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A family-run business since 1988, The Coffee Tree has grown across generations with a shared love of coffee, community, and quality.
Our Family History
In 1988, The Coffee Tree opened its doors for the first time, marking the realization of a dream fueled by a passion for coffee and a vision to create a welcoming space for our community to gather and connect. From these humble beginnings, our journey began, driven by dedication and a commitment to exceptional quality.
Like the sturdy branches of a thriving tree, The Coffee Tree has grown and evolved over the years. Founded by Su, the café has been shaped by her passion for coffee and her care for the community around it. From the beginning, she’s built lasting relationships with loyal guests, dedicated team members, and trusted farmers and suppliers who share her commitment to quality. Together, they’ve created something rooted in warmth, consistency, and great coffee.
After over three decades of nurturing The Coffee Tree, Su passed the reins to the next generation. Now owned and operated by her son, Alex, and his wife, Chloe, the Coffee Tree continues to grow and evolve. Alex and Chloe bring a fresh energy and innovative spirit to the business, blending their passion for athletics, community, and exceptional coffee with the traditions and values instilled by Su over the last three decades.
The Coffee Tree remains committed to delivering exceptional coffee experiences while honouring its rich history and community roots. As Su embarks on new adventures, exploring the world beyond the store's walls, she extends heartfelt thanks to the community for their unwavering support and friendship over the years.
Thank you for being part of The Coffee Tree's journey. Here's to new beginnings and the continued growth of our family tree.
Our Coffee Farmers
Our coffees begin long before they reach your cup, with farmers who are deeply committed to their craft and to the land they work with every day. High in mountainous regions—often at elevations between 1,200 and 1,900 metres—coffee trees grow in challenging conditions that require careful attention and experience. Farmers prune and maintain the trees to encourage healthy growth, protect the quality of the cherries, and support consistent flavour development year after year. It’s patient, seasonal work rooted in generations of knowledge, where every decision in the field has a direct impact on what ends up in your cup.
When harvest time arrives, the process becomes even more precise and intentional. Coffee cherries are picked entirely by hand, with workers carefully selecting only the ripest fruit at peak colour and sweetness. Because cherries on the same tree can ripen at different times, pickers often return multiple times throughout the season—sometimes two or three passes per tree—to ensure nothing is rushed or overlooked. After harvesting, the coffee is processed using methods like washed, natural, honey, or semi-washed, depending on the farm’s environment, tradition, and available infrastructure. Each method brings out different flavour characteristics, making every lot unique and expressive of its origin.
We see coffee as a shared effort between many hands, all working with care and intention. When harvests are strong and quality is high, farmers are able to earn better prices for their coffee, which in turn supports their families and strengthens their communities. That ripple effect is an important part of what we believe in—coffee that not only tastes good, but does good. By building long-term relationships and sourcing with intention, we aim to honour the people behind each bean and support a more sustainable, connected coffee ecosystem from farm to cup.
Our Community
Our Humanitree Foundation is our way of staying rooted in gratitude, supporting the people and community that make what we do possible.
Our Farmers
We work closely with farming partners who share our values of quality, fairness, and long-term relationships. Through Café Femenino, direct trade, and fair trade partnerships, we support growers—especially women farmers—by helping ensure fair compensation and more sustainable livelihoods. These relationships are built on trust and care from farm to cup.
Our Local Community
We’re proud to support the High Park Under 14 girls’ soccer programs through both the summer and winter seasons. It’s our way of investing in local youth, helping create opportunities for teamwork, confidence, and growth beyond the field.
Our Team
Each year, our roasters and baristas choose a cause we can support together, whether through volunteering or donations. Past efforts have included supporting a conservation corridor along the Niagara Escarpment with the Bruce Trail. It’s a shared commitment to giving back beyond the café.
Our Coffee Brew Guide
A simple starting point to make better coffee at home.
Your Recipe
43g coffee + 710mL water
Ratio: 1:16.7
Grind setting: 7.5
Brew time: ~5–6 min
No scale? Here’s how to measure
| Level | Coffee | Water |
|---|---|---|
| Precise | 43g / 1.5oz / 0.09lb | 710 mL |
| Pretty close | 4.5 × 1/8 cup (level) | 2 mugs |
| Just vibes | 9 heaping tbsp | Fill your brewer |
Measurements are approximations — roast level changes how much coffee fits in a scoop. Grams and mL will always be most accurate.