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Middletown, Connecticut · Specialty Coffee Brand Deep Dive

Klekolo World Coffee

Editorial sacred-geometry artwork for Klekolo World Coffee; not a documentary photograph
IndependentNamed roasting partner: Multiple undisclosed small-batch specialty coffee roastersSourcing: Origin / region level
TagsKlekolo World CoffeeConnecticut coffee roastersSumatraPeruEthiopiaNicaraguaVenezuelaUgandaIndependentOrigin / region level
Visit Klekolo World Coffee's site

Klekolo World Coffee is an iconic, independent coffee house in Middletown, Connecticut, that has served as a community gathering space since 1994. The shop is celebrated for its dedication to organic and fair-trade beans, its unique cash-only business model, and its role as a venue for local art and live music. By partnering with multiple small-batch roasters, the shop offers a rotating selection of high-quality single-origin coffees and blends.

Ownership
Klekolo World Coffee is an independent, woman-owned business. It was founded by Hollie Rose and Yvette Elliott in 1994, with Yvette Elliott taking over sole ownership in 2011.
Founded
1994
Roasting
Named roasting partner: Multiple undisclosed small-batch specialty coffee roasters. Other roasting arrangements are unverified.
What it's known for
Serving as a long-standing, independent community hub in Middletown, Connecticut, known for its cash-only policy, commitment to organic and fair-trade coffee, and support for local arts and live music.
Sourcing countries
Sumatra · Peru · Ethiopia · Nicaragua · Venezuela · Uganda
Farm-level sourcing
The brand sources its coffee from various roasting partners who prioritize organic and fair-trade certifications. They do not publish specific farm or producer names, instead focusing on rotating selections from different global regions to provide variety in flavor profiles.
Notable coffees
  • — Gayoland Sumatra
  • — Nicaraguan Maracaturra
  • — Venezuela Coffee
  • — Pony (Ugandan Robusta)
In the news

Recent news and media coverage about Klekolo World Coffee, as documented by outside outlets. We link to the original reporting and do not rewrite or endorse it.

2026-05-08 · Roast Local
Best Independent Coffee Roasters in Hartford, Connecticut (2026)

This industry-focused feature highlights Klekolo World Coffee as a long-standing staple of the Connecticut River Valley coffee culture. The article notes the shop's history since 1994 and its enduring relationship with the nearby Wesleyan University community.

Sources used in this deep dive
Research disclosure — this profile was compiled from public online sources on 2026-10-26. This company overview is not a tasting review. Original tasting reviews are labeled separately when they exist. Ownership, roasting and sourcing details are attributed to documented sources. While the brand identifies that it works with seven different roasting partners, the specific names of these partner roasteries are not publicly disclosed on their website.

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