In this caffeinated and candid conversation, we sit down with Roark Basham, lead roaster and co-founder of Breezeway Coffee, to dive into the passion, precision, and purpose behind one of Charlotte's favorite local coffee roasters.

From his first meaningful cup to the thoughtful vibe of Breezeway's roastery, Roark shares how a love for craft and community brewed into a thriving business. We explore his roasting philosophy, the art of flavor balance, and why sourcing matters. You'll hear how he transitioned into the coffee world, what it takes to go from bean to bag, and what fuels his vision for Breezeway's future.

We also dig into how coffee fits into a healthy lifestyle, tips for breaking away from sugar-loaded drinks, and even do a live tasting of what's in our cups during the episode. Whether you're a coffee nerd, casual sipper, or someone chasing creative dreams—this one's for you.

In this episode:

• The story behind Breezeway Coffee's start

• Roark's roasting process and how he chooses what beans make the cut

• How coffee can be part of a healthy lifestyle

• A breakdown of espresso vs. sugary coffee culture

• Breezeway's focus on community, creativity, and craft

• What's next for the brand in 2025 and beyond

Recorded live in Breezeway's roastery — with fresh coffee in-hand.

Follow Roark and Breezeway on Instagram [@breezewaycoffee] and grab your next bag at [breezewaycoffee.com].