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Baked, Brewed, Beautiful

Big Guns Coffee: North Carolina’s First Hydroponic Coffee Farm

in Beautiful, Brewed on 04/15/25

hydroponic coffee farm

This small-batch, veteran- and family-run roastery is redefining fresh—one hydroponically grown bean at a time.

Guest post by T. Shane Johnson

☕ Quick Sips: What You’ll Learn in This Story

  • Meet the father-daughter duo behind Big Guns Coffee, a bold small-batch brand
  • Discover how hydroponically grown coffee is changing the game
  • Get the scoop on Big Guns’ upcoming debut at Sprouts Farmers Market
  • Explore what makes their roasts so fresh, flavorful, and full of personality
  • Read more coffee brand stories on Baked, Brewed, Beautiful

If you believe coffee should be as strong as your morning motivation and as fresh as your best dad joke, then Big Guns Coffee is about to become your new go-to brew. This isn’t just another brand—it’s a caffeinated adventure with heart, launched by 9-year-old Charli Johnson and her dad, motivational speaker T. Shane Johnson.

Together, they’ve created something truly unique: premium, roasted-to-order coffee made even more groundbreaking by their use of hydroponic growing methods—right in the heart of North Carolina.

The Big Guns Origin Story: Bold Ideas with Bigger Roots

T. Shane Johnson is a Marine Corps veteran, motivational speaker, world record athlete—and now, coffee entrepreneur. Alongside his daughter Charli, the two launched Big Guns Coffee to reflect their go-big-or-go-home lifestyle. And their coffee? It’s grown and brewed with just as much energy.

Charli came up with the idea for the business, and together they’ve poured that spark into a bold, high-quality line of coffee rooted in family values, resilience, and hustle.

Inside North Carolina’s First Indoor Hydroponic Coffee Farm

What sets Big Guns apart isn’t just its story—it’s the first indoor hydroponic coffee farm in North Carolina.

Unlike traditional methods, hydroponic farming grows coffee plants in a soilless, nutrient-rich environment with complete climate control. This not only shortens the farm-to-roast timeline, but also enhances freshness, consistency, and sustainability.

green coffee and regular coffee beans

Hydroponics allows Big Guns to use fewer resources, reduce waste, and grow coffee closer to where it’s roasted—all while delivering the bold, smooth flavor they’re known for.

“We grow it. We roast it. We serve it. We recycle it,” says T. Shane. “It’s coffee with purpose.”

Want to learn how to elevate your own coffee setup? Check out our food and coffee pairing guide.

 

Grab the Food & Coffee Pairing Guide

Keep this Food and Coffee Pairing Guide handy to remind you of all 5 best coffee and food pairing practices!

Download Now
 

Roasted-to-Order and Packed with Personality

At Big Guns, beans don’t sit in storage. They’re roasted fresh, every Sunday, by T. Shane and Charli themselves. The garage turns into a roastery; the family turns up the flavor.

With over 30 blends to choose from—including Charli’s Blend (a smooth, medium K-cup), the rich African Espresso, or the bold Cowboy Blend—you’ll find a roast to match your vibe.

man holding a bag of coffee beans

And every bag comes with a signature wink of humor, motivation, and a whole lot of love.

Coming Soon: Big Guns Coffee in Sprouts

This May, Big Guns Coffee is hitting shelves at Sprouts Farmers Market—a huge milestone for this grassroots operation.

“We’re not some giant corporation—we’re a dad and daughter roasting coffee in a garage and making things happen,” says T. Shane. “Seeing our coffee on Sprouts shelves? That’s just wild.”

Soon, your favorite hydroponically grown, small-batch coffee will be just an aisle away.

More Than Beans: The Big Guns Lifestyle

From cold-process soaps like Mango Papaya and Organic Basil to tees that say Caffeine is My Love Language, Big Guns is building more than a brand—it’s building a vibe.

Their lifestyle goods pair perfectly with their roasts, giving coffee lovers a way to sip boldly and live fully.

Looking for coffee accessories and more? Browse our gift and gear recommendations.

Join the Movement

Whether you’re in it for the hydroponic innovation, the roasted-to-order freshness, or the family-run roots, Big Guns Coffee delivers big flavor with even bigger heart.

Visit Big Guns Coffee to explore the full lineup, or find them in select Sprouts stores starting in May of 2025.

 

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bread with Chemex coffee and honey on a blue background

Coffee Recipes By Baked, Brewed, Beautiful

Coffee Recipes By Baked, Brewed, Beautiful
This affogato recipe is not only bursting with complementary sweet, bitter flavors but it only requires 2 ingredients!

