Rising together: Bridge City Coffee’s dedication to people

Great coffee tells a story. It speaks of origin, of the hands that carefully cultivated each bean, and of the people who crafted it into something extraordinary. For Bridge City Coffee in South Carolina, that story goes beyond the cup—it’s a testament to resilience, community, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

When Bridge City was named Roaster of the Year by Roast Magazine, it was more than just an accolade. It was validation of years of hard work, intentional growth, and a relentless dedication to people—both within the company and beyond. But as founder Greg put it in a recent conversation we had, the road to that moment was anything but simple.

The road to roaster of the year  

In 2022, Bridge City’s lead roaster, Brandon stumbled upon the Roaster of the Year competition and asked Greg if he could apply. What initially seemed like a simple application for Brandon soon turned into a deep dive into every aspect of their business. “It was like a B Corp application,” Greg explained. “Business practices, sustainability, environmental impacts, employee well-being—it was all there.”

Realizing they weren’t quite ready, the team made the difficult decision to withdraw and spend a full year refining every aspect of their operation. From sustainability initiatives to employee programs, they took a hard look at what they were doing well—and what they could improve. That patience paid off. When they reapplied, they not only became finalists but also won the blind cupping competition, solidifying their place as Roaster of the Year!

The recognition wasn’t just about the coffee. It was a reflection of their business model—one built on care, intention, and an unwavering focus on people. “We don’t want this to be a one-time accolade,” Greg said. “We want to continually live up to that standard, to be worthy of it.”

Weathering the storm  

That commitment to excellence was tested in an entirely different way when Hurricane Helene struck South Carolina in late 2024. The devastation hit hard—businesses lost power, roads were flooded, and entire communities were left scrambling. Although Bridge City was spared the worst of the storm, they still felt the effects.

“I remember standing in the rain, loading up 150 gallons of milk, crates of syrups, and all our perishables into my truck, just trying to save what we could,” Greg recalled. “I hadn’t felt that kind of urgency since the pandemic. It was just this moment of, ‘We have to figure this out. There’s no option.’”

As businesses across Greenville struggled to keep going, Bridge City stepped up—not just for their own survival but for the community. They opened their downtown location as a refuge where people could charge their phones, grab a cup of coffee, and connect with others. They coordinated with other small businesses to share resources, ensuring that no one lost more than they had to. And when the extent of the damage in Asheville became clear, they shifted their efforts, using their roasting facility as a supply hub to help those even more severely impacted.

“There was an incredible community response,” Greg said. “It was businesses helping businesses, people helping people. It was a reminder of why we do this.”

Looking to the Future  

For Bridge City, success isn’t measured by the number of shops they open or the awards they win. It’s about the impact they make—the way they treat their people, the opportunities they create, and the communities they support.

From offering employee support through the Bridge Fund Collective—an initiative designed to help team members through financial hardships—to providing free mental health resources and paid time off, Bridge City is redefining what it means to be a coffee company. “We’ve always said that we want to take care of people,” Greg shared. “Not just with a paycheck, but in ways that truly make a difference in their lives.”

As for what’s next? Growth is on the horizon, but it’s a growth that will be intentional. Expansion isn’t about simply opening new locations—it’s about ensuring that Bridge City’s values are deeply embedded wherever they go. “We don’t ever want to be seen as ‘that company moving into town.’ We want communities to want us there because they see the value we bring—not just in coffee, but in how we support the people around us.”

Bridge City’s journey is far from over. But through every challenge, every storm, and every triumph, one thing remains clear: their commitment to resilience, community, and excellence is as strong as ever. And that’s a story worth telling.

Photography by: Taylor Cash Photography