When you step into Barrel House Coffee in Ball Ground, GA, you’re not just visiting a coffee shop—you’re stepping into a space built on passion, community, and creativity. We sat down with owner Katie Turnage to dive into her journey, the story behind Barrel House Coffee, and her exciting collaboration with Bizarre Coffee on the new Call Me Old Fashioned bourbon barrel-aged coffee.
1. What sparked your journey into the coffee industry?
“My husband Ryan and I were just starting our journey as newlyweds. Ryan, a Marine Corps veteran, developed a love for coffee during his deployment to Iraq. Instead of just gulping down energy drinks or lukewarm coffee, he began savoring the experience. That passion stuck with him for nearly nine years. With business degrees in hand, we decided to pursue entrepreneurship. In July 2018, we partnered with friends who shared our vision, and by December, Barrel House Coffee was born.”
2. What inspired the name Barrel House Coffee?
“The original business partners were barrel-aging coffee beans in their garage and selling them at local farmers' markets. We met them at a pop-up shop and fell in love with their product. They had a fantastic name, logo, and concept but needed help establishing a brick-and-mortar location. We decided to team up, and the rest is history.”
3. How do you source your coffee beans, and what makes them special?
“We’ve always worked with Genuine Origin because of their relationships with thousands of farmers around the world. They provide consistent, high-quality specialty-grade beans. We specifically look for flavor profiles that complement bourbon, such as vanilla, chocolate, caramel, nuts, and cinnamon.”
4. What’s your favorite product on the menu?
“My personal favorite is a classic Café Au Lait with local honey. It’s inspired by my time with Ryan in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We loved visiting the French Quarter and sipping Café Au Lait at Café du Monde.”
5. How did your collaboration with Bizarre Coffee come about?
“Our shops are neighbors in Cherokee County, GA, so the connection was natural. After meeting Sabrina from Bizarre Coffee, her positive energy blew us away. We admired their commitment to the community and team, which aligns perfectly with our own values.
"The collaboration excites us because it brings two like-minded shops together to create something truly unique. Call Me Old Fashioned is the perfect marriage of our bourbon-inspired approach and their innovative spirit.”
6. What’s your favorite Bizarre Coffee product?
“I love the vibe of their shop most, but drink-wise, it’s their Iced Brown Sugar Latte or the Ethiopian coffee. Perfection!”
7. Can you share a memorable story from running Barrel House Coffee?
“Every year, the Toys for Tots Christmas Parade is our busiest night. Last year, we had a line wrapped around the building, and the energy was incredible. I remember stepping back to take it all in—our team was working seamlessly, customers were excited, and I couldn’t help but feel immense gratitude. When the parade started, my team pushed me out the door to watch it with my 3-year-old son. That moment, sitting with him and realizing how far we’d come, is one I’ll never forget.”
8. What do you hope people feel when they visit Barrel House Coffee?
“We want them to feel like they’ve walked into a bourbon distillery—a warm sense of community combined with the ambiance of a brick-house or barrel house.”
9. What advice would you give to someone dreaming of opening a coffee shop?
“Passion for coffee is important, but it’s not enough. Running a coffee shop takes all your attention. You need to love your community, believe in your team, and lead from the front. Educate yourself on small business ownership, treat your staff well, and never be too proud to mop floors or scrub toilets. Success comes from hard work, humility, and dedication to your team and customers.”
10. In true Bizarre Coffee spirit, what makes you weird?
“My sticky notes! I rely on them for everything. My team knows if they ask for something, they’d better follow up with a sticky note on my desk. It’s my system for managing the chaos, and I can’t function without it!
Whether you’re visiting Barrel House Coffee in Ball Ground or ordering online, Katie’s passion for crafting unforgettable coffee moments shines through every cup. Explore their story, try their offerings, and don’t miss the limited-edition Call Me Old Fashioned coffee—a true celebration of collaboration and craft.
Plan your visit: 📍275 Gilmer Ferry Road, Ball Ground, GA 30107
Follow: https://www.instagram.com/barrelhousecoffeeco/
Order online: https://www.barrelhousecoffeeco.com/
