Càphê Roasters

Càphê Roasters is Philadelphia's first Vietnamese specialty coffee roaster, started on Kensington Avenue after its founders won a storefront competition aimed at reviving the neighborhood. The idea was a gathering place that celebrates Vietnamese culture through the nostalgic flavors of a Philadelphia childhood, named for the phrase đi uống cà phê, an invitation to slow down and connect.

Its signature beans come from a microlot in Lam Dong, grown by 38 smallholder Arabica producers in the Central Highlands, and are roasted in small batches on site to suit cà phê sữa, with an almond like, chocolatey character. A large share of profits supports 12 Plus, a nonprofit serving high school students in Philadelphia and Camden, and the cafe employs its students and alumni.