Dripolator Coffee Bar is excited to take on a new name and identity as High Five Coffee Bar! On Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 190 Broadway Street, Jay Weatherly will celebrate 5 years of owning the Dripolator with the launching of a new name: High Five Coffee Bar. The launch party will be from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and will include live music, pulled pork from the Chop Shop, cupcakes from Short Street Cakes, Kombucha tastings from Buchi, tea infusions from Dobra, coffee brewing demonstrations, chair massages, and prizes (including gift certificates for Clasique Acupuncture and Pilates, Counter Culture Coffee, Soapy Dog, and much more).
The launching of High Five Coffee Bar will fulfill a long time dream for Weatherly.
“Taking over the Dripolator in 2007 was an honor and challenge that has opened up many new doors, and it feels like it’s time to recognize what has been created as a result.”
Weatherly has been in the coffee industry for over 11 years and has been influential in helping to grow and improve the Asheville coffee scene. The launch of High Five will help to differentiate his business and efforts from the original Dripolator in Black Mountain.
“In part the Dripolator name has brought us to where we are today, and now it feels like the right time to redefine what we have become.” says Jay’s wife and co-owner of the business, Kim Hunt. Weatherly believes the name High Five reflects the friendly environment of the shop and hopes it brings more people to experience what great coffee tastes like.
“Our goal as a coffee bar is to craft excellent coffee and communicate the integrity of our product with professionalism. The name High Five relays the spirit by which we accomplish those things,” says Weatherly.
The launch party will be an opportunity to debut the new logo along with changes in menu, new seating construction within the shop from original designer Oxo Halo, and the installation of a permanent collection of commissioned art from long time patron and friend Josie Mosser.
“Through the rebrand we are given the chance to demonstrate that we are relevant players in the specialty coffee industry ” says Josh Beane, High Five’s head of barista training. The rebrand has been in the works for much of the year and there is quite a buzz about what changes will take place as a result.
“Our new identity gives us all more ownership of this space, and we’re excited to use social media to connect with our customers about coffee seasonality and education ” says Emily Peele, High Five’s operations manager.
Jay, alongside his wife Kim and daughter Via, has built a business that is responsive and reflective toward the Asheville community that they love and call home. Maintaining a tradition of giving back to the community, High Five Coffee Bar will continue to serve Asheville through monthly donations or coffee sponsorships to local non-profits and community causes. Weatherly believes any sustainable and successful business must consider its impact on both people and the planet, as well as profit. In keeping with this philosophy, much of the original buildout of the espresso bar and interior were done with non-toxic paint and re-claimed wood.
High Five Coffee Bar will continue to exclusively serve Counter Culture Coffee, who are leaders in sustainable coffee and combine their commitment to paying farmers premium prices for their quality coffee harvests grown with respect for the natural environment.
High Five to all these nice folks doing it right! Thanks and best of luck!
Congrats to Jay, Kim and the entire High Five crew on the next phase of a fantastic business.