Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. A Cross-Country Coffee Quest
4. The Journey's Impact: Reflection and Growth
5. A Deeper Connection to Coffee Culture
6. The Craft of Coffee: An Artisan Journey
7. Finding Purpose in Travel
8. Tips for Coffee Lovers: Embarking on a Journey
9. Conclusion

Key Highlights:

• Milestone Celebration: David Blanchard, a Richmond coffee entrepreneur, celebrates 20 years in business by traveling to all 50 states to sample local coffee offerings.
• Father-Daughter Bonding: This unique road trip serves as a meaningful way to connect with his daughter before she embarks on her college journey.
• Rich Discoveries: Along the way, Blanchard reflects on personal growth, connection with coffee communities, and the evolution of the specialty coffee scene in America.

Introduction

In a world that often moves too quickly, taking a moment to pause and savor life can become a rare pleasure. David Blanchard, the owner of Blanchard's Coffee in Richmond, Virginia, has embraced this ethos through an extraordinary journey that combines his love for coffee with a heartfelt adventure. In a quest to sample local brews in all 50 states, Blanchard has embarked on a yearlong expedition not only to celebrate two decades in the coffee business but also to foster a deeper connection with his daughter before she steps into her college years. As he travels from state to state, Blanchard's journey goes beyond the mere enjoyment of coffee; it encapsulates personal reflection, bonding, and a rich tapestry of experiences that highlight the vibrant coffee culture flourishing across America.

A Cross-Country Coffee Quest

David Blanchard's journey began serendipitously during a road trip he planned with his younger daughter, Ann-Caison. Initially, the trip was conceived as a way to bond before she headed off to college, entailing several stops at coffee shops along the way. What began as a simple plan soon transformed into a much larger endeavor: to drink a cup of coffee from each of the 50 states. With 46 states completed and just four left, his travel has taken him from the bustling cafes of New Orleans to the quiet roasteries in Alaska.

Blanchard's road trips started in March and extended through the summer. He picked up a truck camper in Cincinnati, Ohio, which would become a mobile home for him and his daughter as they made their way back eastward. Their first stop? An unassuming cafe called The Spot on Main in Ohio, marking the ceremonial start to Blanchard's adventure in coffee consumption.

As Blanchard toured the Southeast, touching down in familiar spots from Florida to New Mexico, his wife Kelly joined them for part of the trip before returning to Richmond. Eventually, he soldiered on alone to complete the rest of the journey. The unplanned nature of this trip became a key theme for Blanchard, highlighting how sometimes the best experiences arise from spontaneity and openness to what the road may present.

The Journey's Impact: Reflection and Growth

The journey has proved to be more than just a quest for coffee; it has served as an opportunity for introspection. As Blanchard traverses the miles, he grapples with feelings of nostalgia and change as he transitions into this new phase of life—becoming an empty-nester. “It felt really good to think about where I’ve gone, where I am now, and what’s next,” he stated, capturing the essence of his reflective journey.

This self-discovery process involved a cathartic quality that Blanchard initially didn't anticipate. Traveling without a defined itinerary became liberating, as he embraced the mantra of letting the road unfold naturally before him. Each cup of coffee offered not just a taste of a region, but also a reservoir of memories and stories from fellow baristas and patrons who shared a brief moment of connection with him.

The significance of these interactions enriched Blanchard’s experience tremendously. “I got inspired through coffee and people,” he said, emphasizing that the real meaning came in conversations rather than just caffeine content.

A Deeper Connection to Coffee Culture

Blanchard's unique pilgrimage has allowed him to engage deeply with the evolving specialty coffee scene throughout America. Each state presented a new facet of coffee culture, from the renowned coffee cities bursting with top-notch roasters to small-town gems hiding within strip malls that provide surprisingly delightful brews. He aimed not only to add 50 cups to his list but also to witness and learn about the nuances of how coffee is prepared and served in different locales.

Throughout his travels, he was particularly fond of the cafes that impressed him with their distinct takes on what specialty coffee could be. One of his favorites, Metric Coffee in Chicago, exemplified the high standards and craftsmanship expected in the world of specialty coffee. These experiences provided rich insights into market trends, consumer preferences, and unique offerings that could shape his own business model.

