All photos courtesy of Espresso Library.

Greater than two dozen entire bean coffees are organized in clear vertical tubes lining the partitions of a brand new cafe in Asheville, North Carolina, referred to as Kota Kai. 

The flagship cafe of wholesale and personal label roasting firm Espresso Library, Kota Kai reinforces the library theme by way of darkish wooden and illuminated explanatory shows. Tent-like material ceilings, potted ferns and tropical botanical wallpaper conjure a way of world-traveling journey. 

Named after Espresso Library Founder Drew Hawkins’ two sons, Kota Kai opened late final 12 months. 

“The textures are impressed by numerous journeys around the globe, together with the will to convey a literal espresso library to life,” Hawkins instructed Day by day Espresso Information. “When my spouse and I went backpacking around the globe, we spent months planning our adventures in espresso retailers previous to our departure. I wished this place to encourage people to plan their subsequent journey.”

Reverse the walnut, tile-fronted bar throughout the 1,000-square-foot house is the library space, with bulk coffees divided into 5 sections, 4 primarily based on international areas of the coffees’ origins and one for blends. 

Clients can fill plastic-free, FSC-certified recycled and reusable cardboard tubes with anybody espresso, or create their very own customized mix on the fly. All coffees within the library are priced the identical, no matter what Espresso Library paid for the greens. 

The roasting firm maintains direct sourcing relationships and in addition works with quite a few importers to take care of all kinds. 

“Our objective is to get to direct commerce throughout all of our origins, which can take time to determine the world over, and is unquestionably some of the thrilling journeys for our firm,” stated Hawkins. “I don’t simply go to these farms; I convey my youngsters alongside, most not too long ago to the Tarrazu area of Costa Rica to go to Eduardo of Cafe Navarro, a brand new direct commerce relationship that may start in 2025. It’s essential to me that they see the challenges these farmers and the world face, and perceive the optimistic influence our firm goals to make.”

Coffees for bulk gross sales, espresso drinks, chilly brew and different choices at Kota Kai are roasted by Espresso Library Head Roaster Noah Marines in a Loring machine at a separate 8,000-square-foot roastery that opened final September.

Hawkins co-founded the roasting firm with household good friend Greg Gregory with the intention of offering a extra accessible, lower-minimum-order possibility for patrons searching for customized blended non-public label coffees.

“Our objective [was to] to shake up the non-public label scene by giving anybody the flexibility to create their very own espresso mix,” stated Hawkins. “We confronted loads of challenges getting off the bottom. Two months in, the roaster broke, and we needed to Frankenstein some infrared pizza oven burners to maintain the operation afloat whereas we waited for the arrival of our state-of-the-art roaster. However we have been dedicated to creating it work.”

On the roastery and success heart, former head roaster Rei Rekiom leads operations and pitches in on sourcing and high quality assurance. The power additionally hosts wholesale coaching for baristas and tastings for potential prospects.

This December, Espresso Library will add a brand new function to its internet retailer that enables prospects to construct their very own customized blends on-line, providing the same flat price. 

Kota Kai by Espresso Library is positioned at 753 Haywood Highway in Asheville. Inform DCN’s editors about your new espresso store or roastery right here.