Haerfest Coffee Roasting Co Brews Connection and Creativity

When the doors open and the aroma of freshly roasted coffee drifts through the air, it’s clear that something special is happening inside this old, unassuming gray textile mill that now houses Haerfest Coffee Roasting Co. That scent alone might be enough to draw you in, but once inside, your senses truly come alive.

This repurposed space is lined with burlap sacks of coffee beans sourced and labeled from around the globe—Ethiopia, Sumatra, Colombia and Brazil. You’ll witness people busy roasting coffee beans, making custom labels, and filling orders.

But Haerfest is far from a typical roasting facility. To the left, a row of taps offers nitro cold brew, ready to pour. Nearby, a wall showcases vibrant, abstract artwork. On the right, you’ll find an inviting tasting room—a space bathed in mood lighting and filled with music.

This room offers a variety of creative, hands-on activities designed to allow people to experience coffee in new ways, and, in the process, gain a better understanding of how people with individual developmental disabilities (i.e. – IDD) experience everyday life using all of their senses. 

Haerfest Coffee was founded by Toby Foreman, a former pitcher for the Seattle Mariners and Boston Red Sox who has spent over 30 years in the coffee industry. Inspired by his brother Ethan and the birth of his second son—both of whom have IDD—Toby has blended his passion for coffee and love for family into an amazing operation.

Today, Haerfest offers more than ten varieties of exceptional organic coffee. But its impact goes beyond the cup. The artwork on the walls, the labels on the bags, and the packaging itself are all created by young people with IDD.

The business provides meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop life and vocational skills while inviting the broader community to learn, connect and grow.

Organizations can schedule tastings and team-building events at Haerfest Coffee, where every visit is a chance to engage your senses—and your perspective.

Haerfest Coffee Roasting Co.
219 Depot St
Davidson, NC 28036
(562) 370-5100

Author:

Solomon Fleckman is a real estate broker in Davidson, NC. He brings 30 years of experience in education, teaching, and coaching. An empathetic listener, Solomon is committed to providing a stress-free experience for his clients.

Solomon Fleckman
Allen Tate Realtors® Davidson
solomonfleckman.com