Wandering Goat @ Chartreuse to support BERT

Grumpy Goat Coffee today announced a new direction for its annual Wandering Goat summer series, shifting the focus of the popular community events toward supporting the Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT) initiative and building awareness about the upcoming bond referendum on the August 18 ballot in the City of Bonita Springs. 

The kickoff event is Sunday May 31, 3 to 7:00 p.m. at Chartreuse Craft Cocktail Lounge, 27313 Old 41 Rd. in historic downtown Bonita Springs. The event will also feature an exclusive menu of savory creations by Chef Christopher John available for purchase and specialty coffee samples by Grumpy Goat. Grumpy Goat is also selling an exclusive specialty coffee called the BERT Blend with profits donated to the Friends of BERT organization. Chartreuse will be sampling an exclusive craft coffee cocktail collaboration with Grumpy Goat.

For the past four years, the Wandering Goat series has been known for bringing together local food and beverage artisans to offer complimentary tastings while driving summer traffic to small businesses during the quieter off-season. In 2026, the series will take on a broader civic purpose—serving as a platform to inform, engage, and mobilize Bonita Springs residents around funding a transformative community project.

This year’s Wandering Goat events will spotlight BERT’s mission to convert 11.4 miles of inactive Seminole Gulf Railway corridor into a multi-use walking and biking trail.  The project aims to enhance connectivity, promote outdoor recreation, and contribute to the long-term quality of life in Bonita Springs.

“Wandering Goat has always been about community connection,” said Brian Abernathy, founder of Grumpy Goat Coffee. “This summer, we’re expanding that mission by creating opportunities for residents to learn about BERT, ask questions, and understand how this project could shape the future of our city.”

Rather than centering on free tastings, the 2026 series will feature informational exhibits, community conversations, and opportunities for voter education and registration. Local businesses will continue to participate, but with an emphasis on collaboration and community engagement rather than product sampling alone.

Representatives and advocates from BERT will be present at each event to share insights, provide updates on the initiative, and encourage informed participation in the upcoming vote.

“Community awareness and participation are critical to the success of this referendum,” said Deb Orton, president, Friends of BERT. “We’re grateful for Grumpy Goat Coffee’s leadership in helping bring this conversation directly to residents in a meaningful and accessible way.”

The second Wandering Goat event is Saturday June 27 at Riptide Brewing in Bonita Springs. Additional Wandering Goat event dates and locations will be announced in the coming weeks through Grumpy Goat Coffee’s website, email and social media channels.