Hanover, PA – Dawg Gone Bees, LLC, located at 7 Center Square in downtown Hanover, is expanding its unique honey and beekeeping experience with the introduction of Skep Coffee, a new coffee offering that blends locally sourced ingredients with the shop’s signature honey products.
Main Street Hanover’s Marketing & Administrative Coordinator, Alex Brown, recently met with Dawg Gone Bees co-owner Jackie Mack and staff member Emily to learn more about the inspiration behind Skep Coffee and how the new offering is bringing visitors into the shop in a new way.
For Jackie, Dawg Gone Bees began with a simple idea: sharing locally produced honey with the community.
“Back in 2008-2009 I hadn’t been working for a couple of years. My husband told me I needed a job and at the time he kept a lot of bees. I told him that I would just start selling his honey at the farmers’ market, and it grew from there,” said Jackie.
The business name itself comes from a memorable moment involving the family’s chocolate Labrador, Penny. Penny often accompanied Jackie’s husband while he tended to the bees. After getting stung one day, Penny returned home looking less than thrilled.
“When she came back to the house, she kept pouting and she looked super upset. I told my husband that I bet she’s thinking ‘those dawg gone bees!’” Jackie shared.
Over the years, Dawg Gone Bees has grown into a destination for honey lovers, beekeeping enthusiasts, and those interested in learning more about pollinators. The addition of Skep Coffee was a natural next step for the downtown shop.
“We already had this space with all of the tables, but we don’t get a lot of people that come and sit down,” Jackie explained. “Emily mentioned the idea of starting pour-over coffee using our honey, and it just blossomed from there.”
Skep Coffee gives visitors another reason to stop in, stay awhile, and experience the unique atmosphere of Dawg Gone Bees. Emily hopes the new offering encourages more people to explore the shop and discover the many products and educational opportunities available.
“We really want to have people come in and see the space. We’re hoping that once they come in, it’ll get them interested in beekeeping, mead, or honey,” said Emily.
The coffee menu features a variety of options, including honey-inspired drinks, with milk options that are locally sourced. Dawg Gone Bees also prioritizes sustainability by using recycled materials for its coffee cups, straws, sleeves, and other supplies.
When asked about her favorite coffee, Emily admitted she may be a little biased.
“I’ve really been loving our coffee recently,” she said. “But, outside of that, I tend to get an iced coffee with caramel or mocha.”
In addition to Skep Coffee, Dawg Gone Bees continues to offer educational opportunities through beekeeping classes and mead-making classes. The team is also exploring the possibility of offering coffee-making classes in the future.
To celebrate the launch, Dawg Gone Bees will be offering special coffee promotions in honor of National Honey Bee Day. From August 8–15, visitors can enjoy special deals on Skep Coffee while celebrating the importance of honeybees and pollinators.
Whether stopping in for a cup of coffee, local honey, or a chance to learn more about beekeeping, Dawg Gone Bees invites the community to visit and experience all that their downtown shop has to offer.
Dawg Gone Bees, LLC
7 Center Square
Hanover, PA 17331
Hours:
Wednesday–Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
Closed Monday and Tuesday
For more information, visit Dawg Gone Bees in downtown Hanover and follow along for updates on Skep Coffee, classes, and upcoming events.