Hyperion fans, take a deep breath – new owner Jack Scholl says your “iconic coffee shop isn’t going anywhere.” Hyperion, a beloved staple in the heart of downtown Fredericksburg, is under new ownership for the first time in its 30-year history. Jack Scholl, a coffee industry professional with deep roots in Virginia, has taken over the reins from Dan and Anna, the original owners, who are moving on to the next chapter of their lives.
Scholl, who has been involved with his family’s 34-year-old roasting business in Rockbridge County for the past few years, expressed his admiration for what the former owners have accomplished. “What they’ve done is legitimately special,” Scholl said. “Thirty years in coffee is pretty unheard of, and they are easily in the top one percent of all coffee shops in terms of success.”
For those concerned about potential changes to the iconic coffee shop, Scholl offered reassurance. “There’s nothing I want less than to change what makes Hyperion so special,” he stated, noting that while some minor adjustments may occur, the essence of what the community loves about the shop will remain intact. “What they love is going to stay.”
Scholl hinted at some exciting developments on the horizon, particularly related to the coffee itself. As managing partner of Roadmap Coffee, formerly known as Lexington Coffee Roasters, he plans to bring some of the elements that have made his family’s roasting company a success to Hyperion. “We’re going to connect people with the coffees they most enjoy,” Scholl said, describing a matchmaking service to help customers find the coffees they love. Scholl said his personal favorite coffee is an Ethiopian slow pour.
While Scholl emphasized that major changes are not in the immediate future, he did acknowledge the possibility of slight modifications to make operations smoother for the staff. “It’s not easy work,” he noted, after spending several days observing the high-paced environment at Hyperion. “If anything, the changes we’re considering are to make the staff’s lives a little easier.”
Scholl, who has spent time in Fredericksburg both as a University of Mary Washington student and as a visitor afterwards, remarked on the significant changes he’s noticed in the city’s downtown area. “The city is doing something right,” he said, noting the vibrant nightlife and community events that now characterize William Street.
As for his future with both Hyperion and Roadmap Coffee, Scholl made it clear that Hyperion will remain a part of the family business. “This is small business acquiring small business,” he said.
Hyperion Espresso is located at 301 William Street in Fredericksburg. The current hours are Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Friday – Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
