Hyatt Sprague Preliminary Article

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Anchored in Hope, Roasted with Purpose

True Anchor Coffee and the Quiet Work of Building Community

In the early morning hours—long before storefronts open and conversations begin—coffee has a way of quietly shaping lives. For Hyatt Sprague, founder of True Anchor Coffee, that rhythm started early, riding to construction sites with his father, a licensed contractor, a black cup of coffee warming his hands before concrete was poured and the day began.

Those mornings turned into years of blue-collar work—residential and commercial construction, then the demanding world of wind turbine installation and maintenance. Each chapter came with early hours, hard labor, and a steady reliance on coffee as both fuel and comfort, especially while working outdoors in unforgiving elements. Over time, coffee became more than routine for Hyatt. It became something to appreciate.

That appreciation deepened during a move to Washington state, where coffee is woven into the fabric of daily life and community. There, quality coffee wasn’t a luxury—it was a shared language. Long winters, strong local connections, and exceptional roasts left a lasting impression.

But the true beginning of True Anchor Coffee didn’t come from comfort. It came from uncertainty.

A Business Born from Faith

After moving his family more than 2,500 miles back to the Florida Panhandle, Hyatt Sprague found himself in a season of transition. Though still working in power generation, a deeper calling was forming—a desire to build something rooted in servanthood, faith, and connection. Business, Hyatt believed, could be more than transactions. It could be a tool for Christ-centered community.

The name True Anchor Coffee reflects that foundation. Drawn from Hebrews 6:19, where hope is described as “an anchor for the soul,” the name carries rich meaning. The original Hebrew word Tikvah paints a picture of a cord or lifeline tethered securely to an anchor. For Hyatt, it’s a reminder that when his life and work are properly anchored in God, he can weather whatever storms come.

Craft, Care, and a 30-Year-Old Roaster

True Anchor Coffee is intentionally small-batch and hands-on. Every step—from sourcing green beans to roasting, packaging, and selling—is overseen by Hyatt himself. One of the most defining choices early on was restoring a 30-year-old roaster (one that had even caught fire in its previous life). Through careful restoration and the integration of modern roasting software, the roaster now delivers remarkable consistency while allowing Hyatt deep insight into the craft itself.

Only arabica beans are used, selected for their smoother, less bitter profile. Beans are sourced from multiple regions, each chosen for its distinct characteristics shaped by climate, elevation, and processing methods. The goal isn’t uniformity—it’s expression.

“I want each roast to bring out what makes that bean unique,” Hyatt explains. “Every cup should tell the story of where it came from.”

A Blend That Says It All

Among the lineup, one roast stands out as especially personal: the Work In Progress Blend. Created in pursuit of an elusive flavor memory—stone fruits, subtle spices—it took time, notes, and patience to perfect. During development, Hyatt simply labeled it “work in progress.” When the blend was finally right, the name remained.

It’s both a nod to the creative process and a reflection of something deeper: that we, too, are works in progress, shaped and refined by our Maker.

Building More Than a Brand

Launching the business came with its fair share of trial and humor. On the very day the restored roaster was brought home, it was dropped from the back of a truck while unloading. For a few heavy moments, Hyatt thought everything might be lost. Instead, the damage was minor—a bent belt guard—and the lesson was lasting.

“There have been so many moments where the Lord has stretched my faith,” Hyatt says. “I’m constantly reminded that I’m not doing this alone.”

Community support has been essential, not just as customers, but as partners in connection. From word-of-mouth beginnings in the Cottage Food Industry, True Anchor Coffee has grown into an online store, partnered with local retailers, added single-serve pods, and become a regular presence at vendor events and the Marianna Farmers Market.

Behind the scenes, support has been just as meaningful. Hyatt’s wife—despite hating the taste and smell of coffee—has been his greatest advocate, handling everything from logo design to administration and encouragement on the hardest days. Guidance from his pastor, Paul Smith of RCC, and hands-on mentorship from friend Jeff Vickery—who once taught Hyatt to roast coffee with a popcorn popper—have helped shape both the business and the man behind it.

Coffee as a Connector

At its heart, True Anchor Coffee isn’t just about flavor—it’s about feeling. Hyatt hopes a cup might stir a memory, spark a story, or open space for conversation. One blend, Cinco Station Breakfast, is named after a restaurant his grandparents once owned—a place Hyatt never personally knew, yet somehow feels familiar through family stories passed down.

That’s the goal: coffee as a bridge between people, generations, and shared moments.

Looking Ahead

Hyatt’s vision for the future includes expanding the roastery on the family’s Grand Ridge property, with hopes for a storefront, cold brew production, and eventually a full coffee shop with indoor seating and a drive-through in east Jackson County. Wholesale partnerships and broader availability remain a priority. Yet success is measured differently here. “The most rewarding part,” Hyatt says, “is being present with my family while doing meaningful work.”Morning coffee is shared with his son, followed by Americanos—one enjoyed while driving his daughter to school, a simple gift of time that self-employment has made possible.For those dreaming of starting something of their own, Hyatt’s advice is simple and steady: learn your craft well, take the step of faith, and watch God work.Anchored in hope, refined by patience, and poured with purpose—True Anchor Coffee is proof that some of the best work is done quietly, one cup at a time.