Former deputy brews new life with Kahwa Coffee in Port Charlotte

Ryan Runge left behind a career in law enforcement for a new mission: serving coffee and community. The former Pasco County deputy and his wife, Christina, opened Kahwa Coffee Roasters of Port Charlotte on Cochran Boulevard after investing their savings into a franchise opportunity with the St. Petersburg-based coffee company. 

Runge said he discovered Kahwa while working in Tampa and quickly became a fan. Founded by Raphael and Sarah Perrier, the roaster supplies coffee to Publix cafes, Tampa Bay Rays games and Disney’s Epcot. When Runge learned the Perriers were expanding their franchise model, he “sacrificed everything” to buy in. 

The couple, along with their children, Wyatt, 5, and Ryley, 10, relocated to Arcadia to be closer to Christina’s retired father. Runge joined the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office before committing to launch the business, which he said was designed with giving back in mind. 

One of his priorities is Hope Roast, a Kahwa blend dedicated to raising money for children with cancer. Runge donates 43% of proceeds from sales of the blend to support pediatric cancer research — representing the 43 children diagnosed with cancer every day in the U.S. 

The coffeehouse also highlights local artists. Each month, Runge features the work of a different artist on the shop’s walls, free of charge. Any commission from sales goes directly to the artist. 

Kahwa Coffee distinguishes itself by blending some of its green, 100% Arabica beans from South and Central America before roasting. The company’s offerings include Cubano, Mistral, Sirocco, organic Colombian and Hope Roast. The Port Charlotte shop serves those blends alongside espresso drinks, teas, breakfast sandwiches, pastries and other baked goods delivered fresh from Kahwa’s St. Petersburg bakery. 

Runge said the cafe’s calming interior, decorated with local art, a reading nook, comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi, offers customers a place to slow down. 

Christina Runge balances her job at Kays Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home in Port Charlotte and helping at the cafe, while Ryan Runge said he often works 90 hours a week to keep the business running. Their effort was compounded by setbacks. Last year’s hurricanes Helene and Milton delayed the shop’s opening after flooding destroyed cabinetry sourced from North Carolina and forced drywall replacement. 

The Runges’ initial buildout estimate of $150,000 grew to $198,000 before the 1,500-square-foot shop could open. At 19580 Cochran Blvd., near Kohl’s and Home Depot, the cafe eventually debuted but lost revenue from the delays. 

Competition also has intensified as other coffee shops, some backed by national corporations, have entered the Charlotte County market. The Runges have sold off assets to keep the doors open but remain committed. 

“We are a mom-and-pop business whose parent company is a mom-and-pop business,” Runge said of the Perriers. “That’s what makes this special.” 

Kahwa Coffee Roasters of Port Charlotte is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.