Meet Zach Staggs, a lean, mean bean-slinging machine. He lives, laughs, loves the aromatic world of coffee. Once an entrepreneur in Hayesville, these days you’ll catch him passionately serving up hot brews at the corner of Hodges and South Main Street.
Be Someone Good
At the ragged edge of a 13 hour shift, we convened for this interview. Despite the overexertion of his adrenal glands, he still exuded smiles and warm energy–a caramel macchiato. Demonstrating the ideal host for the perfect party, he graciously offered an array of coffee, juice, and pastries. It’s clear that Staggs desires to welcome his customers and their friends into his living room. Portraying the cafe as a venue that not only serves lattes but also operates as a place where one brews moments and serves memories, complemented by a side of banana bread.
To that end, he explains that BSG accommodates networking societies, bridge clubs, Bible studies, trivia nights, tutoring, book clubs, and study groups. Hence, visitors can worship, flirt, study, and sip until their 8:00 p.m. closing time.
Radical hospitality succinctly phrased as “be someone good” isn’t just a motto; it’s the cornerstone of BSG’s identity. More than a guiding principle, it’s a virtue Zach aspires to instill not only in his staff but also into every customer who walks through their doors. In a life which sometimes feels like a never-ending series of Monday’s—economic uncertainties, rising inflation, record flu numbers, and the ever-shifting landscape of global politics—Staggs wants to create an oasis. When a visitor steps into their store, one thing is non-negotiable: the coffee must be hot, ready, and served with a genuine warmth that transcends the daily grind. He remarked that earlier that day he endured a delayed pastry order. For a moment, frustration threatened to boil over, but he quickly shrugged it off. Problems always percolate at the surface, but he maintains sanity by remembering the essence of his purpose and allowing the rest to exist as a sidebar.
Thus, Staggs preserves his joy and continues the work which he initiated with his brother Jake, in Hayesville, NC. Assisted by a friend and investor, whom I serendipitously met while coding my website, I learned how Zach Staggs’ venture came to life. A genuine smile lights up as he recounts the memory of watching Zach transform remodeled, used furniture into the embodiment of his dream. Currently, the Hayesville branch of BSG proudly holds an impressive 5.0 rating on Google, a noteworthy accomplishment based on 97 reviews.
In the spirit of “be someone good,” it’s not just the customers reaping the benefits but the staff as well. To put it quite literally, a recent arrival to the city found herself employed on the spot, after mentioning, in passing, past experience as a barista. As I eavesdropped on the conversation, I was impressed by Stagg’s pitch, detailing flexible schedules, a foundation built on respect, and an open invitation for staff to showcase their personally crafted items in the consignment section, adorning the walls and shelves of the cafe. It’s not just a workplace; it’s an ecosystem of creativity and camaraderie, where being good extends beyond the cup of coffee.
Aesthetic
While the coffee is important, half of a bean bistro sojourn is the aesthetic. The appearance of the shop is the difference between a keurig cup and french press. Zach Staggs, a designer, created a space that seamlessly blends the historic with the modern through the intentional choice to retain the original exposed brick and hardwood floors, while introducing an Asheville-styled mural. It’s evident that there’s a deliberate fusion of post-modern and Edwardian design elements that resonates beautifully. This thoughtful approach reflects a commitment to preserving the essence of Cornelia, emphasizing the city’s distinctive character.
Despite his urban background, Staggs is steadfast in his determination to maintain Cornelia for the locals, a sentiment echoed by his proud local identity. The preservation of the city’s authenticity becomes more than a design choice; it becomes a statement of community pride and a dedication to retaining the city’s unique identity for its residents. He incorporated wood for the simple reason that wood already existed, and his family assisted because, well, it’s the south. His mother, Sue, selected the chandelier, his friend Rachel Rhodes worked on the interior, and his dad crafted the coat hooks.
The culmination of this collective family effort becomes evident as customers enter the vestibulum, greeted by a sophisticated black sofa that resonates with the ambiance of a John Grisham novel. However, a glittering chandelier, seemingly lifted from Paris Hilton’s bedroom, adds a touch of opulence. The overall atmosphere seamlessly blends the aesthetics of a law office with Instagram-worthy flair.
Yet, as an introverted individual with a touch of ADHD, I instinctively seek out a secluded spot that provides opportunities for observation. Thus, I gravitate toward a window– and consider the mood set. Settling into my chair, I sampled the house roast, Midnight Mountain – a dark, complex blend originating from the Cerrado region of Brazil and exclusively crafted from Arabica beans. At the risk of sounding pretentious, always a risk for an inveterate beret enthusiast, these beans don’t talk, they sing.
Commitment to Ethics
Even the way that the proprietor practices environmental stewardship reflects community–donating used coffee grinds to farmers and gardeners. Furthermore, the proprietor grants priority to avoiding chemical stripping in the cultivation process. Emphasizing the belief that the true essence of coffee can be tasted in the difference between organically grown and conventional varieties. When evaluating the Chamblee Cherry roast and Midnight Mountain as test subjects, it’s evident that this hypothesis not only stands but excels with an A-grade performance. Especially when compared to corporate brews. Moreover, in Hayesville, Staggs worked in collaboration with Walnut Hollow and Grove Farmers Market, reflecting his support for successful mom-and-pop ventures. Then to mark his appreciation for first responders, he offers discounts to EMS, firefighters, post-office staff, bus drivers, veterans and those in public transportation.
Yet even with its local focus, BSG Coffee maintains a global perspective through ethically sourced beans purchased from farming co-ops in Northern Africa. This commitment to fair trade practices reflects a dedication to supporting ethical and sustainable coffee production on a broader scale. They exclusively source their coffee from farming co-ops, deliberately steering clear of major corporate ventures. These co-ops comprise a tight-knit community of family farmers, each owning their plot of land, managing individual sales, and running their businesses. It’s a collective effort that ensures there’s no room for exploitation, human-trafficking, or corrupt governance. In short, no blood beans.
Concerning the selection, I questioned how he coordinated a variety of options while maintaining a cohesive theme for the coffee shop. He lit up like a jack o’ lantern at the question and stated, “Demanding, critical critiques. Then, I write it all down and change up the roast profile. First, we had Chamblee Cherry as the house roast, but then people said they wanted a darker roast. Now we have the Midnight Mountain brand and now that is our house roast.” Even as we engage in this interview, he hails down customers asking for their feedback and mentally jots down notes. However, the menu serves more as a suggestion, given the flexibility to ring up whatever the customer desires. With an extensive array of syrups, milk bases, and hundreds of possible combinations, customization is encouraged. One of these off-menu concoctions presented itself in my order, a sugar-free vanilla breve latte. I observed that, for once, the barista skillfully blended the espresso and heavy cream, avoiding the usual warm milk taste. Jake’s Classic, his favorite drink, features a blonde roast Ethiopian blend.
Conclusion
I love coffee. I love pretty mugs. I love muffins and exposed brick and heavy cream, but more than all of this, I appreciate a friendly welcome. In Cornelia, BSG offers more than just great coffee. Their welcoming space, blending history with modern aesthetics, reflects a genuine commitment to community and ethical practices. From globally sourced beans to local collaborations, BSG is a haven where warmth, respect, and a hot cup of coffee make each visit memorable.
Authors note | Vendors include: Wonderfully Made, Hand Knit Creations, Blush and Wild, Grunt Goat Tactical, and Bigfoot Refinery Beard Co.