The trip illuminated the importance of community within the coffee industry. In many instances, Blanchard was warmly welcomed into local shops, where owners shared their journeys and challenges. These personal stories became the fabric of his travels, reminding him that coffee is as much about the people behind the cups as it is about the beverage itself.

The Craft of Coffee: An Artisan Journey

Blanchard’s relationship with coffee is deeply rooted in an appreciation for craftsmanship. Initially a hobbyist, his foray into the world of roasting stemmed from a fascination with coffee-making processes. His venture began at a roaster in Carytown, which piqued his interest in the artistry of coffee. Driven by passion rather than a structured business model, Blanchard has grown his operation from basic home roasting into a thriving enterprise supplying multiple cafes and retail locations, including Target.

Every cup of coffee he brewed during the trip was crafted from his own line, Blanchard’s Handshake, which he prepared on a camp stove. “There’s something about brewing coffee on a camp stove. The ritual of making morning coffee felt like something I needed to continue to do on the trip, just to feel grounded,” said Blanchard. This dedication to craft underlines a continual commitment to quality—a principle that resonates throughout his work and serves as a reminder of why he started the journey in the first place.

Finding Purpose in Travel

Over the course of 11,000 miles and countless cups of coffee, Blanchard has returned from his expedition invigorated with fresh ideas for Blanchard’s Coffee. As he prepares to enter the next phase of his life and business, he is mindful of the need for adaptation and growth within the coffee sector.

Moving forward, Blanchard intends to leverage the collective insights and experiences gathered during his travels to infuse new life into his business. Whether it's through introducing new blends inspired by the shops he visited or refining existing processes to enhance overall quality, his trip has laid a solid foundation for future innovations.

“America’s crushing it!” he exclaimed, referring to the high-quality coffee found throughout the nation, which reinforced his commitment to elevating his brand in this competitive landscape. As he considers the direction his company needs to head, he is hopeful and enthusiastic about what lies ahead.

Tips for Coffee Lovers: Embarking on a Journey

In sharing his own story, Blanchard encourages others to embark on their adventures. “Just go,” he urges, remarking on the minimal planning required for a successful road trip. He emphasizes the value in spontaneity and the unique experiences that can result from simply asking locals for recommendations. His humorous nod to the convenience of modern amenities, like Walmart's ubiquitous presence, underscores that safety and comfort are easily accessible.

For anyone contemplating a similar journey, Blanchard offers simple wisdom: "Get in a car and drive, go to a coffee shop, ask them where you should have dinner," he encourages—highlighting the joy of discovering new experiences, people, and flavors along the way.

Conclusion

David Blanchard’s cross-country journey is a testament to the power of passion, family bonds, and the rich ecosystem of the coffee industry. By celebrating his two-decade milestone through the lens of coffee exploration, he has created unique moments filled with discovery and reflection. His travels serve as an inspiration for both coffee enthusiasts and those seeking to cultivate deeper connections in their own lives.

As Blanchard approaches his final stops in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Hawaii, he carries with him not just the magic of coffee but also renewed vision, an abundance of stories, and a heart full of gratitude for the connections forged along the way.

FAQ

What inspired David Blanchard's journey across the US? David Blanchard was motivated by a desire to celebrate 20 years in the coffee business while also spending quality time with his daughter before she starts college.

How many states has Blanchard visited so far? As of now, Blanchard has successfully visited 46 states and is on track to complete his journey by visiting the remaining four: Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Hawaii.

What was the main takeaway from Blanchard’s travels? The most significant insight Blanchard gained was the importance of connection—both with people and within the coffee community. His interactions underscored that coffee is about more than just the drink; it’s about the stories and relationships tied to it.

What are some of Blanchard's favorite coffee shops? David mentioned Chicago’s Metric Coffee and The Sentinel in Marfa, Texas, among his favorite stops, highlighting their unique approaches to specialty coffee.

How has this journey impacted Blanchard's business? The journey has revitalized Blanchard's vision for his business, enabling him to gather ideas and inspiration from diverse coffee cultures across the country. He aims to apply these insights to enhance and innovate his offerings at Blanchard's Coffee.