An international coffee chain that already has nearly 300 stores worldwide is preparing to open its first stores in Toronto.
The Coffee was founded in Brazil in 2017 by three brothers Alexandre, Carlos and Luis Fertonani, who decided to create a cafe with a focus on Japan's take-away coffee culture.
“They brought the concept of Japanese minimalism to Brazil and combined it with the best coffee in the country,” Felipe Assis, CEO of The Coffee’s Canadian branch, told blogTO.
Since opening its first two stores in Brazil in 2018, the brand has grown dramatically. Stores have already opened or are planned in Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Austria, Armenia, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, and now Canada.
Interior of The Coffee location in San Juan Puerto Rico: Photo: The Coffee.
The chain selects and roasts its specialty beans in Curitiba, Brazil, and offers all your classic coffee shop drinks, including hot staples like cappuccinos, macchiatos, and Americanos, pure black espresso shots, as well as cool drinks like iced lattes and cold brews.
Assis says its focus on technology sets the brand apart from other competitors. In all of the brand's stores, customers can place their orders via a tablet or directly via a mobile app.
“We hope to provide the community with a space where people can feel warm and cozy, gather with friends or family while maintaining the quality of our products,” Assis said.
The chain plans to source ingredients from local suppliers in Canada and plans to create over 200 jobs in the country over the next five years, from baristas to back office workers.
Exterior view of The Coffee's San Miguel de Allende location in Mexico. Photo: Coffee
“The expansion in Canada was based on research conducted a year ago. We chose to start with Toronto because it is the largest market in Canada and the largest market for specialty coffee. We made the decision based on many factors, including the multicultural nature of the city,” Assis explained.
The Coffee will open its first two Toronto locations in January at 901 King St. W. and 387 Front St. W., followed by a third in May at 150 Bloor St. W. Assis says the brand has already confirmed plans for one to open a fourth location in the city.
Nationally, the chain plans to open more than 40 stores, including future locations in Montreal and Vancouver, to make Brazilian specialty coffee more accessible in cities around the world.