Meet Steve and Kate Harvey, the Heart Behind First Free Coffee in Charlottesville, VA
“As a veteran, my wife and I believe deeply in supporting those who serve—past and present. Service members are the backbone of our nation and our community,” says Steve Harvey, owner of First Free Coffee. Steve served as an Army officer and Blackhawk helicopter pilot. Service runs deep in his family: two of his three sisters also served in the Army, as did his father, three uncles, grandparents, cousins, and brothers-in-law. That legacy of service inspired not only their values but also their business.
First Free Coffee isn’t your typical coffee shop. Located just north of Charlottesville, it’s a high-quality, welcoming “third space” for the community—a place to relax, connect, and recharge over excellent coffee and locally baked pastries. The shop features beans roasted just up the road by 127 Coffee in Madison, VA, and pastries from Albemarle Baking Co. Even the spent coffee grounds are composted on the Harvey family farm just four miles away.
From the moment you step inside, you’ll feel the intentional vibe—peaceful, patriotic, and infused with Americana charm. Steve and Kate designed the space with a purpose: to offer something better than the typical, impersonal coffee chain. “Most of my friends and family have given up on corporate coffee offerings–they are unhealthy in most ways,” Steve says. First Free regularly hosts events—from live music and community gatherings to small group meetups throughout the week. Steve and Kate are even expanding into comedy nights. After hours, the space is available to rent for private events. “Our prices are fantastic.” says Steve.
Running a coffee shop isn’t always glamorous. Steve recalls, “On our first day of operation a construction worker did a bad job utilizing our lavatory. He did a wildly bad job, in which he attempted to plunge with non-plunger cleaning implements and managed to redecorate our walls. I was able to bleach the entire bathroom during our first ever morning rush… without inducing a fatal brain aneurysm.”
Beyond caffeine and comedy, Steve and Kate are deeply committed to supporting causes they believe can help heal a culture they see as struggling. “Atheism and nihilism have nearly captured an entire generation,” Steve says. “So, we’re doing a bit of ground-standing. We do our best to serve the community in the way it needs it most.” First Free Coffee is more than just a café—it’s a space for meaningful connection, where freedom of expression is literally written on the walls, and comfortable chairs invite honest conversation. As for the best coffee in Charlottesville? That’s just a welcome bonus.