I value each & every subscriber. It's quick and easy to subscribe, just click here: https://rb.gy/acljrf  
You'll be the first to learn of my newest coffee recipes!  

Links from video: 
- Top-Tier Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recs - Find Them Here: https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/affogato/
- Pour Over Tutorial: https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/what-is-pour-over-coffee/ 

The blog post that coincides with this video is: https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/affogato

Best Affogato Recipe

Ingredients:
2 shots of espresso
½ cup vanilla bean ice cream
Salted brownies for garnish (optional)
Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions: 
1. Scoop vanilla bean ice cream into a 4 ounce glass and place in freezer while you prepare the espresso.

2. Pull the espresso shots. Immediately, pull glasses of ice cream out and pour the espresso over the ice cream.

3. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings and salted brownie crumbs. Garnish the glass's rim with a one-inch square of salted brownies.

New videos every Thursday. 
#affogato #affogatocoffee #affogatoespresso #affogatorecipe #affogatocoffeerecipe #coffeerecipes #coffeerecipe #coffeeandicecream
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Credits:
Music: Baked, Brewed, Beautiful Theme Song written & produced by Christopher Elwell (piano & drums) & Cheyenne Elwell (violin) 
Videography: Cheyenne Elwell on a D5200 24.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera
Recipe: A Cheyenne Elwell original
Affogato Recipe (Espresso & Ice Cream)
YouTube Video UCkqfhp5eJcNaQEW1iaKcWXg_7ijP8EVjEDg
Learn to pair coffee with food following these 5 coffee and food pairing best practices. Examples included in the video!

Download these FREE Resources for Your Food and Coffee Pairing at Home: 
Food & Coffee Pairing Chart + Food & Coffee Pairing Guide  - https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/food-coffee-pairing-chart/ 
Coffee & Food Pairing eBook - https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/food-coffee-ebook/ 

Blog Post for Coffee and Food Pairing Etiquette:
https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/food-and-coffee/ 

Note: I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through some of the below links. Read my disclosure policy to learn more.

Equipment & Ingredients From The Video:
Chemex Coffee Maker - https://amzn.to/3CSq9Iy 
Blue Bottle Mug (12 oz.) - https://amzn.to/3jPnK8Q
Fab Slabs Natural Wood Cutting Board - https://amzn.to/2VQmoCC 
Nora's Naturals Organic Coffee - https://www.coastalcoffeecollective.com/
Orange & Bourbon Marmalade - https://blakehillpreserves.com/products/orange-bourbon-marmalade

New videos every Thursday.

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Blog: http://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/
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Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bakedbrewedb...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakedbrewed...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bakedbrewed...

Credits:
Music: Baked, Brewed, Beautiful Theme Song written & produced by Christopher Elwell (piano & drums) & Cheyenne Elwell (violin) 
Videography: Cheyenne Elwell on a D5200 24.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera
Coffee and Food Pairing: 5 Best Practices & 5 Best Combinations
YouTube Video UCkqfhp5eJcNaQEW1iaKcWXg_mhp8dZoxZd0
Iced Oat Milk Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe 

* Make a delicious non-dairy version of the famous fall pumpkin spice latte.
* Barista blend oat milk will allow you to create a slightly healthier version (but equally delicious) of this Starbucks classic.
* You can also enjoy this drink warm by following the modified recipe below

Thanks a ton for watching! Make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more videos: https://rb.gy/acljrf  
You'll be the first to learn of my newest coffee recipes!  
Disclaimer: product links may include affiliate links.

Links from video: 
To enter the "Word of the Week" for a chance to win a Home Coffee Roasting Starter Kit, please visit: http://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/contest. The word is “AUTUMN” this week! 

Blog Post for the Iced Oat Milk Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe: https://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/oat-milk-pumpkin-spice-latte/

Equipment & Ingredients From The Video:
Barista Blend Oat Milk - https://amzn.to/3zH0Oiv 
Cheesecloths - https://amzn.to/3iaolTg 
Organic Pumpkin Puree - https://amzn.to/3zGgC58 
Organic Pumpkin Pie/Pumpkin Spice - https://amzn.to/3l571R9 
Organic Brown Sugar- https://amzn.to/3zD4pOs  
Stainless Steel Black Straws - https://amzn.to/3iTemRo

Iced Oat Milk Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Pumpkin spice mixture:
½ cup oat milk (barista blend if possible)
⅓ cup brown sugar (white is okay too)
2 tsp pumpkin puree
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 
1 tsp vanilla extract
Latte
2 shots of espresso
1 cup oat milk 
1 tbsp pumpkin spice mixture
½ cup whipped cream (optional)
2 ice cubes (if enjoying cold)

