8 Fascinating Facts About Coffee You Didn’t Know

Think you know everything about coffee? Whether you’re a barista, a history buff, or just curious about how your daily brew connects to global events, these lesser-known coffee facts might surprise you. From Wall Street’s unlikely beginnings to scientific studies on coffee’s health benefits, we’ve gathered the most intriguing details that even regular coffee drinkers often miss.

In short: The New York Stock Exchange started in a coffeehouse called Tontine Coffee House in 1794, long before it moved to Wall Street. Meanwhile, the northernmost island on Earth is named Coffee Club Island, and Coca-Cola sells a canned coffee called Georgia mostly in Asia. Coffee can also reduce your risk of alcohol-related liver disease by up to 40%.

The New York Stock Exchange Was Born in a Coffeehouse

Before the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) became the financial powerhouse it is today, trading happened in a very different setting: a coffeehouse. In 1794, a coffeehouse named Tontine Coffee House opened on the site where the NYSE now stands in Lower Manhattan. By 1807, it had become the go-to spot for underwriters, brokers, merchants, and politicians to gather, trade securities, and share market intelligence. Though a fire destroyed the original building in 1835, the NYSE officially relocated to 40 Wall Street in 1817, and the current NYSE building was erected on the same grounds in 1863.

The Northernmost Island on Earth Is Named Coffee Club Island

Did you know there’s an island called Coffee Club Island? Officially known as Kaffeklubben Island, it is located just north of Greenland and holds the title of the northernmost island on the planet. The island was discovered by American explorer Robert Peary in 1900, though he didn’t name it. Danish explorer Lauge Koch finally charted and named it “Kaffeklubben” (Danish for Coffee Club) in 1921. It’s a remote, icy speck of land where few have set foot—but its quirky name lives on in geographical records.

Coca-Cola Makes a Canned Coffee You’ve Probably Never Seen

Coca-Cola isn’t just about soda—it also produces canned coffee. Their coffee brand is called Georgia, and it’s quite popular in Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and India. However, if you’re in the United States, finding Georgia coffee isn’t easy. It’s mainly available on Amazon or in a limited number of restaurants. The product offers a unique glimpse into how global brands adapt their offerings regionally, and it’s a caffeine option for fans of canned coffee outside of Japan.

Coffee Can Help Protect Your Liver from Alcohol Damage

Multiple studies suggest that regular coffee consumption may reduce your risk of alcohol-related liver diseases. One study found that drinking one cup of coffee per day can lower your risk of developing alcohol-related cirrhosis by 22%. Another study from Italy showed that coffee drinkers had up to a 40% lower risk of developing liver cancer. While coffee isn’t a free pass to drink excessively, these findings highlight one of the surprising health benefits of your daily brew—especially for those who consume alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the New York Stock Exchange originally located?

The New York Stock Exchange started in a coffeehouse called Tontine Coffee House, which was located on the current site of the NYSE in Lower Manhattan. It opened in 1794 and served as a hub for brokers and traders until it was destroyed in a fire in 1835. The NYSE moved to 40 Wall Street in 1817, and the current building was built in 1863 on the same grounds.

What is the northernmost island in the world?

The northernmost island in the world is Kaffeklubben Island, also known as Coffee Club Island. It is located off the northern coast of Greenland and was discovered by Robert Peary in 1900, but named by Danish explorer Lauge Koch in 1921. It holds the record for the most northerly point of land on Earth.

Is Coca-Cola’s Georgia coffee available in the US?

Coca-Cola’s Georgia canned coffee is not widely available in the United States. It is mainly sold on Amazon and in a small number of restaurants. The brand is much more popular in Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and India.

Can drinking coffee really reduce liver disease risk?

Yes. Studies have shown that drinking one cup of coffee per day can reduce the risk of alcohol-related cirrhosis by 22%, and Italian research found that coffee drinkers may have up to a 40% lower risk of liver cancer. These findings apply primarily to reducing risks associated with alcohol-related liver conditions.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee Lovers

Explore FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for vibrant floral and citrus notes, or their Yirgacheffe for classic jasmine and berry brightness—both single origins that showcase coffee’s diverse flavours. For something deeper, try their PWN Golden Mandheling with its sweet, full-bodied profile. These beans highlight the complexity and quality that make coffee more than just a drink. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.