Goodrich — Kirk Walker knows beans. Coffee beans.
If you’re looking for a superb cup of gourmet coffee, look for the glossy black-and-red ABeanToGo package, locally roasted by Kirk and Amy Walker.
For Kirk, a master roaster, combining two of his biggest passions—faith in God and his love for coffee—into a family business with his wife Amy is an answer to prayer.
“I wanted a bumper sticker–True enjoyment is self-employment,” he said.
After years of research and months of work, the Walkers have begun wholesaling ABeanToGo coffee to retailers around the state and beyond. Mesquite Creek’s Creekside Coffee Shop in Clarkston will feature a special version of the coffee, as will the soon-to-be-open Carebee’s coffee shop in Ortonville and the Goodrich Marketplace.
As coffee afficionados discover the fabulously fresh, smooth taste of the coffee, the specialty coffee is quickly selling out.
Using Arabica beans grown near the equator in several countries, Kirk specially roasts thousands of pounds of coffee beans himself. As a master roaster, he “cups” the coffee from each batch, sampling and describing the unique flavors and aromas of his coffees, much like a wine taster.
The smooth Costa Rica, which he describes as “rich, hearty, well-rounded flavor with a natural sweet aftertaste,” is ABeanToGo’s number one best-seller, he says.
Kenya AA is an “awesome after-dinner coffee,” said Kirk, with a bright taste that’s not in the least bitter.
Coffee connoisseurs will also want to try Sumatra Mandheling, which offers a “full body, smooth, strong earthy flavor” or Colombia Supremo, “superbly balanced with hints of caramel and a nutty aftertaste.”
Using closely-guarded recipes, Amy mixes up flavored coffees to please every coffee-drinker’s palate: White Chocolate Caramel, Vanilla Butter Nut, Hazelnut, or Cinnamon Sticky Bun. Pumpkin coffee, “sweet and spicy with a hint of nutmeg,” has been a cold-weather favorite, says Amy.
Most of the coffees are also available decaffeinated. The Walkers use only Swiss water-processed decaffeinated coffee beans.
“It’s the most natural, safest, healthiest way to drink decaf,” said Kirk, although the beans cost hundreds of dollars more than other varieties.
“We made the decision early on not to compromise,” said Kirk. It’s not about profit, it’s about quality,” said Amy.
Although the Walkers began production in November, Shadrach Meshach & ABeanToGo gourmet coffee got its name about five years ago from three Bible characters.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were three Hebrew exiles thrown into a huge fiery furnace because of their faith. In the Biblical account found in the book of Daniel, the three walked out of the furnace, smoke-free, thanks to the protection of their God.
The Walkers relate well to the story, feeling God has taken care of them during much financial hardship. They’re letting their faith in God drive their business plan, says Kirk.
“It’s not about us, it’s about Him,” says Amy, pointing upward.
Details (248) 819-7780.