Calgary has an impressive number of high-quality, and sometimes wonderfully weird, creative coffee concoctions. Trying every option in the city can be a daunting task, even for the most serious coffee connoisseurs. To learn more about coffee, which is a key part of the culture here in Calgary, check out icalgary.net.
A Brewed History of Calgary’s Coffee Scene
Coffee has long been at the heart of daily life in Calgary. The city’s coffee culture has roots that trace back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This was a period of explosive growth for the city, driven by the construction of the railway and the booming oil and agriculture industries. Back then, coffee was the go-to drink for workers and settlers, providing the energy they needed to fuel their days.
Over time, coffee shops evolved into important social hubs. They became places where people met up, chatted, and relaxed. The mid-to-late 20th century saw Calgary’s coffee culture truly flourish, with the opening of the first specialized cafés. This is when locals began to appreciate high-quality coffee and the unique atmosphere that these spots provided.
The coffee craze that swept North America didn’t miss Calgary. Local entrepreneurs, sensing a growing demand for quality brews, began opening their own unique coffee shops across the city.
The Holy Trinity: God, Coffee, and Free Wi-Fi
In 2017, local media outlet CBC published a story about a unique café opening inside a Calgary church. The minister at Knox United Church hoped that great coffee would help people enjoy one of the best spots in the city. Knox United Church even brought a priest from England to Calgary to share how he successfully launched a café-sanctuary back home.
Located at the corner of 4th Street and 6th Avenue, the church’s new café allowed worshipers to sip their favourite brew under the beautiful stained-glass windows. Reverend Greg Glatz noted that the church could hold 800 people. They added free Wi-Fi and encouraged people to bring their laptops to work in the co-working spaces in the nearby rooms. You can also sit on the pews for quiet reflection, meditation, or conversation.
Calgary priest David Gray explained that this initiative helps parishioners reconnect with their community. He noted that sometimes churches become too focused on themselves, which is why opening the café-sanctuary was an excellent way to connect with the downtown community and the people who work and live there.
Calgary on YouTube
In 2018, Greg Moore and Justin Reves teamed up with Scott Bakken to visit some local coffee shops and showcase them on their YouTube channel. Locals are well-acquainted with the social media hosts and their self-deprecating sense of humour. Greg and Justin run a popular comedy talk show on YouTube and Facebook called “Justin and Greg.”
Scott Bakken, a Calgary native and friend of the hosts, told them that the city’s coffee scene is “next level.” He pointed to the sheer density of coffee shops in Calgary and the fact that the city is home to the country’s top barista. Cole Torode, co-owner of Rosso Coffee Roasters, won first place at the Canadian Barista Championship in Toronto that year. The win came after nearly a decade of working in the coffee industry and marked Torode’s first championship victory.
For their episode, Greg Moore, Justin Reves, and Scott Bakken visited six different cafés, ordering something new at each one. In total, they drank 18 coffees. That’s a lot of caffeine for a few average-sized people, which can certainly lead to a restless night, and as some research suggests, may cause health problems.
The Research
Coffee is a central part of the city’s culture. This isn’t just a saying, it’s the finding of a study by a University of Calgary professor. Coffee shops have become community centres where ideas are discussed and deals are made. The coffee culture here is a reflection of the city’s dynamism and innovative spirit.
Another study, this one by Harvard researchers in 2015, found that coffee consumption may lower the risk of premature death. The research analyzed health and dietary habits and discovered the potential positive effects of moderate coffee consumption.
Calgary’s Top Cafés
When it comes to coffee culture, Calgary has a lot to offer. It’s truly a coffee lover’s paradise. As of 2023, there were over 1,200 coffee shops in the city, which works out to roughly one café for every 700 residents. In recent years, the city’s coffee scene has grown significantly, with more and more innovative shops popping up.
Each establishment has its own unique flavour, from specialty options to a classic cappuccino. Every café also has its own distinct vibe, from cozy to intimate. In 2023, these three cafés were ranked among the best in the city.
- Philosafy Coffee: This spot is known for its delicious coffee and minimalist vibe. It’s a popular spot among Calgary coffee lovers, thanks to its great service and friendly atmosphere.
- Rosso Coffee Roasters: With several locations across the city, Rosso prides itself on its signature coffee and freshly roasted beans. It’s the perfect spot for work meetings, catching up with friends, or enjoying some alone time.
- Analog Coffee: Another popular Calgary café, Analog is known for its tasty coffee, great staff, and beautiful decor. It also has several locations across the city.
A Modern Coffee Business
Fratello Coffee Roasters’ coffee journey officially began in 1974 when Cam Prefontaine founded Fontaine Beverages. The company specialized in coffee and hot beverages for offices. Just one year later, the business relocated to Calgary, operating out of a family garage.
In 1985, Cam Prefontaine traded his business for a local coffee roaster to establish Custom Gourmet Coffee. His mission was to treat customers and staff like family, and he delivered on that promise by providing high-quality coffee and exceptional service. Prefontaine’s spirit made him a true pioneer in Calgary’s popular coffee shop culture.
In 1991, Cam’s sons, Chris and Jason, founded Espuccino Imports, a company specializing in Italian coffee equipment. It quickly built a reputation in the Southern Alberta food service market. In 1994, their younger brother Russ joined the team, specializing in equipment service.
The pivotal year was 1997 when the brand expanded. The owners took the bold step of significantly downsizing their staff (from 85 to 18 dedicated people) and recalibrating. Their main goal was to re-imagine Fratello Coffee Roasters as a leader in premium coffee production. The company provided exceptional training and support to like-minded individuals.
Today, Fratello Coffee Roasters is a family business driven by a genuine passion for coffee. They strive to infuse that passion into every cup of coffee and bag of beans they sell. Their founder, Cam Prefontaine, instilled in his sons the values of hard work, family, and an unwavering pursuit of quality.
Coffee Culture
Today’s coffee shops in Calgary are much more than just a place to grab a delicious cup of joe. They are hubs for cultural life, hosting art exhibits, literary readings, and musical performances. Because of this, coffee culture has become an inseparable part of Calgary’s identity.