How far would you travel for a cup of coffee? The answer is 10,217 miles if it’s for The Nitro Bar. On their TikTok page, co-owner Audrey Finocchiaro threw on a pink wig and humorously pretended to travel from Australia to Rhode Island just for one of their signature cold brews. While it was all in good fun, the sentiment rings true — The Nitro Bar has become a beloved destination for coffee lovers, and some, like me, have even crossed state lines just to get a taste of what’s brewing in Rhode Island.
The Nitro Bar’s journey began in 2016 when Audrey Finocchiaro and Sam Lancaster launched their coffee business with a single cart on a maxed-out $1,500 credit card. Built in Audrey’s parents’ basement, The Nitro Cart hit the streets of Providence, Rhode Island, offering nitrogen-infused cold brew at local events. Their cart, while not an instant hit, became one after a day on Brown’s college campus. As winter approached and outdoor events dwindled, the duo knew they had to find a way to keep their dream alive.
That’s when they pivoted. By the spring of 2017, The Nitro Bar had partnered with local businesses to offer their coffee on tap, expanding their reach far beyond their mobile setup. In no time, more than 50 locations across Rhode Island and Massachusetts carried their cold brew, making it easier than ever for customers to get their caffeine fix. Their relentless hustle paid off, and in 2018, they opened their first brick-and-mortar café inside a Providence bike shop.
Today, The Nitro Bar boasts three café locations, over 60 employees and 70+ tap spots in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. From a cart built in a basement to a full-blown coffee empire, Audrey and Sam’s journey is a testament to hard work, creativity and the power of a great cup of coffee.
The Nitro Bar hasn’t just built a local following; their online presence has exploded as well. With 406,000 TikTok followers and 59,300 Instagram followers, their social media savvy has played a major role in their success. Their TikTok videos range from baristas crafting custom drinks for specific moods (“Make me a drink, I need it for this…”) to answering quirky coffee-related questions. The Nitro Bar’s TikTok has become a reliable, creative and fun experience for a new generation of consumers.
Co-owner Audrey Finocchiaro also uses TikTok to share entrepreneurial advice, inspiring many viewers with how she and co-founder Sam Lancaster turned a small coffee cart into a $4.5 million business. Much like creators that have built their brands on relatability, like Emma Chamberlain, Audrey has become a face of comfort and connection for her audience. People are drawn to her authenticity and honesty — whether she’s sharing business tips, talking about being hungover or just posting about her day-to-day life. Her down-to-earth style invites people to feel connected to her and her journey, creating a genuine community around her brand.
The popularity of The Nitro Bar extends beyond TikTok. Friends of mine in New York have made the trip to Rhode Island just to try it, and even people I’ve met at Northeastern University have gone on weekend pilgrimages to get a taste. Nitro Bar’s combination of top-tier coffee, spunk and inventive flavors (including unique offerings like cherry cola-infused coffee) makes it a must-visit destination.
At any Nitro Bar location, customers have a selection of stylish merch, including $92 hoodies and $42 caps. The fact that sweatshirts can be sold at such a high price point speaks volumes about the strength of their branding. It’s not just about the coffee anymore; it’s about being part of The Nitro Bar community. Their customers aren’t simply buying a hoodie, they’re buying into a lifestyle and a brand they feel connected to.
What started as a maxed-out $1,500 credit card investment has transformed into a coffee powerhouse. And after trying it myself, I can confidently say it’s worth the hype. Nitro Bar has mastered the art of cold brew and built a community around it, proving that sometimes the simplest ideas — like a coffee cart — can grow into something extraordinary.