About Calders Coffee Cafe

Calders Coffee Café began with a simple idea — that coffee fuels community.

Founded by Leigh and Clay Hartman, Calders is more than a café; it’s a gathering place rooted in purpose and belonging. As they are both Celtic the name itself carries a bit of history and heart — Calders, from the Gaelic word for stony river or wild waters, honors both the rugged spirit of Highlands and the pub where the two first met on one of their earliest dates.

After years of Navy service and travels around the world, Clay and Leigh settled in the mountains of North Carolina and bought the café in 2019 with a shared goal: to build something real — a place where good coffee meets good people. As a service-disabled veteran–owned small business and proud Navy family, they believe in taking care of their crew and their community alike. That means creating living-wage jobs, supporting local artisans and bakers, and serving products that reflect the character of the region.

You’ll find fresh pastries baked nearby, art from Highlands photographers, unique brands of familiar favorites, and coffee sourced from Café Campesino, a roaster known for integrity and exceptional quality.

Open 363 days a year (weather permitting), Calders has become a steady current in the Highlands — a warm, inviting hub where locals and travelers gather, stories flow, and connection brews daily.

At Calders, every cup begins with care and ends with community.