OUR MISSION

Our story didn’t begin in a roastery—it began on a trail. Somewhere between sunrise on a ridgeline and the quiet crunch of boots on pine needles, the Appalachian Trail changed everything. It revealed the raw beauty of our wilderness and sparked a lifelong calling: to protect wild places for future generations.

803 Outpost Coffee was born from that journey.

We exist to unite two passions: crafting exceptional coffee and giving back to the planet that makes it possible. Every bag we roast is a tribute to the trail—a small act of stewardship, a daily ritual with purpose.

We partner with nonprofits to reforest landscapes, preserve ecosystems, and keep the spirit of adventure alive. Because coffee should do more than wake you up. It should remind you what’s worth protecting.

MEET THE FOUNDER

Meet Jon Baatz, Founder of 803 Outpost Coffee

Our Story: From the Corporate Grind to the Perfect Grind

For years, coffee wasn’t a passion—it was fuel. As two self-professed coffee lovers navigating the corporate world, my wife Melissa and I found ourselves bogged down by the daily grind—running on caffeine but dreaming of a life filled with adventure. We knew there had to be more.

So we made a change. A big one.

We walked away from our desks, traded boardrooms for trailheads, and built a camper van that became our home. Our first adventure? A thru-hike of the 2,294-mile Appalachian Trail. Out there, with nothing but what we could carry on our backs, life was distilled to its essentials. In the quiet, in the wild, we reconnected—to nature, to each other, and to a simpler, more meaningful way of living.

At the end of that monumental journey, clarity struck.

We knew we had to dedicate ourselves to something we truly believed in: preserving wild places—and crafting coffee in its most honest, intentional form.

That decision launched a new kind of adventure.

We came hme and founded 803 Outpost Coffee. “803” is our area code—a nod to our roots in South Carolina. “Outpost” is the spirit of our journey: a place of refuge, of adventure, of connection to the wilderness.

But our journey gave us more than just a name. It gave us a purpose. The wilderness had given us everything. It healed us, challenged us, and changed us in ways that are hard to explain. We knew we had a responsibility to protect the wild places that had reshaped our lives—and to invite others into that mission.

So we built a promise into the foundation of 803 Outpost Coffee: With every order, a portion goes directly to nonprofit partners working to reforest and protect the planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems.

At 803 Outpost, we pour everything we’ve learned from the trail and the open road into every bag we roast. This isn’t just specialty coffee. It’s an invitation—to slow down, to reconnect, and to start your own adventure, one restorative cup at a time.

OUR COFFEE: AN INVITATION TO CONNECT

At 803 Outpost Coffee, we believe coffee is more than a beverage—it’s a bridge. It connects us to quiet mornings, to wild landscapes, and to the people we share them with.

It’s a ritual of reflection. A spark of adventure. A moment to slow down and savor.

That’s why we’re relentless in our pursuit of the perfect cup. We offer a curated collection of specialty-grade coffees, each chosen for its distinct character and compelling flavor profile—crafted to evoke the spirit of the trail and the comfort of home.

Our commitment begins at the source.

We partner with farmers and cooperatives who share our values—sustainable growing practices, ethical trade, and deep respect for the earth that sustains us. Because we believe you should feel good about every sip—from seed to cup.

To bring that vision to your home, every batch is roasted to order in small quantities and shipped at peak freshness.

This isn’t just a process—it’s our promise: to deliver a vibrant, aromatic experience that honors the journey behind every bean.

803 Outpost Coffee is more than a product—it’s a purpose. It’s an invitation to find your own moment of adventure, to reconnect with nature, and to join us in protecting the wild places that inspire us.

We’re proud of the coffee we roast.

And we can’t wait to share it with you.