Fundati Coffee

Fundati Coffee is a specialty coffee roastery and café located in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Founded by Alicia DeCastro, a certified nutrition and health coach, the business was established with the goal of creating a community-focused space that emphasizes both high-quality handcrafted beverages and a mindful, grounded experience for its customers. The name 'Fundati' is derived from the Latin word for being grounded or stable, reflecting the owner's vision for the shop as a place for connection and wellness.

The company operates as both a retail café and an in-house roastery. A central component of its operational identity is its commitment to environmental sustainability, which is primarily achieved through the use of a Bellwether coffee roaster. This electric, ventless roasting technology allows the company to roast beans on-site while significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional gas-powered drum roasters. By utilizing this technology, Fundati positions itself as a modern roaster focused on minimizing its environmental footprint.

Sourcing is a cornerstone of the Fundati business model. The company prioritizes transparency and equity in its supply chain, sourcing green coffee beans that are either fair trade certified or verified through living-income programs. This approach is intended to ensure that farmers receive compensation that supports their livelihoods and communities. The roastery offers a variety of single-origin coffees and blends, which are available for purchase at their physical location and through their online store.

In practice, the shop functions as a community hub that integrates a scratch kitchen with a specialty coffee program. The menu features a range of brewing methods, including a dedicated pour-over bar, which the company utilizes to highlight the flavor profiles of its beans while minimizing the bitterness often associated with large-batch brewing. The café also serves as a venue for local engagement, hosting events and maintaining a presence in the Rhode Island coffee scene.

Beyond its coffee offerings, Fundati emphasizes a holistic approach to hospitality. The business incorporates health-conscious options, such as adaptogenic beverages like the 'Chagaccino,' and provides a space that caters to both individual consumers and local professionals. The company’s growth has been marked by recognition within the local market, including awards for its coffee quality and its role as a community-oriented business in the Lincoln area.

Today, Fundati Coffee continues to operate from its flagship location in Lincoln, where it maintains its dual focus on roasting and retail. By combining modern, low-emission roasting technology with a commitment to ethical sourcing and community wellness, the company represents a segment of the specialty coffee industry that prioritizes both environmental responsibility and the social impact of the coffee supply chain.