BLACKBERRY VALLEY COFFEE ROASTERS: Isabella couple turns love of coffee into small business

Ryan and Dana Shute of Isabella say that it was their own desire for local, freshly roasted coffee beans that led them down a path to open their new business, Blackberry Valley Coffee Roasters. Now, they’re sharing their passion with the local community through the sale of their freshly roasted whole bean and ground coffee blends. 

Moving to Ozark County 

The Shutes moved to Ozark County in May 2022 after searching for the perfect location for a quiet, country life.

“When our family was searching for a new home after my husband was discharged from the military, we knew we really wanted to live rurally, and we wanted our family to be more sustainable. We really fell in love with the natural beauty of the area and all the outdoor activities nearby,” Dana told the Times when asked why they chose Ozark County as their new home. “Our family really loves hiking, and we are looking forward to the spring when we can take our little ones to the lake to go fishing and swimming.”

Searching for a good cup of joe

Once they moved to Isabella, the Shutes began searching for freshly roasted coffee in the area from a local business, but they came up empty-handed. So, they took the job into their own hands and purchased the equipment to begin roasting and grinding their own coffee beans. 

“...We thought ‘if were searching for a good quality cup of coffee, there’s got to be others like us in the area,’” Dana explained. “We had some locals try it out before we officially launched when we served the coffee at a Theodosia Fire Department fundraiser breakfast. I am now known as the ‘coffee lady,’ and it is such an honor to provide coffee to start the day for our customers.”

Where to purchase

The Shutes created a website where customers can order coffee direct, and they now offer their coffee blends in three Theodosia locations: Hometown Hardware, CF Meat Co. and Fancy Fleas Antiques.

Their regular offerings include the “Dear Theodosia,” an Ethiopian roast, “No Bull Shoals,” a Sumatra coffee, “Mo-tivation,” a high-caffeine version that’s sure to be a favorite and “Mizzou Too,” a Dominic Republic blend.

“We also currently offer a couple organic options, and we will soon be offering a Swiss water processed decaf,” she said. 

In addition to the regular offerings, the Shutes can provide other various roasts by request. 

The typical bags are offered in a 12-ounce size, but Dana says they can also accommodate orders of more or less coffee as needed. 

Find out more

To find out more or to order from Blackberry Valley Coffee Roasters, visit www.blackberryvalleycc.com or follow the company on Facebook “Blackberry Valley Custom Creations LCC.” The Shutes can be reached by the page’s Facebook messenger option or by calling 843-718-7166.

“We just really fell in love with the process - and the smell of freshly ground coffee is just a plus,” Dana said.

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Editor’s note: The Ozark County Times is happy to feature new Ozark County businesses or business owners. To find out more contact Editor Jessi Dreckman by emailing jessi@ozarkcountytimes.com, calling the Times office at 417-679-4641 or stopping by the office, located on the south side of the Gainesville square, during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.