For service members, coffee isn’t just a beverage—it’s a lifeline. Whether fueling pre-dawn PT, long deployments, or late-night missions, the right brew keeps warriors sharp and ready for whatever comes next. Big Guns Coffee is a veteran-owned company that doesn’t just talk about strength—it brews it.
A Military Legacy, A Coffee Revolution
Big Guns Coffee isn’t your average coffee brand. Founded by Marine Corps Veteran, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker T. Shane Johnson and his 9-year-old daughter Charli, this company embodies resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
T. Shane, who has overcome homelessness and life-threatening adversity, built Big Guns Coffee with the same unwavering determination that carried him through the toughest challenges of his military career. Charli, a budding entrepreneur with big ideas, envisioned a company that would not only produce exceptional coffee but push the boundaries of how and where it’s grown. Together, they launched the first-ever indoor hydroponic coffee farm in North Carolina—a bold step toward sustainable, American-grown coffee.
A Perfect Fit for Those Who Serve
As Big Guns Coffee expands, it aligns with the mission of The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, which provides goods and services at U.S. Army, Air Force, and Space Force installations worldwide. With its presence in department stores, convenience stores, restaurants, and more across 30+ countries and four U.S. territories, the Exchange has long been a trusted provider for service members. Big Guns Coffee is ready to be part of that legacy, bringing fresh, bold, and American-roasted coffee directly to the men and women who defend our nation.
Hydroponic Coffee: Innovation Meets Sustainability
For decades, coffee has been grown in tropical regions, thousands of miles from where it’s consumed. Big Guns Coffee is changing that narrative by pioneering hydroponic coffee farming, a soil-free method that allows coffee plants to thrive in nutrient-rich water. This innovative approach delivers superior quality by eliminating soil inconsistencies and exposure to harmful pesticides, resulting in a cleaner, richer flavor. It also champions sustainability, using significantly less water than traditional farming while reducing environmental impact and preventing fertilizer runoff.
Most importantly, it brings American-grown coffee to the forefront. Traditionally, coffee production in the U.S. has been limited to Hawaii, but Big Guns Coffee’s hydroponic farm in North Carolina introduces a fresh, homegrown option that is reshaping the industry.
Expanding Access: Bringing Big Guns Coffee to Military Retailers
Big Guns Coffee is on a mission to bring high-quality, fresh-roasted coffee directly to military communities. By partnering with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, the company aims to make its blends more accessible to service members at home and abroad. Whether grabbing a cup before heading to the flight line or stocking up for field exercises, troops deserve the best—and Big Guns Coffee is ready to deliver.
A Veteran-Owned Business That Understands the Mission
Military-serving retailers like the Exchange prioritize brands that understand the unique needs of service members. As a veteran-owned company, Big Guns Coffee is built on the same principles that drive military excellence—discipline, resilience, and mission focus.
“Our goal is simple: to provide high-quality coffee to those who push their limits every day,” says T. Shane Johnson. “As a Marine, I know firsthand the importance of a strong cup of coffee. Now, we’re taking that commitment even further by bringing American-grown coffee to military communities worldwide.”
A Bold Future for Big Guns Coffee
With 38 specialty blends sourced from around the globe, Big Guns Coffee already offers an impressive selection. But the future of coffee is growing in North Carolina, where the first hydroponically grown coffee beans are being cultivated for military personnel and coffee lovers alike. The company is also exploring new ways to expand access, including their Sprouts Farmer’s Market launch in May, ensuring that service members, veterans, and their families have a go-to source for fresh, mission-ready coffee.
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