Caffé Vita: Seattle’s Third Wave Coffee Pioneer Since 1995

Looking for the roots of Seattle’s third wave coffee movement? While many think first of Starbucks, a lesser-known trio launched a roastery that earned national praise—and still roasts its own beans today. This is the story of Caffé Vita, a Seattle institution since 1995 that blends old-school craftsmanship with modern roasting.

Caffé Vita was founded in 1995 by Mike McConnell, Mike Prins, and Michael Foster. It’s credited as a key player in America’s third wave coffee movement, and its espresso has been ranked among the top ten in the U.S. The brand runs seven locations including its Capitol Hill hub at 1005 East Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98112—where roasting, retail, and office spaces share a single building.

The Founders and Their Vision

Caffé Vita was started in 1995 by three partners: Mike McConnell, Mike Prins, and Michael Foster. These founders helped push forward the third wave coffee movement in the United States—a shift toward origin-focused, artisanal coffee. While the article doesn’t detail their full philosophy, their work positioned Vita as a serious player among early specialty coffee pioneers.

The Capitol Hill Flagship: Where Roasting Meets Retail

Caffé Vita’s Capitol Hill location (1005 East Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98112) is more than just a café. It’s a combined space where the company roasts its own beans, serves coffee, and houses its offices. This all-in-one model lets Vita maintain tight control over quality—from green bean to cup. The shop is one of seven locations operated by the brand, which also includes stores in Olympia, Portland (two locations), Manhattan (New York), and Los Angeles.

Espresso Equipment and Behind-the-Scenes Roasting

Visitors to the Capitol Hill location are greeted by high-end equipment, including a Synesso variable-pressure espresso machine—a favorite among specialty baristas for its precision. But the real surprise lies deeper inside the building. Past the café area, you’ll find an active roasting facility where two large roasters operate. Unlike many commercial setups in the U.S., Vita’s roasting and packaging happen in the same space—an efficient, flexible approach that contrasts with more rigid regulations sometimes found elsewhere.

Connections and Contrasts in Coffee Style

The article notes that the founders of Caffé Vita were students of David Hume, who founded Espresso Vivace. Despite this shared lineage, the two businesses developed starkly different styles. While Espresso Vivace is known for its classic Italian-inspired approach, Vita embraced a broader, more progressive third wave ethos. The contrast extends to their café designs and coffee philosophies, showing how mentorship can lead in unexpected directions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who founded Caffé Vita and when?

Caffé Vita was founded in 1995 by Mike McConnell, Mike Prins, and Michael Foster. The trio launched the company in Seattle with a mission that aligned with early third wave coffee values.

Where is Caffé Vita’s flagship store located?

Caffé Vita’s flagship store is located at 1005 East Pike Street, Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98112. This location combines a café, roasting facility, and company offices in one building.

What makes Caffé Vita part of the third wave coffee movement?

Caffé Vita is considered a key contributor to the American third wave coffee movement, which emphasizes coffee origins, artisanal roasting, and direct relationships with producers. Its approach helped shift coffee culture away from mass-market toward specialty quality.

Does Caffé Vita roast its own coffee?

Yes, Caffé Vita roasts its own coffee. Its Capitol Hill store features an in-house roasting facility where two large roasters operate, allowing the company to roast and package coffee on-site.

What kind of espresso machine does Caffé Vita use?

Caffé Vita’s Capitol Hill café uses a Synesso variable-pressure espresso machine, known for its precision and professional-grade performance in specialty coffee settings.

How many Caffé Vita locations are there?

Caffé Vita operates seven locations: one in Capitol Hill (Seattle), additional stores in Olympia, two in Portland, one in Manhattan (New York), one in Los Angeles, and others spread across Seattle.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Home Roasting Fans

FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Guji Huakui offers bright, juicy notes of peach and bergamot, perfect for fans of vibrant, origin-driven coffees like those pioneered by Caffé Vita. For something richer, try the Colombia Narino Excelso with caramel and dark cherry tones. Both beans showcase the kind of traceable, high-quality sourcing that defines third wave roasters. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.