With a loyal following in Burgaw and beyond, Brown Dog Coffee Company has launched an online subscription service that will allow people across the country to enjoy their coffee at home.
 
The coffee shop has been in business at 103 W. Freemont St. in Burgaw for 15 years and was purchased by Michelle Hilliard in September, just before Hurricane Florence.
 
While much of Pender County experienced widespread devastation, because of the shop’s close proximity to the county courthouse, it was one of the first areas to regain power and internet access.
 
“We were able to open our doors and offer a gathering space for the community,” Hilliard said. “For a shop that’s always been focused on making connections with the community, it was a blessing to be a bright light at such a difficult time.”
 
With the new subscription service, Hilliard hopes to allow people to connect with Brown Dog Coffee from the comfort of their homes as well. The service includes a shipment of freshly roasted coffee every two weeks. Customers select from nine single-origin roasts, then decide upon the number of bags and if they prefer whole bean or ground coffee, as well as the grind level.
 
Hilliard said the response so far has been so positive that she has extended the launch pricing through Feb. 18. Customers who subscribe by that date will lock in with packages starting at $13, including tax and shipping.
 
“The coffee isn’t roasted until the orders are placed and will be shipped the next day to ensure maximum freshness,” Hilliard said.
 
Hilliard credits her team of top-notch baristas and former owners Barry Klingel and Donna Best-Klingel with helping her in her transition from customer, to part-time employee, to owner.
 
With a background in nonprofits as well as ministry and missions overseas, Hilliard said she is eager to focus on expanding her connections to the community through projects that will support local and global efforts.
 
Brown Dog Coffee Company is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The company’s full website is set to launch soon, but in the meantime, to find out more about a Brown Dog Coffee subscription, visit its website.
 
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