Our Story

Why Coffee?

Growing up in our family meant being blessed with grandparents who lived as farmers in Italy before coming to America. Sharing a cup of coffee with them wasn’t about discussing flavor notes or where the coffee came from. In the morning, it was the utility of that first cup that mattered. Usually paired with something as simple as toast with butter, coffee was fuel to kick start the day. In the evening, coffee became fuel for conversations around the kitchen table.

During family gatherings, no matter the hour, the Bialetti moka pot came out of the cupboard and was placed on the stove. Small cups of espresso were poured and passed around as the smell of coffee filled the kitchen. Conversation carried on at the kitchen table for hours as stories echoed through the house. Some took their espresso with sugar, while others poured in Sambuca, an anise-flavored liqueur that paired well with the deeply roasted coffee pulled from a cabinet or freezer.

The smell of coffee will always carry fond memories of family. These memories form the foundation of why I got into coffee in the first place - coffee, like almost nothing else, brings us together intimately.

Whether it be with family, friends, or people we are just getting to know, sharing a cup gives us the opportunity to put life on pause and connect. There are few things more essential in life feeling connected to those around us.

From our family to yours, we hope you enjoy.

- Tony Ponte, founder

Our "nonni", Graziella Pesce, 1950's

  

A thought about sourcing coffee:

Everyone has a preference when it comes to coffee; flavor, roast, brew style. The truth is that there is no right or wrong, no better or worse. Flavor is subjective! 

However, this changes when it comes to the supply chain. While there might not be a right way to drink coffee, there certainly is a right way to source it. We're proud to work alongside companies like Caravela, Sucafina Specialty, Crop to Cup, and others. These companies partner with growers, helping them to improve output and earn more for their beans. At the same time, these businesses place an emphasis on enriching the community through programs that bolster education, job training, health insurance programs, and more. If we're only extracting goods in exchange for dollars, we're not creating sustainable systems.