A View On: FosterHobbs Coffee

FosterHobbs Coffee Roasters LLC was established by High Point couple, Mike and Pam Foster, in 2012.  They brew specialty, gourmet grade coffee from all over the world.  Blended and brewed daily, coffee is served at its freshest state.

Q. Tell us about FosterHobbs in about 10 words.

A. High Point’s specialty grade small batch coffee roaster with a cause.

Q. Why did you start and what was your vision?

A. FosterHobbs Coffee was born out of a passion for coffee, which the founder/president, Mike Foster, discovered while on his first transatlantic flight.  He was flying from Chicago to Stockholm and, being the pilot, you must stay alert.  The captain (at this time, Mike was a first officer, just beginning his career with American Airlines) suggested that he have the flight attendant bring him a cup of coffee.  That first awful cup of coffee began Mike’s quest for the perfect cup and his passion has never waned.

If anything, it has blossomed because the more you learn about the different nuances of aroma, body, acidity, flavor, the more you want to discover.  But even more importantly than his passion for coffee, Mike’s passion to be a positive influence in his community and beyond spurred his decision to retire from the left seat of the cockpit (as a captain with American Airlines) and pursue a career instead in the world of specialty grade coffee, (yes, there is a world above commodity grocery store and coffee shop coffee).

If you look closely at our logo, you will see a coffee bean inside aviator wings.  It’s there because we say Mike “traded his wings for beans.”  Mike’s passion today is written on every back label of each of our bags in hopes that it will encourage others to find the gaps in their communities and fill them with their gifts, talents, etc.  Mike is dreaming big, with his vision of FosterHobbs Coffee being recognized as a major force in the third wave specialty coffee world, where the customer is genuinely valued and the coffee bean is crafted and appreciated.

Q. What is one thing people would be interested to learn about FosterHobbs?

A. We are enjoying the opportunity to allow people to experience and enjoy the taste of FRESH ROASTED specialty grade coffee.  There is a difference in the taste, the body, the acidity, the feel on your tongue, in your mouth, etc.  It really is a big deal to have a local coffee roaster.

Q. What are the highlights and challenges of owning/operating your business in High Point?

A. Highlights: Getting to know our customers is hands down the BEST part of owning a retail business in High Point.  Coffee people are terrific (and why wouldn’t they when you’re supplying them with something they truly enjoy and appreciate?), but our customers (we know it sounds cheesy but it’s true) have really become a part of our family.  We know the successes and struggles of their families, businesses; we celebrate with them, we sympathize with them, sometimes we mourn with them but in all cases, we LOVE them.  And they love us too by showing us that they genuinely appreciate what we are providing them through our pursuit of finding the best beans and crafting them in a way that brings out its best flavor.  In the summer, we have ample fresh tomatoes and all kinds of goodies from their gardens where they strive to love on their produce just like we do!

Challenges: Getting the word out, which is why we were soooooo excited to learn about High Point Discovered.

Q. Why did you choose to locate FosterHobbs in High Point?

A. Mike grew up in High Point and has always wanted to make a difference here.  And since he has had the opportunity to travel country- and world-wide, he has seen what other places are doing to stay vibrant communities and he wants to bring some of that enthusiasm here!

Q. How has High Point changed since you started FosterHobbs?

A. We’re now in the sixth year and since we’ve opened, we’re excited to see how the people in our community are embracing the idea of local business and craft.

Q. What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

A. When we first began, an extremely large specialty coffee roaster in America challenged our trademark of our logo.  It was a long battle, which took a year of time and money that should have been invested in the start up of a business, but Mike saw the challenge as David slaying the giant, he fought the case himself and WON!  Our logo still remains intact and that rough beginning gave us the foundation in the business that has helped us weather other storms by believing- that anything worthwhile is worth fighting for!

Q. How have the citizens and community of High Point supported you?

A. High Pointers have helped us tremendously to grow our local base by sharing our social media posts and by telling the friends about us, by choosing to give our coffee as gifts, and by loving us as we mentioned in answer four.

Q. If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out in High Point, what would it be?

A. People, looking for the answer to their “what next” question, come in the roaster all the time because someone has mentioned to them that they should stop by and talk with Mike and the encouragement and advise he always gives is centered around “DO WHAT YOU LOVE” -and expect long hours.

Q. What are you excited about for High Point’s future? 

A. We’re extremely excited about being a part of the synergies created around the multiuse stadium project and how it is already breathing life into our community.  We, like you, want to see and be a part of the growth and vitality of High Point.

Q. Can you tell us more about your company name?

When Mike was deciding the name of our company, he came up with FosterHobbs.  The Foster part is obvious.  That’s our last name.  The Hobbs part is the sweet part.  That’s my maiden name.  It meant so much to my family, especially my dear father to see our family name linked to such a heart-felt adventure and cause.  There is no space, no gap, no hyphen, no comma, nothing in between the two names (we joke that not even owning and running a business together can separate us).

A View On is a series where High Point Discovered asks questions to High Point businesses to share their view. Past guests have included Buzzi Space and OFS.

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