
- Support for veteran homelessness initiatives
In 2024 alone, the foundation contributed over $100,000 to these causes, directly impacting the lives of hundreds of veterans in the Salt Lake City area and beyond.
The Science Behind the Brew: Overdraft's Commitment to Quality
Jack's military precision extends to the coffee itself. Overdraft has partnered with food scientists from the University of Utah to develop optimal roasting profiles for each of their signature blends. This scientific approach ensures consistency and quality across all locations.
- Precise temperature control during roasting (monitored to within 1°F)
- Customized grinding techniques for different brewing methods
- Water quality testing to ensure the perfect extraction
This attention to detail has earned Overdraft recognition in the specialty coffee community, with their "Covert Ops Espresso" blend winning a Silver Medal at the 2024 Golden Bean North America roasting competition.
Addressing Mental Health: Coffee as Community
Recognizing the importance of mental health support for veterans, Overdraft has created a unique program called "Beans and Buddies." This initiative pairs veterans for weekly coffee meetups, providing a casual, supportive environment for connection and conversation.
"Sometimes, all you need is a friendly face and a good cup of coffee to start healing," says Dr. Sarah Thompson, a psychologist who consults with Overdraft on their veteran support programs.
Early results from the program have been promising, with participants reporting decreased feelings of isolation and improved overall well-being.
Looking to the Future: Overdraft's Vision for 2030
As Overdraft approaches its 8th year of operation, Jack and his team are setting ambitious goals for the future:
- Expansion to 50 locations across the western United States
- Launch of a barista training program specifically for disabled veterans
- Development of a coffee-based product line for retail distribution
- Establishment of a veteran-focused business incubator program
These goals reflect not just business ambitions, but a continued commitment to the veteran community and the values that have driven Overdraft from day one.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Cup of Coffee
Overdraft Army Vet Owned Coffee Shop is more than just a place to get your caffeine fix. It's a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of community, and the untapped potential of our veterans. With each cup served, Overdraft is not just satisfying taste buds – it's changing lives, one veteran at a time.
As we look to the future, businesses like Overdraft remind us of the incredible impact that can be made when passion meets purpose. For Jack Armstrong and the team at Overdraft, the mission continues – to serve great coffee, support veterans, and make a positive difference in their community.
So the next time you're in Salt Lake City and in need of a coffee fix, remember that at Overdraft, you're not just buying a beverage – you're supporting a vision, a community, and a group of heroes who continue to serve long after they've hung up their uniforms.
Raise your mug to Overdraft – where every sip is a salute to service, sacrifice, and the entrepreneurial spirit of America's veterans.
