David here. If you've supported Coffee Break over the past year, then we've probably met. I'm writing this message to say thank you!
Coffee Break started as a social experiment in my neighborhood.
Our friend & neighbor Brittany wanted to have a coffee hour in her driveway and asked if I'd supply the coffee. She brought pastries and I served pour overs using coffee I roasted in nano batches on an air popper. The whole experience was a lot of work, operationally naive, exceptionally inefficient, and oh so much fun.
We learned a lot that day. It seems like eons ago now, so it's hard to believe that it's only been a year.
I'm incredibly grateful for Brittany, and all our friends that walked and biked over that day. To my wife, Jessie, for looking after our kids that morning (and on many mornings since) so that I could focus on building spaces for coffee and community in our neighborhood, and then beyond.
To each and every one of you that shared a good word, smile, cup of coffee or bag of beans - thank you.
I wanted to pen this thank you letter to capture some of what we learned in our first year, which just wrapped up, and what you can expect from us in Year 2.
Commitment To Excellent Coffee
We'll continue to carry the coffees that you've come to know and love, like our house Country Road blend. And a ever changing rotation of decaf and modern coffees.
We're also working to add at least one new blend that is designed for espresso. I can't wait to announce that one!
Brick & Mortar
Everyone asks, "Where are you located?"
Well...we're working hard to add a physical location that will house our Roastery and, hopefully, an espresso service component.
Dedicated production space will allow us to improve quality and consistency of our coffees, offer wholesale coffee, and ship across state lines. Can't wait for that!
Look for more news in the new year.
The Glow Up
From Day 1, we were always more concerned with the consistency of our coffee and quality of the community than how things looked.
We invested no more than 90 minutes to create a logo, pick fonts and colors. Just enough to get started with a website, rubber ink stamp and brown kraft packaging.
A year later, we have a much better idea of the role we want Coffee Break to play in our community. And, to be fair, I'll be happy if I never have to ink stamp another bag for as long as I live.
We're excited to unveil a new look and feel, which was designed by the incredible Emilia Rittenbach. Thank you to Green Pea Press for connecting us!
I hope the new look & feel speaks to you.
We'll be rolling it out across product, packaging, socials, etc. over the coming days. Here's what we were aiming for.
Nod To A Simpler Time
For me, 1991 in Huntsville was an amazing time to be alive.
We had about 150k residents, loads of nature and farm land, and the highest concentration of Phd's per capita of anywhere in the country.
The farmers market, drive in theater, AYSO soccer, Mayfair Park t-ball, fishing rodeos, Panoply, and catching cicadas at the neighborhood pool. Book readings at the downtown public library, and meeting the occasional astronaut at the Big Brothers grocery store.
I'm so grateful for the simplicity of those core memories. I realize my experience of the early 90s probably wasn't universal, but if Coffee Break can create simple environments for more people to experience today then I'd consider it a win.
For me, a lot of those memories were sporty.
When the UAH Chargers hockey team skated out to "Sweet Home Alabama," to face Bemidji State in the Division II national championship under the watchful eye of Coach Doug Ross (RIP), you can bet I was in the upper deck singing my heart out.
Commitment to Regionalism
Coffee Break is committed to elevating the nature, art and culture that make North Alabama great.
Living in Huntsville, it's easy to lose sight of the incredible diversity we have along the Tennessee River, from Florence to Bridgeport. It's not all aerospace and defense!
We are grateful for organizations like the Land Trust of North Alabama and Singing River Trail for protecting and promoting our social, economic, and biodiversity.
For private venues like the Orion Amphitheater, Snail on the Wall, The Little Green Store, Blue Apple Books, and Lowe Mill for creating space to feature local artists and authors.
And for everyone involved in creating a sustainable local foods ecosystem in North Alabama. That job is getting harder, and harder.
Support your local farmers! Special thanks to,
- Maggie, Tracy, David and all the volunteers at Bailey Cove Farmers Market
- Marilyn and everyone who makes Greene Street Market possible
- Jana and the team at HealthWorks Market
- Lauren from Hillfolk Farmacy and the muskmelon project
- All the others who are creating access to local food!
Getting Active
We can't say thanks enough to Brett (race organizer) and the team from the Huntsville Track Club Monte Sano 15k!
Thank you for welcoming us into an incredible community of runners, and people seeking out an active lifestyle in North Alabama.
We appreciate all of the work that HTC (and HAMR) do to get our communities out and moving. To maintain and improve our roads, greenways, and trails.
We'll be participating in the Rocket City Marathon and Mountain Mist 50k, as runners, and hope to be serving coffee at other races and gatherings throughout the year.
Thank you for getting out there!
Wrapping Up
There are more people than I could ever mention in one thread that supported year one of getting Coffee Break off the ground.
To Annie, who ordered the first bag of coffee & brought Coffee Break into her office. To my high school English teacher, Beck, who loves a good Colombian coffee. To Michelle, Elizabeth and the SBDC who offered their time and experience. To Matt, who always carries our cards in his wallet. To all of the Piranis out there! Thank you.
To everyone who subscribed or bought a bag. Thank you! To my parents, friends, and everyone who supported along the way. Thank you!
Here's to another great year. Happy Thanksgiving, all.
