Coffee, art, culture. Are these concepts synonymous? Are we really talking about three expressions of the same idea? At Kafe, a new coffee bar in Los Angeles, they’re taking on that very question, setting up the troika of coffee-art-culture as fundamental pillars of their company. This is an exciting new cafe brand poised for growth in the coming months, but for now let’s take a look at their very first cafe, on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood, California.
The 2026 Build-outs of Coffee is presented by DONA, Pacific Barista Series, and La Marzocco.
As told to Sprudge by Bill Germanis.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
KAFE is a specialty coffee concept built around three pillars: Coffee. Art. Culture. We approach each location as its own creative chapter, combining a thoughtful coffee program with design, collaboration and community.
Each chapter is numbered 001, 002, 003 and beyond, and created with a different creative partner. Every location has its own identity while remaining connected to the larger KAFE brand. Our goal is to create coffee shops that feel culturally relevant, considered and memorable.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
001 is KAFE’s inaugural location in Los Angeles, created in collaboration with Broskin Studios. The space is anchored by a sculptural molded central bar, stainless steel elements, and a restrained material palette that gives it a raw, tactile, and highly considered feel. The compact interior was designed to feel immersive rather than crowded, with a concealed back line and a quiet courtyard that creates a softer contrast to the energy of Melrose.
What’s your approach to coffee?
Our coffee program is built around the idea that specialty coffee should be both approachable and exploratory. We source with intention, roast in-house, cup every batch, follow SCA standards, and work closely with producers and import partners to preserve the character and quality of each coffee. Essentials represents the coffees people return to every day: familiar, balanced, and consistently well executed. Curated goes deeper, highlighting distinctive origins, varietals, processing methods, and producers that offer a more expressive experience in the cup.
Rather than making specialty coffee feel overly technical or exclusive, the structure gives guests a natural way to engage at their own level. Essentials is the foundation; Curated creates discovery and conversation. Our Signature drinks then complement that program by bringing in the more creative side of KAFE, using coffee and other ingredients as another medium for expression.
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
Across our locations, we use La Marzocco Modbar systems to maintain a clean, minimal counter and keep the focus on the coffee and the interaction around it. The equipment is intentionally integrated into the design rather than becoming the visual centerpiece of the space.
On the coffee side, our Curated menu is where we explore more distinctive and expressive coffees. One current example is Tropical Splash, a co-fermented coffee selected for its vibrant profile and served as both a cold brew and pour-over. The offering will continue to evolve as we discover interesting producers, varietals, and processing methods.
How is your project considering sustainability?
Sustainability is considered across the entire KAFE model, from how we source coffee to how we design and operate each space. On the coffee side, we prioritize thoughtful sourcing, working closely with producers and import partners, and roasting in-house so we can maintain quality while making more deliberate purchasing decisions.
From an operational and design perspective, we focus on durability, efficiency, and reducing unnecessary waste rather than treating sustainability as a separate feature. Our spaces are intentionally minimal, our equipment is selected for long-term performance, and we continue to look for ways to improve packaging, sourcing and day-to-day practices as the brand grows.
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
001 is currently in its first month of soft opening in Los Angeles, while 002 in Toronto is targeting a soft opening on August 26, 2026. We plan to officially introduce both locations with grand openings in September 2026.
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
Collaboration is fundamental to KAFE. Each location is developed with a creative partner who helps shape its own identity, perspective and experience.
001 in Los Angeles was created in collaboration with Broskin Studios, while 002 in Toronto is being developed with FRANO Pizza & Panini. That collaborative structure is central to how we approach every new chapter of KAFE.
Thank you!
The 2026 Build-outs of Coffee is presented by DONA, Pacific Barista Series, and La Marzocco.
