192. Sweet Caroline's: The Family-Inspired Coffee Business

Johnson City Living

About the Guest:

Ty Stewart is the owner of Sweet Caroline's Coffee Company, based in Johnson City, Tennessee. With a background in shooting commercials and social media, Ty transitioned to the coffee industry, inspired by his passion for specialty coffee developed during his college years. His coffee company is named after his daughter, Caroline, and it focuses on delivering high-quality, specialty coffee sourced from top-tier producers like Onyx Coffee Labs.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Johnson City Living podcast, host Colin Johnson sits down with Ty Stewart, the coffee enthusiast and owner of Sweet Caroline's Coffee Company. They discuss Ty's journey from Texas to Tennessee, his unexpected dive into the specialty coffee industry, and the story behind the name "Sweet Caroline's Coffee Company." Listeners will enjoy Ty's insights into the art of coffee making, his passion for quality ingredients, and his experiences as a young entrepreneur.

Throughout the conversation, Ty talks about his love for the mountains of Tennessee, his previous career in video production, and how a joke by his brother-in-law inspired the name of his coffee business. SEO keywords such as "specialty coffee," "Johnson City," and "entrepreneurship" are highlighted as Ty delves into the careful process of creating the perfect cup of coffee. He also shares his experiences working with Onyx Coffee Labs and his plans for the future of his coffee company.

The episode also touches on Ty's personal life, including his enjoyment of NASCAR races and life in Johnson City with his family. He discusses the importance of community and customer interaction, different coffee preparation methods, and the challenges and rewards of running a coffee business from a custom-built trailer.

Key Takeaways:

• From Texas to Tennessee: Ty Stewart shares his journey from growing up in Texas to moving to Johnson City and becoming a coffee entrepreneur.
• Sweet Caroline's Coffee Company: The origin story behind the name and Ty’s dedication to quality and specialty coffee.
• Specialty Coffee Insights: Ty educates listeners about different coffee types, preparation methods, and the importance of high-quality ingredients.
• Challenges of a Mobile Coffee Business: Insights into the logistics, customer engagement, and challenges of operating from a custom-built coffee trailer.
• Personal Passions: Ty’s love for NASCAR and his appreciation for the community and natural beauty of Johnson City.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Caroline is actually my one-year-old. She runs all over the house."
2. "They showed me that specifically milk makes a massive difference in the coffee you're drinking."
3. "I have my regular, which is a monarch, kind of a more traditional blend, and then I have one called geometry from Onyx."
4. "I usually tell people she's in a lot of debt and not me."
5. "Getting that specialty coffee in your hand is just a good goal of mine."

Resources:

• Sweet Caroline's Coffee Co. Instagram
• Sweet Caroline's Coffee Co. Facebook
• Breaker Barber Company

Be sure to tune in to this insightful episode to learn more about the fascinating world of specialty coffee, the journey of an entrepreneurial spirit, and the vibrant community life in Johnson City. Stay connected for more inspiring stories and practical insights from the Johnson City Living podcast.