TOLEDO, Ohio — Coffee Quest 419 ended on Oct. 31, and during its three-month run in northwest Ohio, Destination Toledo said it generated thousands in economic activity for the region. It also continued a well-loved caffeinated tradition.
Between 27 local coffee shops, 4,800 participants and 91 days, coffee questers logged more than 30,000 check-ins. According to the FDA, there are typically between 113 and 247 mg of caffeine in a 12-ounce cup of coffee. If every check-in included the purchase of at least one cup of coffee, that would constitute more than 7.4 million mg of caffeine on the upper end.
The quest itself, operated this year by Destination Toledo, was estimated to have generated about $222,000 in economic activity through the region. In a press release, the organization also said 17% of participants were from outside the region.
“This event is all about celebrating our local coffee shops and connecting people to the small businesses that make Toledo special. Coffee Questers really embraced the experience, trying new drinks, sharing photos, and supporting local businesses they may have never tried.” said Lexi Burton of Destination Toledo in a press release.
According to Destination Toledo, 260 participants visited all 27 locations. This included WTOL 11 Meteorologist Kaylee Bowers, who said she ordered a chai latte from each of the shops.
Chai lattes have about 50 mg of caffeine each. That's roughly 1,350 mg of caffeine for all 27 locations!
Bowers said she had a great time exploring all the coffee shops in the region. She was among only 5% of participants who visited all locations.
"Coffee Quest 419 was a great experience to explore different communities and help support local businesses," she said. "There are many places on the list that I had never been to or had never even heard of and will definitely be going back to in the future. Plus it is a great event to do with your friends. If you have never done Coffee Quest 419 before, it is something you should consider next year."
For her diligence and commitment, Bowers was rewarded with a cool T-shirt, which was printed by Jupmode. She sported it proudly on Good Day.
Coffee Quest 419 is set to return in 2025, Destination Toledo said in a press release. It will feature new theming, prizes and more.