By Oshadhi Gimesha, Lead Journalist | Editor-in-Chief Approved
From NBA Quarantine Brews to a Public Coffee Empire
Jimmy Butler, now a forward for the Golden State Warriors, has turned his quirky 2020 NBA bubble coffee side gig into a booming business with Bigface’s first public store in Miami’s Design District, which opened in December 2024. What started as a $20-per-cup experiment in Orlando’s quarantine bubble has grown into a community hub, blending Butler’s love for coffee with his basketball grit. Even after his February 2025 trade from the Miami Heat, Bigface is thriving, inviting everyone to sip, connect, and vibe.
Key Points:
- Bubble Beginnings: Butler brewed $20 coffees in the 2020 NBA bubble, using a French press in his hotel room, creating a viral hit among teammates like Goran Dragic.
- Miami Milestone: Bigface opened its first store in Miami in December 2024, shifting from an exclusive bubble hustle to a public space, drawing stars like DJ Khaled and Paul Pogba.
- Global Vision: Butler’s hands-on approach—sourcing beans from South America and Africa and partnering with coffee expert Britt Berg—aims to build a global brand focused on community and fair trade.
Coffee From the Bubble to the Big Stage
Back in 2020, while stuck in the NBA bubble at Walt Disney World, Butler turned to coffee to break up the basketball grind. Using a French press, he charged teammates $20 per cup—sometimes joking about hiking it to $30—naming it “Bigface” after the redesigned $100 bill with Benjamin Franklin’s big face. His first customer, Heat teammate Goran Dragic, still owes him for that brew, Butler quipped to NBC News, adding a playful touch to the hustle that exploded on X. Posts like @TopBallCoverage’s “Jimmy Butler’s $20 coffee in the bubble—pure hustle!” show how it went viral.
Four years later, Bigface has evolved into a real business. In December 2024, Butler opened a brick-and-mortar shop in Miami’s trendy Design District, near luxury spots like Cartier and Hermès. Celebrities like DJ Khaled, Paul Pogba, and Carmelo Anthony showed up for the grand opening, per The Washington Post. Posts found on X reflect excitement, with @outsideex cheering, “Jimmy Butler’s bubble coffee is now for everyone—Bigface is real!” But some, like @BradyHawk305, noted Butler’s regret after his Heat trade: “Can’t even visit his Miami coffee shop anymore.” This mix of reactions, though inconclusive, shows fans’ connection to his story.
Butler’s passion drives Bigface beyond a gimmick. Over off-seasons, he’s traveled to South America and Africa, tasting beans to ensure quality, and teamed up with Britt Berg, a former Intelligentsia exec, to create a sustainable brand, per Entrepreneur and CNBC reports. “Being in the bubble, all you had was basketball… I miss those days of making coffee and chatting with teammates. Why can’t I do that every day?” he told NBC News. His goal? Build a space for connection, not just profit. As he told CBS News, “Coffee is life… I get to chill, meet people, and make friends.”
Before his trade to the @warriors, @JimmyButler opened BIGFACE coffee shop in Miami. @danajacobson has more on what he has brewing off the court tomorrow on CBS Saturday Morning. pic.twitter.com/8pWO7yquXy
— CBS Saturday Morning (@cbssaturday) February 28, 2025
Bigface’s Bigger Dream
Bigface isn’t just coffee—it’s a lifestyle. The brand sells beans, apparel, and gear online, with plans for global growth, per SI and Yahoo Sports insights. Butler focuses on fair trade, sourcing from farmers in Brazil and Colombia, reflecting his “Mamba Mentality” of hard work, per Khaleej Times and FastCompany reports. In Dubai, where he launched Bigface in 2025, he said, “I want people to sit down, learn about each other—coffee’s about connection,” per web insights on his Middle East push.
But challenges loom. Butler’s February 2025 trade to the Warriors, after a rocky exit from the Heat and a suspension, adds complexity, according to The Washington Post and CBS News. Posts found on X, like @ValentiLaw’s mention of his bubble hustle going public, show fan curiosity, but some, such as @scorpioniner, wonder if Bigface’s success depends on Butler’s NBA fame. Web reports note athlete brands often struggle post-retirement, and Butler’s $300 million NBA earnings might overshadow coffee profits, per The Sun’s 2024 coverage of his $7 million mansion shop. Still, his hands-on approach keeps Bigface authentic.
What’s Next for Bigface?
With Bigface’s Miami store booming and plans for expansion, Butler’s vision is clear: make coffee a global cultural hit, not just a side gig. But as he juggles basketball and barista life, the brand’s future depends on keeping demand high, navigating his NBA shifts, and standing out amid Big Tech’s coffee ventures, per 2025 web trends on AI-driven shops.
Conclusion: Brewing a New Legacy
Jimmy Butler’s Bigface journey—from a bubble hustle to a public empire—shows how passion can brew success. As he pours his heart into coffee, News Zier will keep you updated on whether Bigface becomes an NBA off-court legend or a fleeting cup of fame.
Further Insights:
- Explore more on NBA culture and entrepreneurial trends with News Zier.
- Stay tuned for updates on Jimmy Butler’s Bigface expansion and basketball career.
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