About Us

Welcome to Broken Lance Coffee, a specialty coffee roastery nestled in the heart of western North Carolina. Our mission is to elevate the coffee experience by sourcing the finest beans, roasting them to perfection, and delivering exceptional quality to both retail customers and wholesale partners. At Broken Lance Coffee, we specialize in small-batch, artisanal coffee roasting. We are dedicated to bringing the best coffee experience to the diverse palates of the region and beyond.

Broken Lance Coffee is a family run S-Corporation led by Alex Carmichael, founder, head roaster, and coffee enthusiast. Alex comes from a public administration background. After 12 years in local government management Alex decided to turn to his longtime passion, specialty coffee. Alex is committed to delivering excellence in every cup.

The story of the Broken Lance:

Broken Lance Coffee derives its name from Carmichael family lore. During the Hundred Years War Scottish mercenaries fought alongside the French in 1421 at Baugé . The battle resulted in a major victory over an English army led by Thomas of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Clarence, brother of England’s Henry IV.

Among the 6,000 Scots on the battlefield was Sir John Carmichael, who gained glory after charging the Duke of Clarence and unseating him from his horse – breaking his lance in the process. The Duke was later slain by other Scots on the ground. It was in commemoration of his deed that the Carmichaels later proudly adopted the crest on their Coat of Arms of an armored hand holding aloft a broken lance.

Today, at Broken Lance Coffee we see the image in a more “swords to plowshares,” peaceful light. However you see it, rest assured that a family legacy is steeped into everything we do.