We be taught extra in regards to the CCC: a statewide motion working to construct a extra inclusive and supportive espresso group.
BY BRIANNA STEFANO
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Images courtesy of Brianna Stefano
Connecticut could also be small, however our espresso group is something however. Throughout cities from New Haven to Hartford, unbiased cafés, passionate baristas, and native roasters have been shaping a specialty scene stuffed with creativity, coronary heart, and drive. For years, many of those professionals had been doing unbelievable work, however usually in isolation. That modified in 2025 when a couple of of us realized that connection may very well be our strongest asset but.
That realization turned the Connecticut Espresso Collaborative (CCC), a statewide motion of baristas, roasters, café house owners, {and professional} espresso fanatics working to construct a extra inclusive, supportive, and educated espresso tradition. What began as a couple of conversations over espresso rapidly grew into an organized group representing each nook of the trade.
The Begin of the CCC: Dreaming of Connecticut’s Espresso Future
The spark that began the CCC got here on the 2025 Northeast Espresso Fest held in Harmony, New Hampshire, this previous Might, the place a number of of us traveled to characterize Connecticut and started dreaming out loud about what Connecticut’s espresso future may seem like. “We had been all having the identical conversations in our personal corners,” remembers Taki Tanaka, President of the CCC and proprietor of The Storage Espresso Lounge in New Britain, CT. “It simply made sense to carry everybody collectively in a single place.”
Inside months, a board was established, the mission was made clear, social channels launched, and an open name went out to professionals statewide. The response was quick and enthusiastic.
For the reason that begin, collaboration has been the heartbeat. The CCC has been represented at latte artwork throwdowns, cuppings, group discussions, {and professional} growth classes that draw individuals from throughout the state. Some attendees will even drive an hour-plus, simply to indicate up and pour a swan. Every occasion carries the identical power, a mixture of pleasant competitors, shared studying, and real connection.
To raised perceive what the group wants, the CCC performed a statewide survey asking baristas, roasters, and store house owners what they need extra of in Connecticut’s espresso scene. The outcomes had been clear: a starvation for training, mentorship, networking, and inclusion. The information additionally confirmed a powerful vary of expertise: About 50% of respondents have labored in espresso for two–5 years, 25% for five–10 years, and one other 25% for 10+ years. That blend of rising and seasoned professionals displays why the CCC’s mission issues: it bridges generations of data and keenness.
When requested within the survey, “Why does being a part of knowledgeable espresso community matter to you?,” Jovanny H. of Sound Espresso in Bridgeport, CT, mentioned it greatest: “Collaboration is what brings all of us collectively. Most of us bought into specialty espresso as a result of we liked the way it felt to share moments with others. Positive, the brews and wonderful drinks we make are unbelievable. However we’d have nobody to share them with if we didn’t have like-minded individuals in our group surrounding us.”
“Schooling can also be an enormous purpose why I’m excited to hitch the collaborative,” Jovanny provides. “There’s at all times one thing new to be taught in espresso, so I’m excited to develop and open my thoughts to new issues.”
It’s this mixture of inclusivity, training, and camaraderie that fuels the CCC’s mission. In an trade the place lengthy hours and inventive burnout can typically isolate individuals, the Collaborative reminds us that we’re all working towards the identical objective: a thriving, linked espresso tradition that celebrates the individuals behind the bar and behind the standard coffees.
Trying Forward
Because the CCC prepares for its subsequent chapter, from membership alternatives to statewide data classes, one factor is evident: One thing particular is brewing in Connecticut. Nonetheless, this time, we’re doing it collectively.
It’s all as a result of when a group decides to collaborate and grind, the entire state’s espresso trade will get stronger, one cup at a time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brianna Stefano is a espresso skilled with a background in psychology, combining her ardour for the espresso trade along with her experience in human habits. She is a roaster for Ovelle Espresso and supervisor at Cometeer Espresso, and he or she additionally holds non-public consultations to assist cafés and occasional professionals refine their craft. For extra of Brianna’s insights and occasional adventures, test her out at Brewing with Brianna.
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