Darren discovered the great taste of coffee while working as a server in San Francisco. While at Kuletos, a premium five star restaurant, he became friends with a master roaster who introduced him to the complexities of the coffee world. In 1994 he returned to the East Coast, and with the aid and inspiration of his brother Sean, began developing the now famous Pierce Brothers Gourmet Coffee business. They started working out of such humble places as their parent's basement. But, after striking a deal with an up and coming global coffee contender, Sean and Darren pooled their life savings and hit the road pedaling their fresh, rich blends. The next few years were spent working with people door to door, and perfecting their signature blends like "Fogbuster™" and their "House Blend". Darren