Earthling Coffee and Espresso, a space-themed drive-thru shop, is moving from Candler to a new location on Patton Avenue in West Asheville. The relocation aims to upgrade operations and better serve local commuters. Owner Brad Turner has introduced in-house coffee roasts and local partnerships to enhance the menu.
Brad Turner, known as 'The Space Cowboy' and often seen in a cowboy hat, is leading the relocation of Earthling Coffee and Espresso. The business, which opened in 2019, is shifting its drive-thru operation from 867 Smokey Park Highway in Candler to 1110 Patton Avenue in West Asheville, a site previously used by a granite supply business. The move, covering about four miles, positions the shop amid commercial businesses along a high-traffic route near Leicester Highway.
The Candler location will close on March 15, followed by a soft opening with limited hours on March 28 at the new site. The grand opening is scheduled for April 6. Renovations include a wraparound drive-thru, with no interior service planned initially, though Turner is considering a walk-up window and patio seating.
Turner, from Johnson City, Tennessee, purchased the independent business last June, which also includes a kiosk at Asheville Mall and a storefront in Brevard. He has revamped the brand with a bright logo while maintaining its alien-centric theme. The menu features coffee and espresso drinks, energy drinks, teas, lemonades, Cosmic Coolers, baked goods, and snacks. Enhancements include premium items like Matcha Nude teas and in-house roasts developed from Turner's experiences in Costa Rica.
Collaborations with local partners, such as Pisgah Coffee Roasters, have produced blends like Event Horizon, a Brazilian Arabica espresso; Starlight, a light Tanzanian peaberry; Starbound, a medium three-bean blend from Central and South America; and Starfall, a Central American dark roast. These are available as drinks and for retail.
"The medium roast is my pride and joy that I built over the past few years," Turner said. "I would put my coffees up against anyone."
Turner emphasized the importance of local businesses in Asheville, stating, "Asheville was super community, local-based and we've got a push of a lot of more corporate stuff here, but people are starting to see that and say, 'Hold on, let's make sure we're keeping things local.' It is critical for what Asheville stands for."
The new shop will operate from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, with potential extended summer hours. Turner expressed gratitude to staff, suppliers, and customers, noting, "We're excited for where we're at. We're in a really good spot and we're going to bring something special to the area."
Operationally, the relocation represents a significant upgrade, Turner said, allowing better service to commuters traveling downtown along Patton Avenue.