HISTORY
Founded in 1995 by Jim DeForrest, Black Hills Coffee Company was born out of a passion for specialty coffee and a desire to bring something better to Rapid City. Inspired by his passion and palate for good tasting coffee, Jim returned to the Midwest and began roasting small batches of coffee at home, sharing his creations with friends and fellow truck drivers. Armed with a Diedrich 12 kg drum roaster and a drive to introduce high-quality coffee to the area, he built lasting relationships with local businesses, coffee shops, restaurants, and visitors throughout the Black Hills.
Over the years, the company expanded, moving into larger facilities, diversifying into espresso machines and cafe supplies, and even opening a retail coffee house and eventual restaurant (Stonewalls Kitchen). Jim’s focus on customer service, training, and quality set Black Hills Coffee Company apart in an emerging specialty market.
In March 2024, the company entered an exciting new chapter under the ownership of Nick Van Dyne and Patrick Schuster. Carrying forward the legacy built by Jim, Nick and Patrick bring their shared love for coffee, the Black Hills, and life’s adventures to the business. While preserving the original blends perfected over 30 years, they have also infused their own energy, connecting with wholesale and retail customers and growing the brand’s local footprint.
Nick settled in the Black Hills in 2022 with his wife, Leslie (a Valley Springs, SD native), and their blind lab, Boomer. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Nick was born, raised, and lived there until embracing the move West. He spent 11 years in education and is currently involved with the Rapid City TeamMates Mentoring Program. Nick enjoys exploring the Black Hills, spending time moving and shaking outdoors, and sharing laughs and good times with great people. Sweet Elva joined us in November 2024!
Patrick grew up on Lake Kampeska in Watertown, SD (Go Arrows!) and graduated from South Dakota State where he wore jersey #17 as a Linebacker for the Jacks. His journey took him to Newport Beach, CA and Uganda working for a non-profit apparel company called Krochet Kids intl. And loved every second of the experience. Patrick moved to the Black Hills in 2018 for a job opportunity and has loved it ever since. You can catch Patrick strolling the town or hiking the hills with his dog Frannie, dunking his way to a city league basketball championship with the Chute Roosters, or enjoying either a regular or South Dakota martini as long as it comes with an excess of olives!
