One year ago today, we took the keys to Beechworth Coffee Roasters. Twelve months on, it's hard to put into words how much has happened and how grateful we are to everyone who's been part of it.
When we took over on the 1st of July last year, we knew we were stepping into something special. What we didn't fully appreciate was just how much this community would get behind us. So before we say anything else: thank you.
To Ben: thank you for trusting us with something you built, and for your continued support and guidance along the way. Handing over a business you care about takes generosity and we've felt it every step of the year.
To our long-standing customers, the ones who were here before us and stuck around, thank you for giving us the chance to earn your loyalty. You didn't have to and we don't take it for granted.
And to everyone new who's come on board this year: welcome. Whether you found us at the roastery, in a local cafe, or online, we're so glad you're here.
Building something new
One of the things we're proudest of is our online store. Twelve months ago, it barely existed. Today, it's a genuine part of the business, and our coffee subscriptions have grown into something we never expected this early. Every subscription is a little vote of confidence, a household choosing to start their mornings with our coffee week after week. Thank you for that.
None of it would have been possible without the community of Beechworth and the surrounding region getting behind us, along with the friends, family and colleagues who've been on this journey with us from day one. You've shared our posts, spread the word, turned up and cheered us on. This first year has been a community effort in every sense.
A moment we won't forget
All of that hard work culminated in June with recognition at the Golden Bean Awards, one of the biggest roasting competitions in Australasia, where our coffee took home a Champion Roast honour. To achieve that in our first twelve months is something we're enormously proud of.
We have to give special mention to Karla, whose skill, care and sheer determination behind the roaster got us there. What she's built in just twelve months, from dialling in every batch to chasing that award-winning quality, is genuinely remarkable. We couldn't be prouder.
We'll have more to share about the Golden Bean result in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out.
What's ahead
If year one was about finding our feet, year two is about the fun stuff. We've got new blends on the way, and here's a hint: keep an eye out for something special from Peru's heritage varieties. There are new cafes opening across the area that you'll be able to find us in, and some exciting local events we're planning to support.
We can't wait to share it all with you.
For now, though, we just want to say it one more time: thank you. For the first coffee, the hundredth, the subscription, the kind word, the referral. Here's to the next twelve months.
With gratitude, Karla & Angus
