Some states tend to dominate the annual Build-Outs of Coffee survey here on Sprudge. California, Texas, New York, some years Florida—these coffee-loving population centers are well-featured in our pages. We get fewer entries from places like Connecticut, but it’s always really exciting to see one land, like this latest feature from Victus Coffee in Hartford. If you’re reading this from Connecticut, or heck, anywhere else in the wider New England region, be sure to check out Victus the next time you’re in Hartford.
The 2024 Build-Outs of Coffee is presented by Ceado and Dona. The 2024 Build-outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Acaia, and Ghirardelli.
As told to Sprudge by Anne Mercer.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
Victus Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster and cafe located in Hartford, CT. We pledge a portion of proceeds from each bag of coffee sold to great causes that promote wellness, advocacy, and empowerment. We work hard to produce amazing specialty coffee for those who love it and combine our craft with extraordinary partners to further great social causes. Our coffee stands on its own, but our philanthropic efforts will make your daily cup of coffee something to be proud of.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
The new space previously housed two coffee shops before us, so the bones were there but we didn’t want to simply “move in.” We knew that if we took on this endeavor, we were going to put our all into it and infuse the Victus Coffee story into every element of the shop. To that end, we renovated the bar area to reconfigure the bar flow to better suit baristas and customers alike. The space was a former bank decades ago and has beautiful marble walls. To highlight these, we painted the ceiling a gun metal grey color and added chandeliers near the bar to pay homage to the space’s former use.
To continue the Victus story, the walls are adorned with pictures taken by co-owner José René Martínez during his many trips to coffee-producing countries and farms. Additionally, photographs from local Connecticut photographers and artists who have played a role in Victus Coffee’s growth are hung along the walls as well.
The coffee shop includes two sets of comfortable chairs and small tables, two sets of larger tables that seat four, a window bar with stools, and a large table that serves as a cupping table or bartop for those who choose to sit at it when not in use.
What’s your approach to coffee?
Our parent company is J.René Coffee Roasters, which has been a pioneer of specialty coffee in Connecticut since 2006. We take great pride in the coffee we source, roast, and brew, and this mission extends to Victus Coffee which offers three consistent blends on bar along with single origin offerings as part of our Artisanal Bar, which offers pour-over and siphon pot brewing methods.
Our approach to coffee is guided by our relationships with farmers and importing partners, and also our local customer community and wholesale clients. From classic profiles that satisfy the flavor preferences of those living in New England to experimental processes that excite the curious coffee consumer, we explore it all.
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
We have a Faema E71E, Puqpress, Fetco XTS 2152, Hario Switch and V60s, Siphon Pot brewers, and Kyoto Cold Brew Towers.
How is your project considering sustainability?
The owner of our building, Bruce Becker, is incredibly passionate about sustainability and architecture. To that end, our building is LEED Certified.
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
We opened on January 29, 2024
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
We worked with Bud Jason from Specialty Beverage Concepts for equipment, AH Construction, LLC for the renovations, Karen Knobel from Graphik Solutions, LLC for window signage, and Bruce Becker of Becker & Becker. These individuals truly understood what we were looking to achieve with our new space and went above and beyond to make it happen!
Thank you!
Photos by José René Martínez
The 2024 Build-Outs of Coffee is presented by Ceado and Dona. The 2024 Build-outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Acaia, and Ghirardelli.
