Every morning, many people reach for their first cup of coffee—a daily ritual that fuels the hustle of crying babies, school drop-offs, and morning workloads. Living in Franklin, we’re lucky to have great coffee options, including one from Doctor Terry Hadaway, better known as the "Doctor of Coffee."
Hadaway holds an associate degree in engineering, a bachelor’s degree in religion, a master’s in higher education, and a doctorate in adult education. He currently serves as director of the Center for Innovative Instruction and Online Learning at Trevecca Nazarene University.
Roasting coffee became a natural hobby for Hadaway. “I don't remember a time when coffee wasn't a part of my life. My parents were coffee drinkers. I often joke they probably put coffee in my baby bottle,” he says.
In the late 1990s, Hadaway began roasting his own beans. “I bought a small fluid bed roaster and some green beans. The first batch was terrible, but I kept trying,” he says. After countless attempts and some trial and error, the coffee began tasting good enough to share with family and friends.
Over the years, Hadaway upgraded his equipment and continued refining his craft. Encouraged by positive feedback, he knew he was on to something. When he moved to Franklin in 2015, he noticed that no one had claimed the name Franklin Coffee Company. He quickly secured the domain, registered the trademark, and waited for the right time to launch.
Three years ago, Hadaway officially introduced Franklin Coffee Company, first selling online and later at The Factory’s Wednesday farmers market. Although he no longer sells at the market, he continues offering his coffee online and has shifted his focus toward white-labeling—helping businesses and organizations customize their own branded bags of coffee. “I believe small businesses and organizations can benefit from unique corporate gifts and swag," Hadaway says. "White-labeling coffee is a low-risk, cost-effective way to expand a brand, capitalize on coffee’s popularity, and deliver a quality product while focusing on customer experience." Whether it’s a business, church, or nonprofit, custom-labeled coffee offers a creative way to spread the word, and Franklin Coffee Company is here to make it happen.
Beyond the branding opportunity, Franklin Coffee Company stands out as a true small-batch, artisan roaster, offering a higher quality product for several reasons:
Batch size and control: Small-batch roasting ensures consistency and highlights unique flavor profiles.
Bean quality and sourcing: Hadaway sources high-quality, single-origin beans, focusing on freshness and traceability.
Roasting technique: Each bean type is carefully roasted to bring out its best characteristics—fruity, nutty, or floral.
Freshness: Beans are roasted on-demand and sold shortly after, preserving peak flavor.
Attention to detail: Every batch is tasted and adjusted by hand, ensuring the best outcome.
Flavor diversity: Artisan roasting offers a wide range of distinct flavors shaped by the bean’s origin and roast style.
What started as a personal passion has grown into a respected local business. “I never wanted to own a coffee shop. We have plenty of great ones, and I’m friends with some of the owners,” Hadaway says. “I wanted to develop coffee that represents the excellence associated with Franklin. I never want to copy what others are doing, because that just makes one of us unnecessary.”
Today, Franklin Coffee Company continues to embody Hadaway’s original vision: exceptional coffee, carefully crafted, and proudly representing the spirit of Franklin. FranklinCoffeeCompany.com
“I wanted to develop coffee that represents the excellence associated with Franklin."