Caphe Roasters
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Càphê Roasters is Philadelphia’s first and only Vietnamese specialty coffee roaster, recognized for its commitment to sourcing high-quality beans from Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The company is notable for its social mission, which integrates professional development and employment opportunities for local students through a partnership with the nonprofit 12 Plus.
Founded in 2018 by Thu Pham and Raymond John, Càphê Roasters emerged from a winning proposal in Shift Capital’s Kensington Avenue Storefront Challenge. The company was established with a dual purpose: to introduce Philadelphia to Vietnamese specialty coffee culture and to serve as a catalyst for community revitalization in the Kensington neighborhood. Thu Pham, a Vietnamese American raised in Philadelphia, sought to create a space that celebrated her cultural heritage, while Raymond John, the founder of the educational nonprofit 12 Plus, aimed to provide meaningful career pathways for students and alumni of the organization.
The company operates as a roastery and café, roasting its coffee in small batches onsite at its Kensington location. Their sourcing philosophy centers on Southeast and East Asian regions, with a primary focus on Vietnam. A significant portion of their coffee is sourced from a microlot in the Lam Dong province of the Central Highlands. These beans are cultivated by 38 smallholder Arabica producers at an elevation of 1,400 meters. The region is characterized by 'Bazan Red Land,' a red basaltic volcanic soil that allows for slow cherry development, which the company credits for the clean and smooth profile of their final cup.
Càphê Roasters is distinguished by its specific approach to roasting, which is tailored to the traditional preparation of cà phê sữa. By roasting their Vietnamese beans to highlight chocolatey, nutty, and earthy notes, they aim to complement the traditional slow-drip brewing method often paired with sweetened condensed milk. Beyond their signature Vietnamese offerings, the company also sources from other Pacific Island and Southeast Asian regions to maintain a diverse specialty coffee program.
The business model is deeply intertwined with its social mission. A significant portion of the company's profits is donated to 12 Plus, a nonprofit focused on college and career readiness for high-school students in Philadelphia and Camden. Furthermore, the company prioritizes hiring graduates from the School District of Philadelphia and 12 Plus partner schools. These employees, who fill roles ranging from baristas to roasters and managers, are provided with mentorship and professional development opportunities, reflecting the founders' belief that a business should actively contribute to the economic health of its immediate community.
In practice, the company functions as both a retail destination and a wholesale supplier. Their coffee is served in various restaurants and cafés throughout Philadelphia and beyond, and they offer their beans for retail purchase both in-store and online. The café itself has become a recognized fixture in the local food scene, earning accolades such as a James Beard Award semifinalist nomination for their beverage program and recognition in local media for their contributions to the Kensington neighborhood.
Today, Càphê Roasters stands as a model of community-integrated business. By bridging the gap between traditional Vietnamese coffee culture and the specialty coffee industry, they have carved out a unique niche. Their operations continue to emphasize the importance of the Vietnamese expression 'đi uống cà phê'—an invitation to connect—which serves as the foundational philosophy for their interactions with both their local community and the broader coffee industry.