On Friday, September 27, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina with a force that none of us could have ever imagined. The storm brought unprecedented devastation to our community, and DT's Blue Ridge Java, the heart of Spruce Pine for over 20 years, was hit hard. In an instant, 10 feet of floodwater swept through our coffee shop, destroying everything we had worked so hard to build. The cozy space that had once filled the air with laughter, connection, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee was reduced to ruins.
But this isn’t just the story of DT’s. It’s the story of a community that was torn apart yet continues to show the resilience and spirit of togetherness that makes us proud to call Spruce Pine home. Homes were lost, businesses destroyed, and lives upended. But through it all, the people of Spruce Pine have been nothing short of extraordinary. Neighbors have rallied together, offering help in any way they can—whether it’s clearing roads, delivering supplies, or simply providing a shoulder to lean on. This is what makes Spruce Pine more than just a place to live—it’s a family.
For those of you who know DT’s, you understand that our café is much more than a place to grab a cup of coffee. It’s a safe haven, a space where connections are made, and where countless memories have been shared over the years. Just months before the storm, we had proudly celebrated our 20th anniversary with an expansion of our space, hoping to serve our customers even better. Now, those dreams and efforts have been washed away. But through the heartbreak, we are not giving up. We are more determined than ever to rebuild, and we know we don’t have to do it alone.
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The Road to Recovery: Temporary Solutions and Community Support
In the wake of the devastation, we embarked on the overwhelming task of assessing the damage. But through it all, the love and support we’ve received from you—our loyal customers, neighbors, and friends—has been a shining light of hope. We cannot thank you enough. Every contribution has brought us one step closer to restoring DT’s to its full potential. Funds raised so far are being used for essential repairs, including work on our new ceiling, flooring replacement, and the restoration of the front facade. However, we are far from done. The full-scale restoration of our historic Wylie building and the essential equipment we need to get back to business are still major hurdles to overcome. That's why we’re continuing to fundraise, and we need your help. Here on our website, you’ll find a rebuild needs list that includes the crucial equipment necessary to get DT’s back up and running. Your donations, whether through purchasing merchandise, gift cards, or donating directly, are all deeply appreciated and essential to making our dream a reality.
While the rebuilding process will take time, we’re not waiting to reconnect with our community. Thanks to the incredible generosity of L&L Furniture, Burleson Plumbing and Heating, Coffee Library, and all of our amazing vendors and friends, we’ve been able to set up temporary operations in Downtown Spruce Pine. L&L Furniture graciously welcomed DT’s Jr. Java into their Outdoor Center, creating a temporary coffee and pastry bar where we can serve you once again. Although we’re operating on a smaller scale, this space allows us to stay connected and continue doing what we love during this rebuilding phase. DT’s Jr. Java officially opened its doors on November 4, and it’s been a joy to reconnect with familiar faces and make new memories, even in the midst of uncertainty.
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Expanding Our Online Store and Continuing to Rebuild
As we continue to rebuild DT’s Blue Ridge Java, we are excited to announce the expansion of our online store! Now, you can support us from anywhere in the country by purchasing our signature coffee, branded mugs, T-shirts, and more. These items not only make a great gift or personal treat but also help us generate the funds needed for the next phase of rebuilding. Every purchase brings us one step closer to reopening our doors and bringing the warmth and spirit of DT’s back to the community.
In addition to our merchandise, we offer both physical & eGift Cards for in-store redemption and Online Gift cards that can be used on our online store! It's a great way to invest in the future of DT’s and show your support during this rebuilding journey.
We invite you to explore the store, take a look at our rebuild needs, and continue supporting us in whatever way you can. Together, we can make DT’s Blue Ridge Java even better than before.
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A Permanent Tribute to the Community's Resilience
In honor of our journey and the unwavering strength of our community, we are making the flood line a permanent feature of our rebuilt building. This installation will serve as a tribute to all of you—our supporters, our volunteers, and everyone who has played a part in helping us rise from this disaster. Donors contributing $1,000 or more will be recognized with a personalized plaque on this wall, as a lasting reminder of the generosity that helped us rebuild.
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Rebuild Progress Update - March 2025
As we continue our journey to rebuild DT’s Blue Ridge Java, we want to take a moment to share and celebrate the small but meaningful steps we’ve made. Every little bit of progress brings us closer to bringing DT’s back to life, and we couldn't be more excited for what's to come.
We’ve made wonderful strides so far. The concrete has been poured, and we've begun rebuilding the front façade of the building. On the inside, we’ve been replacing the electrical work and acquiring the necessary materials for rebuilding the interior walls and repairing the floors. We've also begun hanging insulation in the Tree House Realty space of the Wylie Building. These critical steps lay the foundation for the rest of the rebuild, and they mark the beginning of our long-awaited return. While we know there’s still much work to be done, the excitement of what lies ahead keeps us moving forward, one step at a time.
Every day, we grow more hopeful and determined as we dream of the day when we can once again open our doors to you.
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Our family bonding looks a bit different these days! This week, we've been hard at work—cutting concrete, jackhammering, hauling out the concrete, and digging trenches for our new plumbing. A huge thanks to Adam Trabold and River Huskins for all they've been doing on this project! And a big shoutout to our great group of volunteers who've been right there in the trenches with us, not shying away from the hard work! It's definitely been a little back-breaking, and there's still a long way to go, but we're grateful to be doing it together.
(Scroll through our progress photos at the top of the screen!)
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A Heartfelt Thank You
As we continue to rebuild, we are filled with gratitude. We are humbled by the support we’ve received from our community and from people across the country. Your kindness has kept us going, and we are more determined than ever to return stronger than before.
Please continue to support us through donations directly on our website, gift card purchases, and merchandise from our online store. And if you’re in the area, we would love to see you at DT's Jr. Java—enjoy a cup of coffee, a pastry, and the warm, familiar experience you’ve come to know and love.
Our journey is far from over, but with your help, we know we can rebuild DT's Blue Ridge Java, restore the Wylie building, and make our community even stronger. Thank you for being a part of our story.
With Love and Gratitude,
David, Tricia, & Taylor