In the heart of downtown Centralia, Hub City Honey Company is more than just a place to buy honey. It’s a hands-on experience rooted in sustainability, community, and craft. With a mission to bring raw, unprocessed honey and more to Lewis County and beyond, the shop has become a local treasure for those seeking bold flavors, ethical practices, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Founded by Beau Gromley, a U.S. Marine Corps and Army veteran, the business is a blend of healing, creativity, and purpose. “Hub City Honey was born from a love of bees, nature, and the therapeutic process of working with our hands,” said Gromley. “Centralia offered that perfect blend of small-town grit and natural beauty. It felt like a place where we could put down roots, build community, and do something real.”
Sustainable, Small-Batch Honey in Centralia’s Downtown Core
Sustainability lies at the heart of Hub City Honey’s operations, influencing every choice made in the shop. From offering zero-waste packaging to sourcing ethically harvested honey, the business is committed to reducing its environmental impact.
“Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us. It’s central to how we operate,” said Gromley. “We believe the best honey comes from healthy hives and healthy habitats.” That philosophy extends to supporting other beekeepers who follow similar bee-first practices across Washington, Oregon and California. Whether it’s honey made from Oregon’s wild blackberries or California’s citrus groves, every batch tells a story of the land it came from.
All of Hub City Honey’s products are raw and unprocessed, meaning they aren’t heated, filtered, or altered in any way. “That preserves the enzymes, pollens, and natural complexity that make each jar special,” Gromley explained. “It’s better for your body, and better for tasting the terroir of each harvest.”
What to Expect When Visiting Hub City Honey in Lewis County
Walking into Hub City Honey feels like stepping into a beekeeper’s rustic kitchen, with a blend of comfort, craftsmanship and curiosity. “They’ll feel the warmth right away,” said Gromley. “It’s cozy, handmade, and a little rustic, like your friend’s kitchen, if your friend was a beekeeper.”
Whether you’re a longtime honey enthusiast or just beginning to explore its possibilities, visitors are encouraged to sample and learn. “We love talking honey, sharing samples, and making sure folks feel welcome and curious,” he said. Flights of honey allow guests to explore everything from delicate floral notes to deep, earthy flavors.
“Our Local Blend reflects the fields, forests, and backyards of Lewis County,” Gromley said. “It’s sweet, smooth, and deeply tied to the rhythms of our home soil.” This special blend, sourced from neighborhood blooms such as blackberry, orchard fruit, and wildflowers, is an authentic tribute to Centralia and Chehalis.
New to Hub City Honey and the area is a refillery. Sustainability is about making choices, so now shoppers can bring their own bottle or grab one at the store and fill it with kitchen staples on tap. This zero-waste model offers pure, cold-pressed, undiluted oils and vinegars, as well as other products, with every ingredient traceable back to sustainable family farms.
Honey Tasting, Cooking Tips, and Local Collaborations in Centralia
Hub City Honey doesn’t just sell honey. They celebrate it! The shop hosts regular tastings, educational workshops, and honey pairing nights, often in collaboration with other local businesses. “We’ve teamed up with local farmers, herbalists, and Good Buzz Brewing Co. (also Veteran-owned) for mead workshops and contests,” Gromley shared.
When it comes to using honey in the kitchen, the possibilities are endless. Gromley recommends a wide range of pairings for both beginners and culinary pros. “I love a good spicy-sweet combo, like drizzling buckwheat honey over smoked ribs or using cranberry blossom honey in a vinaigrette,” he said. “And nothing beats a sharp cheese with a spoonful of fireweed or carrot blossom honey on top.”
The shop also helps customers understand how to cook with honey varieties depending on their flavor strength. “The darker honeys are bold. Use them where you want that depth, like marinades, BBQ, or whole grain breads,” Gromley said. “Lighter ones are perfect in teas, yogurt, or baked goods where you want to keep things bright and floral.”
Centralia Business Rooted in Community and Veteran Support
Since opening, the response from the community in Lewis County has been overwhelming. “It’s been humbling,” Gromley said. “People have shown up with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a real hunger to support something local.”
The shop has become a space where people can learn about bees, taste unique honeys, and connect with others. “We’ve had folks bring their kids to learn about bees, veterans stop by to swap stories, and customers become friends,” he added. “We feel lucky to be part of this community.”
Hub City Honey Company is also an active participant in Centralia-area events, local sponsorships, and collaborative efforts that support other small businesses and fellow veterans. Whether it’s mead-making demonstrations or honey education nights, the shop is dedicated to helping people deepen their connection to food, nature, and each other.
To explore the full collection of raw, unprocessed, small-batch honey or to attend one of their events, visit Hub City Honey Company at 110 S. Tower Avenue in Centralia. Learn more and shop online here, and follow along on social media, including Facebook and Instagram, for upcoming tastings, workshops, and collaborations with other Centralia and Lewis County businesses.
