Goodrich-Master roaster Kirk Walker is now in the movies.
At least a few hot cups of his coffee are.
The owner of ABeanToGo gourmet coffee shop, 8221 South State Road, now provides coffee for Atlanta-based Tyler Perry studios. The film production facility is where movies such as ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman,? ‘Meet the Browns? and ‘The Family that Preys? were produced.
Earlier this year, Kirk, along with his wife, Amy, made the trek to Atlanta to visit the studio, which now purchases about 30 pounds of the locally roasted coffee each week.
‘The writers, editors and actors all drink our coffee now,? said Kirk. ‘I know some of the stars that work at the studios pick up our coffee too.?
Walker also supplies The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), the largest Christian television network in Hendersonville, Tenn.
The local brew has also attracted the commuter traffic on M-15, with customers texting orders prior to stopping in on their daily drive.
The business has been drawing area traffic to their retail site on State Road, which opened in 2008. The couple started roasting coffee in their basement at their home about four years ago. They were ordered to stop roasting by the village council because neighbors complained about the odor.
After a short time in Ortonville, the Walkers opened up in the village along State Road.
‘I was scared of retail,? said Walker. ‘It’s an additional aspect of our business.?
Amy and Kirk said they gave their business the name ‘Shadrach Meshach & ABeanToGo? gourmet coffee because of a Biblical reference.
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 God.
Now shipping their coffee to 16 different states, Kirk said the sluggish economy has not impacted their business.
‘People still appreciate a great cup of coffee,? he said. ‘People like our product’even when times are rough we have 40 to 60 stop in to our store each day.?
With 39 different coffees including 19 flavored, they sell one- and five-pound packages.
Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – noon. Phone: 248- 819-7780.