Caffé Vita Coffee Roasting Company, based in Seattle, Washington, has carved a niche for itself in the American coffee industry. Founded in 1995, Caffé Vita is part of the third wave of coffee movement, which emphasizes high-quality coffee and direct relationships with coffee farmers. This article explores the history and development of Caffé Vita, highlighting its contributions to the coffee industry.
Origins and Early Development
Caffé Vita was founded in Seattle's Queen Anne
neighborhood by Mike McConnell. From the beginning, McConnell was committed to developing direct relationships with coffee farmers, bypassing traditional fair trade practices. This approach led to the pioneering of the Farm Direct movement, which focuses on sourcing coffee directly from growers, ensuring better quality and fairer prices for farmers.
The company's flagship café, roastery, and offices are located at 1005 East Pike Street in Seattle. Over the years, Caffé Vita has expanded its presence, operating seven other cafés around Seattle and a roastery in Phoenix, Arizona. In 2012, the company ventured into New York City, opening a café on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, followed by a roastery and café in Bushwick, Brooklyn, in 2015.
Community Involvement and Social Impact
Caffé Vita is deeply involved in community initiatives, particularly those aimed at supporting homeless youth. In 2009, the company partnered with Portland's p:ear, a homeless youth mentoring program, to create the p:ear Barista School. This program provides training and opportunities for homeless youth to become skilled baristas, helping them secure employment.
The company also supports FareStart's youth barista training program, which offers barista jobs at coffee stands in T-Mobile Field. Caffé Vita sponsors several local events, including Timber Music Fest and Capitol Hill Block Party, and organizes fundraising drives for organizations like Community Passageways and Trans Lifeline.
Sustainability and Change in Ownership
Caffé Vita is a leader in sustainable coffee sourcing, meticulously developing long-term relationships with growers in over 11 countries. The company offers Organic, Farm Direct, and Rainforest Alliance Certified coffees, ensuring environmentally friendly practices.
On January 1, 2020, Deming Maclise, a local restaurateur, took over ownership of Caffé Vita. Under his leadership, the company has continued to emphasize community involvement and sustainability. Maclise introduced the Coffees for a Cause line, donating proceeds to non-profits like Seattle Foundation and FareStart.
Caffé Vita's journey from a small Seattle café to a respected name in the coffee industry is a testament to its commitment to quality, sustainability, and community engagement.
