Katie Hamer with B Blacktop Freeze Dried Goods

Downtown Spotlight!

You may have seen Katie Hamer of B Blacktop around downtown Chillicothe — her booth can often be found at The Charmed Nook, the Chillicothe Farmers Market, and many community events including the Bishop Hogan Holiday Bazaar and Chautauqua in the Park. Katie is known for her unique freeze-dried candy that has become a favorite treat for many.

🍬 An interesting fact about your business that most people don’t know?
Freeze-drying removes water from food by freezing it and then heating it in a vacuum, which causes ice to turn directly into gas — a process called sublimation. Originally developed for medical and space applications, this method preserves nutrients, taste, and texture while creating a very long shelf life. When applied to candy, freeze-drying creates an airy, crunchy texture and amplifies flavors, transforming familiar favorites into a whole new experience.

☕ Something random you can’t live without at work?
During long vendor events, iced coffee is a must-have for Katie. Her go-to? Black coffee over ice with a café latte protein shake and a few pumps of vanilla skinny syrup.

📍 What’s the inspiration behind the name of your business?
Katie and her family live on B Highway, and one day her husband jokingly said, “B Blacktop drama.” The phrase stuck — and from there, B Blacktop Freeze Dried Goods was born.

🎬 What is your favorite Main Street event?
Katie’s kids especially enjoy Movie Night, when Main Street sets up a big screen downtown for an evening filled with fun, games, and a great movie under the stars.

💭 A personal motto or phrase you live by?
“Heal the wound, but leave the scar.” Katie also reminds her kids, “If you can’t find a friend, be a friend.”

🏆 Proudest accomplishment as a business owner?
For Katie, the greatest achievement is building a name that people seek out. Developing a reputable business rooted in consistency, integrity, and trust has been the ultimate marker of success — not just in what she says about her business, but in what others say about it.