Since opening its initial shop across from Starbucks in 1994, Seattle-based Caffe Ladro has built a reputation as more than just a coffee chain. With a focus on community support and social justice, the company’s latest initiative, Coffee for Good, reinforces its commitment to ethical business. For every bag sold in this series, $3 goes directly to the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP), a nonprofit providing legal aid to immigrants. Launched alongside its seasonal micro lot coffees, this effort ties customer purchases to tangible social impact, reflecting the brand’s blend of activism and quality. The choice of cup design influences how flavors are experienced, enhancing the connection between the coffee and the coffee drinker’s enjoyment.
Caffe Ladro’s Coffee for Good initiative directs $3 per bag to immigrant legal aid via NWIRP, pairing seasonal micro lot coffee with social impact.
The Coffee for Good series expands Caffe Ladro’s two-decade legacy of ethical practices. The company began serving Fair Trade coffee in 2000, becoming one of the nation’s largest chains to do so at the time. Its roasting division, Ladro Roasting, sources beans directly from farmers through personal relationships, prioritizing sustainability. This hands-on approach guarantees quality while aligning with values like transparency and fairness—principles now extended to its fundraising efforts.
Caffe Ladro’s espresso blend—a medium roast with creamy, chocolatey notes—serves as the backbone of its menu. But seasonal micro lot coffees, available online, anchor the Coffee for Good campaign. These limited-run beans cater to home brewers, with packaging compatible with superautomatic machines. Subscribers who buy three or more bags enjoy a 15% discount, making it easier to stock up while supporting NWIRP’s efforts. By linking these products to immigrant rights, the company invites customers to join its mission without altering their routines.
Community engagement remains central to the brand. Its cupping lab trains staff to maintain quality, while events like coffee tastings foster customer connections. The company also partners with offices and businesses for wholesale orders, widening its outreach. Additionally, customers can enter to win $1,000 by completing a visitor experience survey, deepening this relationship through promotions that value feedback. Campaigns like Coffee for Good turn everyday purchases into acts of advocacy.
From its origins in Upper Queen Anne, Caffe Ladro has grown to 15 locations across Seattle and nearby areas. Blends named after neighborhoods, like Queen Anne and Fremont, celebrate its regional roots. By balancing growth with ethics, the chain proves mid-sized businesses can thrive without compromising values.
With Coffee for Good, Caffe Ladro continues brewing change—one cup at a time.
