Meet the Roaster
Hi, I’m Joel Hitchcock—worship leader, husband, dad, and the hands (and nose) behind every roast at Shire & Rye Coffee.
This little coffee business grew out of something simple but important to me: helping people slow down, taste something better, and share it with others. I’ve always loved the feeling of a warm mug on a quiet morning, the way coffee can bring people together—at home, in a cafe, or . I’m someone who has always loved crafting something out of raw and high quality ingredients.
My wife Kara helps with branding and creative vision (and takes gorgeous photos), and we now have a daughter, Riley, whose joy and curiosity have deepened my sense of wonder in everyday things.
When I'm not roasting, you’ll find me leading worship at our church, working on home projects, or enjoying good food and drinks with family and friends. I love the process of growing things—whether it’s in a backyard garden or something deeper in the people and places around me. The stories and imagery of The Lord of the Rings have long inspired me—places like the Shire that value simplicity, fellowship, and care for the land feel captivating to me in a world that seems evermore complicated. Taking care of the earth is close to my heart, and I believe we all have a part to play in helping revive what’s been neglected.
Whether you're new to specialty coffee or just looking for something local and meaningful, I’m glad you're here. Thanks for supporting this little dream of ours. I hope every bag brings a bit of warmth, wonder, and comfort to your day.
Cleanly Roasted
At Shire & Rye, every batch of coffee is roasted exclusively on an induction-heated roaster—no fossil fuels required. Induction is a remarkable technology that uses magnetic fields to transfer heat directly to the roasting drum, rather than heating the surrounding air like traditional gas or electric systems. This means faster heat response, greater precision, and far less wasted energy.
We love that it delivers the power and control of natural gas but with a much smaller environmental footprint. It’s one of the many ways we’re working to reduce our energy consumption and minimize our impact on the planet—without compromising the quality in your cup.
Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop there. As we grow, we’re actively looking for ways to invest in even cleaner solutions—from solar power to less plastic waste in our packaging—to ensure that every step of our process is rooted in care for both people and the planet.
Our care for creation is also rooted in our faith. We believe that the earth is a gift—something entrusted to us, not to exploit, but to steward with gratitude and humility. That conviction shapes everything from the energy we use to the way we source and roast our coffee.
The name Shire & Rye is a nod to the Shire—a place where people lived close to the land, cherished what grew from the soil, and found joy in warm hearths, simple meals, and good company. That vision inspires us daily: to craft coffee that brings people together and honors the beauty of the world we’ve been given.
“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”
-Galadriel, The Fellowship of the Ring
