Chadwick Wahinekapu’s mobile coffee truck, Trade Craft Coffee Roasters has bean in business for a year since May. The former Army operator is originally from Washington state, but settled in Moore County two years ago to be closer to his wife’s family in Pennsylvania. “I grew up like if you’re not drinking coffee by 10 a.m., they pretty much revoke your citizenship of the state.”
Chadwick has always appreciated a good cuppa’ joe but fell in love with specialty coffee after retiring in 2015. One sip of a bourbon barrel aged coffee and he was hooked. Chadwick says feedback on his business has been great so far. “It’s a higher grade coffee, and then bringing a little bit of that Pacific Northwest coffee scene down here without the crunchiness.” The veteran roasts everything himself and makes his own locally-sourced ingredients for an all a-ground natural brew. He says the key is not to over-roast the beans to preserve the flavor.
Among Trade Craft Coffee Roaster’s top sellers are chai and matcha lattes. The blood orange espresso mule is also a favorite because mocktails are having a moment. “It’s something people don’t expect when you put in citrus with coffee … (it) counteracts the bitterness.” Personally, Chadwick is an espresso tonic guy. “I like the lime. I like the citrus paired with my Mexican roast, which is a really nice medium light roast that’s got notes of cocoa, almond and then a lemon zest and sugar cane that kind of balances it all out … for a nice refreshing drink.”
Plans for a brick and mortar are brewing. Chadwick hopes to get started on his own shop by the end of the year, ideally made out of repurposed shipping containers, complete with an in-house roastery. Not to be pretentious but the coffee-sseur wants to bring that PNW vibe to Moore County by roasting beans on site. “It engages more of your senses when the coffees are roasting and you can get those aromas. It’s a really nice experience.”
Ready to get re-java-nated? You can find the Trade Craft Coffee Roasters truck at the Moore County and Vass farmer’s markets. They also makes monthly stops in Apex and Raleigh. Check the weekly schedule on the TCCR socials and website. If you’re wondering about the llama, it’s simple. Chadwick says after hanging out with them in Oregon, they’re his “spirit animal.”
