Bring Seeker Coffee to downtown Old Fort, NC.

Nathan Smith is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

If you’ve walked or driven through Old Fort lately, you may have seen me, Nathan Smith, standing under an awning for weekend coffee pop-ups or with a crew of friends turning a formerly vacant building beige to blue. Recently, with the support of my neighbors, I was given the opportunity to realize my longtime dream of opening a quality coffee shop just a few blocks from where I live. Now, I need community support to take the next steps to fully move in and open the space, Seeker Coffee, to the public.

This fundraiser will allow Seeker Coffee to get off to a solid start without being buried in high-interest loans and other debts that are most easily accessible, but generally burden, first-time independent business owners. While I’m applying for local grants, working with local business nonprofits, and looking for other potential funding opportunities, those processes are slow and competitive. With a whole lot of sweat equity and $25K, we’ll have the cushion we need to make quick progress now in order to open by the fall. I’ve spoken to several contractors, received estimates, and the building owner and I are making many of the repairs and improvements ourselves. However, there are some areas where we need professional help and items we need to purchase to get the shop up and running.

Reaching our goal will allow us to cover:

the cost of building out a bar counter with seating
necessary electrical and plumbing repairs (the building is over 100 years old!)
furniture and dishware
a Linea espresso machine (*This is an extra special purchase since I rebuilt this machine during my time as a repair technician. Thanks to a friend and fellow coffee shop owner, I’ve recently had the opportunity to own this high-quality machine at a very deep discount.)

A little bit about me: I’m originally from Kansas City, KS, but my wife and her family are from Black Mountain. Among our various paying jobs, we are both also musicians. I first visited the area over 14 years ago and now live just a couple blocks from the coffee shop we’re working on opening.

My passion for coffee and long history in the business started with my time in the San Francisco Bay Area where I worked as a barista, espresso machine repair technician, and roasting assistant for Blue Bottle and Pinhole Coffee. I was incredibly fortunate to learn from some of the best in the business who are now lifelong friends and mentors.

I will be using delicious, locally sourced coffee. I’m also in conversation with a local baker and we hope to offer quality, substantial food service at the shop. Together, we’ll work to create a welcoming gathering space.

Asheville and surrounding areas have seen rapid growth over the past few years, but we hope that Old Fort will retain its neighborly, unique sense of community. With your support, I will be able to complete the final pieces and set an opening date. I’m truly looking forward to serving my community and creating a vibrant downtown hangout in Old Fort, NC.

Thank you so much for being a part of this dream with me.

You can also find Seeker Coffee on Instagram @seekercoffeenc with a website coming soon.