Figure8 Coffee Purveyors

Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors was established in 2014 in East Austin, Texas, by co-owners Ryan Hall and Kathleen Carmichael. Both founders brought professional experience from other notable Austin coffee establishments, such as Houndstooth and Cenote, to their new venture. The company is headquartered at 1111 Chicon Street, a location that has become a fixture in the local neighborhood's cultural and culinary development over the past decade.

The name "Figure 8" is derived from a classic ice skating maneuver. The founders chose this moniker to represent the concept of "sprezzatura," or the ability to perform a difficult task with an appearance of effortless grace. In the context of their business, this refers to the technical precision required by baristas to consistently craft high-quality espresso and coffee beverages, framing the act of coffee preparation as a meaningful daily ritual.

In its early years, Figure 8 operated primarily as a multi-roaster cafe, featuring selections from various prominent roasters such as Tweed, Four Barrel, Coava, and Kuma. This approach allowed the shop to showcase a diverse range of flavor profiles and roasting styles to the Austin community. The physical space was designed with a focus on craftsmanship, featuring reclaimed wood tables and a custom cupping table constructed from a repurposed conveyor belt.

Over the last ten years, the company has expanded its operations to include multiple cafe locations and a catering business. Throughout this growth, the brand has maintained a strong technical focus, with co-owner Ryan Hall consistently utilizing La Marzocco espresso equipment. Hall has publicly credited the reliability of this machinery, particularly single-group models, as a critical factor in maintaining operational stability during challenging periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the company began as a destination for curated guest roasts, it has evolved its identity within the specialty coffee market. The brand now engages in its own roasting operations, emphasizing a philosophy centered on the selection of high-quality, organically sourced beans. Their current approach to production involves the development of specific roasting profiles designed to highlight the unique aromatic and flavor characteristics of the coffee, utilizing precision roasting technology to control temperature and duration.

Today, Figure 8 is recognized as a catalyst for the growth of the East Austin arts and business district. The company remains a privately held entity, having navigated the complexities of the specialty coffee industry through a combination of retail service, catering, and a commitment to the technical standards of the "third wave" coffee movement. As of 2026, the company continues to operate from its original Chicon Street location, maintaining its long-standing presence in the Austin coffee community.