Brian Hicks was craft-roasting coffee in Nashville before craft-roasting coffee in Nashville was cool.
“Back then it was only us and Bongo Java,” Brian says, recalling the origin of Humphreys Street Coffee and Soap in 2007. But today, even with every other café showcasing shiny new roasters and their own house blends, Brian is still producing one of the best products in Nashville —and doing it with a team of teenagers.
Yes, teenagers; South Nashville teens who come in knowing little to nothing about roasting (or drinking) coffee. For these kids, it’s hard to imagine a better gig. They get on-the-job training in making high-quality products, as well as opportunities to learn from Nashville entrepreneurs and professionals, all provided by Harvest Hands Community Development (Humphreys Street’s umbrella organization).