By Besa Gordon - Alright, coffee fam—let me put you on to something special. If you haven’t heard of Campfire Coffee over in Tacoma’s Hilltop, you’re missing out on a whole vibe. It’s more than just a coffee shop; it’s a story of resilience, creativity, and Black excellence, served up in every cup. I recently caught up with Quincy Henry, co-owner and CEO, to get the scoop on how he and his wife, Whitney, turned their dream into one of Tacoma’s favorite coffee spots.

From Idea to Reality

Campfire Coffee started the way a lot of great ideas do—out of necessity. Both Quincy and Whitney found themselves without jobs and decided it was time to bet on themselves. Whitney had joked for years about owning a coffee stand, and during a long road trip home, they decided, "Why not now?"

“On that whole drive home—13 hours—Campfire was dreamt up,” Quincy told me. And just like that, the spark was lit.

The Birth of Wood-Fired Coffee

Originally, roasting coffee beans wasn’t even part of the plan. But after getting turned down by roasters left and right, they decided to do it themselves. Inspired by a video of someone roasting coffee over an open flame in Africa, they got a popcorn shaker, some green coffee beans, and started experimenting in their backyard.

“We didn’t have a choice,” Quincy said. “No one wanted to work with us, so we had to figure it out.”

That DIY moment gave birth to their signature wood-fired roasting process, which sets Campfire apart from other coffee brands. The subtle smokiness it adds to their beans? Chef’s kiss.

Pandemic Hustle

Opening a coffee shop in the middle of a pandemic? Not ideal. Construction delays and restrictions kept pushing their opening date, so Quincy and Whitney pivoted to online sales. They launched their store in March 2020, and let me tell you—they were selling out every week. By the time they opened their physical shop in August, they already had a loyal customer base.

“It was really the pandemic that pushed us forward,” Quincy said. “People had nothing to do but read articles and discover new things.”

It’s All in the Brand

One thing about Quincy: He knows how to market. His background in branding and storytelling was key to Campfire’s growth. Their whole vibe—wood-fired coffee, a love of the outdoors, and a commitment to community—is authentic, and it resonates.

“You gotta be real about your story,” Quincy said. And they’ve been transparent every step of the way, sharing their wins and struggles with their followers. It’s that honesty that keeps people coming back.

Coffee, Community, and Culture

Campfire Coffee isn’t just about serving amazing coffee; it’s about creating space. Their shop is rooted in the community and driven by the idea of giving back. From their free gear library, which lends outdoor equipment to those in need, to hiring practices that prioritize diversity, Campfire is all about making a difference.

“If it wasn’t for Tacoma, I don’t know if there is a Campfire,” Quincy admitted. “This city has a way of banding together to support its own.”

The Menu

Now, let’s talk about the goods. Campfire Coffee serves up a menu that feels like a warm hug. Whether it’s their Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew, the decadent S’mores Latte, or a perfectly brewed classic, they’ve got something for every mood. Not a coffee person? No worries—they’ve got teas, energy drinks, and pastries to keep you fueled.

Looking Ahead

Campfire isn’t stopping anytime soon. Quincy and Whitney just added a new location at the Tacoma Public Utilities and are working to create a bigger wholesale presence. And they’re determined to carve out a space for more diversity in both the coffee and outdoor industries.

“We’re trying to bridge the gap between coffee and the outdoors,” Quincy said. “And at the same time, increase representation in both.”

A Tacoma Treasure

Campfire Coffee is proof that when passion meets perseverance, amazing things happen. It’s a space where coffee lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and the community collide. So next time you’re in Tacoma, stop by and grab a cup of their wood-fired magic. Trust me, you’ll leave with more than just great coffee—you’ll leave feeling inspired.

You can visit Campfire Coffee at:

HillTop Location: 1554 Market St #101, Tacoma, WA 98402

Tacoma Public Utilities Location: 3628 S 35th Street Tacoma, WA 9840
Website: welovecampfire.com

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