Pumpkin spice mixture:
1. In a small sauce pan, add oat milk, sugar, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Bring to medium heat and whisk ingredients together until sugar is dissolved. Do not let it boil.
2. Once the mixture starts to steam and the sugar is completely dissolved, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla. Strain through a fine mesh filter into a glass jar for easy storage.
Latte:
3. Pull your espresso shots, and pour inside your desired coffee mug. Add the strained pumpkin spice mixture to the espresso and stir well.
4. If enjoying warm (skip to next step if enjoying iced), steam your milk using a steam wand, milk frother, or mason jar (see post above to make foam without a frother) until foamy. Pour velvety milk on top of the espresso mixture.
5. For iced pumpkin spice lattes, add 2 to 3 ice cubes or cold brew coffee cubes to your mixture.
6. Top with whipped cream, if desired, and dust with pumpkin pie spice. Enjoy!

New videos every Thursday. 

Iced pumpkin spice latte, how to make a pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin spice latte recipe, healthier starbucks drinks, starbucks, starbucks pumpkin latte, pumpkin latte, starbucks pumpkin spice latte recipe, how to make pumpkin spice latte healthier, how to make pumpkin spice latte with less sweet, how to make pumpkin spice latte vegan

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Follow me at:
Blog: http://bakedbrewedbeautiful.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coffe...
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bakedbrewedb...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakedbrewed...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bakedbrewed...

Credits:
Music: Baked, Brewed, Beautiful Theme Song written & produced by Christopher Elwell (piano & drums) & Cheyenne Elwell (violin) 
Videography: Cheyenne Elwell on a D5200 24.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera
Recipe: A Cheyenne Elwell original
Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte With Oat Milk Recipe
YouTube Video UCkqfhp5eJcNaQEW1iaKcWXg_UXMXFdkbeKc
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Hey there!

I'm Cheyenne — Seattle-based coffee lover & writer. On this blog, you'll find brewing tips & tutorials, coffee & food pairing recipes, and FREE COFFEE GUIDES for your favorite brew method.
Happy Brewing!

5 Food & Coffee Pairing Best Practices

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhp8dZoxZd0
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𝙱𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚍, 𝙱𝚛𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚍, 𝙱𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚞𝚕
There’s something quiet and grounding about sipp There’s something quiet and grounding about sipping coffee in the open air.

This week on the blog, we’re sharing a thoughtful guest post all about coffee and the outdoors—from trailside brews to simple backyard mornings. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes the best coffee moments happen far from the kitchen.

Take a moment to read, reflect, and maybe plan your next outdoor sip.

Where do you love to enjoy your coffee when the sky’s the ceiling?

Photo by Taryn Elliott, Powered by Pexels.
@tea_for_taryn 
#coffeeoutside #slowcoffee #outdoorcoffee #coffeetime #coffeelove #natureandcoffee #coffeeblog #bakedbrewedbeautiful #coffeeandcalm #sipandslow #backyardcoffee #morningritual #coffeewanderer #coffeethoughts #intentionalliving
Daphne walked into Café Nervosa… with a latte o Daphne walked into Café Nervosa… with a latte obsession, a white-cardiganed baby Fras, and dreams of sitting on that couch. ☕🛋️

We visited the actual Frasier set at Julien’s Auctions—and yes, it was everything.

Swipe to see: 
📍The Nervosa chairs + latte cups
🛋️ A full-family couch moment
☕ A signed espresso cup from Roz (😭)
🧣 My Daphne-inspired look
👶 Courtland dressed as Fras
🫶 Caffe Vita serving real coffee at the exhibit
🎬 A very grateful fangirl moment

This whole experience made me fall in love with coffee culture all over again—how it brings people together, adds ritual to daily life, and sometimes... gets you a signed saucer from Peri Gilpin.

Full story + photos now live on the blog—link in bio!

#FrasierSet #CafeNervosa #RozDoyleForever #BakedBrewedBeautiful #CaffeVita #FrasierCrane #CoffeeAndCulture #TVHistory #seattlecoffee
Came for a birthday latte, stayed for the flavor n Came for a birthday latte, stayed for the flavor notes.
Back on here with stories, pop-ups, and opinions on foam texture. Let’s do this. ☕🎉

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Cinnamon rolls and coffee ☕️ . . . #coffeepai Cinnamon rolls and coffee ☕️ 
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