History of Fratello
A Coffee Journey Spanning Nearly 50 Years!
The Early Years
Our journey officially began in 1974 with our father, Cam Prefontaine, who founded Fontaine Beverages, specializing in coffee and hot beverages for offices. A year later, the business relocated to Calgary, operating right out of our family's garage. From a young age, we were hands-on, learning the intricacies of coffee brewing and servicing from our dad.
The Birth of Custom Gourmet Coffee
In 1985, our father took a significant leap, trading companies with a local coffee roaster to start Custom Gourmet Coffee. His mission was straightforward yet impactful: to treat clients and staff like family while delivering high-quality coffee and exceptional service. This ethos made him a pioneer in Calgary's burgeoning café culture.
Espuccino Imports and Expansion
In 1991, we, Chris and older brother Jason, founded Espuccino Imports, focusing on Italian coffee equipment. The venture quickly gained traction, becoming a dominant force in Southern Alberta's food services market. Our younger brother, Russ, joined the team in 1994, specializing in equipment servicing.
A Pivotal Transformation: Refocusing and Rebranding
In 1997, we faced a defining moment. Our brand had expanded, but not in the direction we had envisioned. We took bold steps to dramatically downsize and recalibrate. Our team was streamlined from 85 to just 18 dedicated individuals. This wasn't just about downsizing; it was about honing our focus. The goal was to redefine Fratello as a leader in premium coffee, backed by exceptional training and support for our like-minded
wholesale customers.
Deepening Our Coffee Wisdom: A Global Exploration
Recognizing the rapidly evolving trends in coffee, we decided it was time for a deeper dive. We traveled to the very farms that grew our coffee, meeting the farmers and their families. This wasn't just an educational journey for us; it was a revelation about the gaps in industry knowledge concerning ethical sourcing and quality. This led us to double down on our commitment to our growing partners, ensuring that every bean we source meets our stringent criteria for quality and ethics.
Today and Beyond: A Family-Operated Passion
Today, Fratello Coffee Roasters stands as a family-operated business helmed by brothers with nearly half a century of passion for coffee. While we continue to dream big, our focus is laser-sharp: to bring that passion to every cup of coffee and bag of beans we sell, ensuring that each is a product of love, quality, and ethical sourcing.
Grounded in Family: The Essence of Fratello
Our father, Cam Prefontaine, instilled in us more than just a love for coffee; he imparted values of hard work, family, and a relentless pursuit of quality. These values have been the guiding principles in every phase of Fratello Coffee Roasters’ journey. As we navigated through the ebbs and flows of the industry, the lessons learned from our father became our beacon, reminding us of the essence of Fratello - a family bound by love for each other and for coffee. As we look towards the future, we are driven by a desire to honor this legacy by continually pushing the boundaries of excellence, fostering a close-knit community of coffee enthusiasts, and nurturing relationships with our partners and customers alike. Our quest for the perfect cup of coffee is much more than a business endeavor; it's a tribute to our father's vision and a journey of love, discovery, and excellence that continues to brew in every endeavor we undertake.
