Big Guns Coffee: North Carolina’s First 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.

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.

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.

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.