Hatchet Coffee Roasters

Hatchet Coffee Roasters was established in 2015 in Boone, North Carolina, by co-founders Jeremy Bollman and Jeremy Parnell. The two friends, who previously worked together at the local Stick Boy Bread Co., were inspired by the lighter roast profiles and pour-over methods they encountered in West Coast coffee culture. Seeking to bring a similar specialty coffee experience to the Blue Ridge Mountains, they began their roasting journey on a small scale before expanding into a dedicated roasting lab and cafe space located near Center 45, a local climbing gym. This proximity to outdoor recreation has become a defining element of the company's brand identity.

The company operates as a private, debt-financed entity that manages both wholesale distribution and retail storefronts. Over the years, Hatchet has grown from its initial small-scale operations into a prominent fixture in the High Country, with headquarters on Den-Mac Drive in Boone and an additional location in West Jefferson. Their business model integrates roasting, cafe service, merchandise sales, and community-focused events, positioning the brand as a hub for both local residents and outdoor enthusiasts.

Central to Hatchet’s sourcing philosophy is a commitment to transparency and direct relationships with producers. The founders have stated that they prioritize the ability to "shake the farmer’s hand," relying on importers like Cafe Imports to facilitate connections with smaller farms. This approach is intended to ensure that farmers receive fair wages and that the coffee is produced under ethical working conditions. The company places a high value on traceability, seeking to understand the specific agricultural practices and processing methods used at the farms they source from.

To deepen this commitment, Hatchet Coffee actively facilitates origin trips for its staff. By sending roasters, managers, and baristas to coffee-growing regions—including Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, and Brazil—the company aims to provide its team with firsthand knowledge of the supply chain. These visits allow staff to observe farm operations, meet the producers, and gain a better understanding of how environmental and processing factors influence the final cup profile. This practice is intended to foster a more informed and connected workforce.

In the local community, Hatchet has built its reputation through organic outreach and partnerships. The company has maintained a presence at regional events such as the Triple Crown Bouldering Series and the Blood, Sweat, and Gears bike race. Their wholesale program has also expanded, with their coffee being served at various local establishments, including Wildwood Community Market and other regional cafes, further cementing their role in the local food and beverage ecosystem.

Internally, the company emphasizes a set of core values centered on taking initiative and fostering mutual respect among team members and the community. As a business, Hatchet continues to operate as a private, independent roaster, focusing on the intersection of specialty coffee production and community engagement. Their story remains rooted in the High Country, where they continue to balance their growth as a wholesale supplier with their original mission of providing high-quality, ethically sourced coffee to their local patrons.