04/24/2026
To my valued customers,
After 14 years in business, I have made the difficult decision to close Toccoa Coffee and step into a new chapter.
This journey began somewhat unexpectedly. A friend once invited me to attend a coffee roasting school in Florida. I went simply as an enthusiast, but the experience sparked something in me. Soon after, I decided to put what I had learned into action and start my own company.
From the very beginning, my hope was that this business would serve people in meaningful ways. One of my earliest efforts was providing fresh-roasted coffee to a homeless center that supported addiction recovery. Over time, I expanded into supplying coffee and Bunn coffee equipment to churches, hoping to help create spaces where people could gather, build community, and strengthen their faith.
Along the way, I also had the privilege of working with many wonderful organizations and businesses—including startup companies, private Christian schools, therapy programs, Challenger Little League, and several groups that support children and adults with disabilities.
Many of you know that I have an adult son with autism. One of the greatest blessings of this business was the opportunity to have him work alongside me for many years. More recently, opening our café allowed me to employ several adults with disabilities and show them—and our community—that when given the opportunity, they are capable of achieving far more than many people expect.
None of this would have been possible without you. Over the years, many of my customers became friends, and your encouragement, loyalty, and support sustained this business for nearly a decade and a half. A few individuals played especially important roles in helping this company grow, and I hope to personally thank you in the days ahead.
Like many small businesses, our journey was not without challenges. There were times when gossip, rumors, and outright falsehoods were spread, and when certain individuals made deliberate attempts to cause harm to the business and to the people connected to it. Those actions brought real hurt to my family, my employees, and our community. While those experiences were deeply painful, I choose to leave those matters in God’s hands and focus instead on the many blessings that came through this work.
To my loyal customers and friends—you are the reason Toccoa Coffee existed for 14 wonderful years. From the very first bag of coffee sold, to those who helped spread the word, offered ideas, or simply stopped in to share a cup and conversation, I am deeply grateful. You made this journey possible, and I will always carry that gratitude with me.
As for what comes next, I am looking forward to a season of change. My plan is to sell the assets of the businesses I created, sell my home in Granger, and relocate to a warmer climate as I begin exploring the next chapter of life.
Thank you again for the support, friendship, and encouragement you have given me over the years. It has meant more than you know. Perhaps our paths will cross again someday.
Until then, may God bless each of you.
Jeff Whitlow
Toccoa Coffee
