My love for coffee began in early childhood with stolen sips from my grandparents' after-dinner mugs full of Maxwell House decaf and a bit of half-and-half. It was simple and comforting.
My first birthday with Grandma and Grandpa Chainsaw, 1982
Years later, I got hooked on cold brew during hot Texas mornings and delighted in afternon single shots of espresso during a trip to Italy. As I went deeper into coffee culture, I got my own espresso machine and found myself not just enjoying the drink, but also being captivated by the entire ritual: selecting beans, dialing in the grind, pulling the perfect shot. Eventually, I thought...why not go one step deeper?
Katrina enjoying a brew in one of our favorite coffee shops in Florence, Italy, 2018
In May 2025, I bought my first small roaster and started experimenting in my garage. As my skills developed, I began roasting batches for family and friends, and the idea for Grandsaw was born. The name comes from "Grandma and Grandpa Chainsaw", a nickname that stuck after my grandfather helped cut down trees on the property where I grew up. After his passing in August 2025, it felt like the perfect way to honor their influence on my coffee journey.
My little roasting station doing a half pound per batch, 2025
And the bird and tree in the logo? They're pulled from the very porcelain mugs my grandparents drank from when I was young. Grandma Chainsaw, who is still going strong in her 90s, still has some of the mugs with her, and I was lucky enough to get one of them for my own collection of coffee gear.
The porcelain mug that inspired Grandsaw - notice it in the first photo?
Every batch I roast is a small tribute to not only my grandparents, but to everyone who makes my life and love for coffee special. Thanks for being a part of it!