New Local Owners Change Name To Downtown Coffee Shop

By: Kelly Caldwell

The newest family business in Roanoke is enjoying great success in its early days, but how could it not... They are your local caffeine dealer.

The Hippie Bean Coffee Company opened in April and had exceeded all expectations to say the least.

"We are learning every single day," Debi Brown, who owns the business along with her husband Chad and daughter Nikki Blackmon. "We are thankful for the community support, it means a lot."

The Browns and Blackmon are familiar faces in Randolph County. Blackmon is a real estate agent and the Browns have been partners with Shasta Jarrett in The Crow's Nest in Wedowee for nine years.

This spring, the owners of First Light Coffee decided to sell the business. It started as a simple post on social media, but it caught Blackmon's attention.

"I just knew mom and dad should do this," she said. "My dad will be retiring in a few years and the coffee shop would be perfect for them when that time came."

Conversations and negotiations began and the more Blackmon heard, it was quickly decided a family venture was in order.

"When we purchased, we wanted to make it our own, so we came up with The Hippie Bean," Debi said.

Debi and Nicki are both quick to appreciate all the support from their Wedowee friends and business owners they have received since deciding on this new adventure.

"I learned so much about retail working with Shasta at The Crow's Nest all these years, food and retail are completely different, but it definitely helped prepare me for this next journey."

Debi also said Dawn and David Timmons at Wake and Shake Donut Shop along with Wendy Moore at The Peaceful Porch have offered tremendous support and guidance.

The Hippie Bean is open for breakfast and lunch and offers a great new option for people seeking a caffeine fix or a lunch on the healthier side.

"We knew we wanted chicken salad on our menu from the beginning," Debi said. "And, really there was only one option for us. I called up Miss Amber and we worked out a deal with Amber and Brittany to purchase her chicken salad to sell to our customers. We probably buy 15 to 20 pounds of chicken salad each week."

While they are learning a new business, the transition from First Light Coffee to The Hippie Bean Coffee Co. has been seamless due to Kaylee Boyd and Karley Salas.

"We are so lucky to have these girls," Brown said. "They know this business and we are thankful they decided to stay with us. It would not have been possible without them."

The Hippie Bean Coffee Co. is open Monday through Saturday 7 am to 3 pm currently. Be sure to follow the business on social media for updates and specials.