Dynamite Roasting Coffee Bar — Restaurant in Black Mountain

having just come out of nearly a year of working at dynamite, there are a few things i feel like i should bring attention to, for anyone who’s considering this as a place of employment/simply to raise awareness in the community: I love that dynamite is a fair trade organic roaster. i love the customers, my coworkers, and the cafe manager. however, upper management leaves something to be desired in the way they treat their employees. Concerns with pay were met with disregard, irritation, and finally a threatening notice to cease all pay complaints, or else. we were told we would be fired if we did not wear company tshirts to work. we were told we would be fired if we were caught with a book or phone behind the bar. eventually, a situation arose which the general manager, Patrick Shaw, handled incredibly unprofessionally with complete lack of communication. This was certainly not the first encounter with Patrick which all of the cafe staff felt was handled poorly. I wrote an email to my cafe manager with expectation of privacy, voicing concerns regarding Patrick. I expressed that I would begin looking for other employment soon. I was fired the next day. After being one of their longest-lasting staff, a favorite of the customers, and someone who always showed up on time, I was let go. No attempt to resolve the differences was made. I felt very disrespected and it was truly a disappointing move to fire me when they knew I was starting to seek employment elsewhere. All that to say - if you find yourself an employee of Dynamite, keep your head down and mouth shut, otherwise, you might get fired for sticking up...

Couldn't find a way on their site to register my (extreme) satisfaction with Dynamite so: On a recent visit to Asheville last fall literally during the hurricane I stopped into Old Europe which I always do when in town and had the best cup of Sumatra I've ever had so when I got back to Raleigh I called OE and asked where they got their beans and was directed to Dynamite. Glad I called - Just got my first order of 1 lbs. of Sumatra (suspicions confirmed - awesome); Ethiopian Sidamo, which I bought basically as a throw-in to defray the shipping costs and is one of the best coffees I've ever tasted; and the seasonal Papua New Guinea, which is their take on what is my favorite type of bean. Have not partaken of the PNG yet but will tonight and based on everything else so far that I've had from DRC, man, I cannot wait.

Their coffee is just outstanding. I have learned a lot in the past year or so buying some great, some good, and a lot of mediocre blends online and by sometimes just taking a flying leap of faith based on what others say. Although compared to others I know I still have a lot to learn about coffee, I know good when I taste it and believe me, Dynamite is GREAT.

They are artisans (truly), who clearly love what they do and awesome at it. AND they are small, independent business owners in western North Carolina. What's not to like?

And thanks again to Old Europe for making me aware of Dynamite.

Support 'em (please - I NEED their...

Dynamite offers some of the best coffee I have ever had. I stop by every morning on my way to school and work. The baristas are friendly and know me by name. The rustic design, antique roaster, authentic record player, and wall of vintage vinyl of vintage vinyl serve to create a warm, welcoming environment. Rather than an internet cafe, Dynamite is a place where one can get closer to friends while sharing a number of delicious hot and cold beverages, without being distracted by free wireless internet. However, although the environment is great, the coffee continues to be the aspect of the business that brings me back again and again. Offered at Dynamite, a simple cup of coffee gives an earthy, unique, and bold flavor that is unmatched by competitors. Furthermore, Dynamite has become a cultural landmark in the Black Mountain and greater Swannanoa area. I highly recommend Dynamite Roasting Company to both passing travelers who want to make a quick stop and permanent residents who want to make a lasting relationship with a...