Our Direct Trade Commitment

At Fratello Coffee Roasters, we believe in more than just sourcing great Coffee – we believe in fostering lasting partnerships with farmers.

Through our direct trade philosophy, we work directly with Coffee producers to ensure sustainability, ethical practices, and unmatched quality. By paying farmers above fair-trade rates, we recognize their dedication and create positive impacts in their communities.

Every cup of Fratello Coffee tells a story – one of sustainability, Craftsmanship and collaboration.

Our Coffee Our Coffee

What Our Coffee Lovers Are Saying

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Filipe Drumond

Filipe Drumond

Great Coffee! My wife and I found this place today. Really good coffee. The barista was friendly and the place is very nice. We also tried two different pastries. The cinnamon scone did not have a scone texture (not bad though) and the cheese pastry was rich but felt greasy. Over all, a great place with High quality coffee. Better pastries and it’s a 5 star for sure!

George Marquardt

George Marquardt

It's a small out of the way coffee and lunch spot, attached to a giant coffee bean processing facility. Since the beans are roasted right there, they have the best coffee you can find in this part of Calgary. Their lunch menu is a chalk board with 5 or 6 items, and the smoked Turkey sandwich is very tasty.

T

Thomas Smekal

Fratello is definitely among the best coffee roasters around, their classic godfather espresso roast is always my go-to. The storefront is a big help because they always have a fresh roast, even if you're only buying a 12 ounce bag, it's the best way to get a hold of some great coffee..

Manal Kadlo

Manal Kadlo

This is absolutely The best place to purchase fresh delicious coffee. Not only is their coffee amazing, their customer service is top-notch. I ran out of my regular coffee without realizing, and I had paused the subscription because I had too much initially, and I contacted them and they were able to deliver my coffee, the same day. Thank you for amazing coffee and caring about your customers.

Rooted in Tradition,

Driven by Innovation

At Fratello Coffee Roasters, our family legacy is built on decades of passion and expertise. We honour time-tested roasting methods, using vintage 1960s Probat roasters to craft rich, timeless flavour profiles.

By pairing these classic techniques with modern precision, we take a balanced approach to roasting—bringing out delicate, nuanced flavours in lighter roasts while preserving depth and complexity in darker profiles.

This harmony of tradition and innovation ensures every cup delivers the depth of flavour and quality our family has proudly stood behind for 50 years and two generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Roast of Coffee is Best?

Enter the answer hereThe best roast of coffee depends on your personal taste preferences, brewing method, and what flavors you enjoy most in a cup of coffee. There’s no single “best” roast—only what’s best for you.

Understanding Roast Profiles

Coffee roasts generally fall into three main categories:

  • Light Roast: Bright, acidic, and floral flavors with more pronounced fruit and citrus notes. Ideal for pour-over, AeroPress, or cold brew.
  • Medium Roast: Balanced flavour with some acidity, sweetness, and a smooth body. Works well with most brewing methods, including drip coffee and espresso.
  • Dark Roast: Rich, bold, and smoky with chocolatey or nutty undertones. Best suited for espresso, French press, or those who enjoy a deep, full-bodied taste.

Fratello’s Best-Selling Roasts

At Fratello Coffee Roasters, our customers’ top favourites include:

  • Godfather Classic (Medium-Dark Roast): A smooth and balanced blend with chocolate and caramel notes, perfect for espresso or drip coffee.
  • Godfather Dark (Dark Roast): A bolder version with a more robust, smoky profile, ideal for those who love strong, full-bodied coffee.
  • Guatemala (Light Roast): A single-origin coffee with bright citrus and cocoa notes, great for pour-over or filter coffee.
  • French Saigon (Dark Roast): A rich and intense roast with deep, earthy flavours, best enjoyed as an espresso or French press.
  • Bullrider (Medium Roast): A bold and slightly spicy profile for those who prefer a smoky, full-bodied experience.

How to Choose the Best Roast for You

To determine which roast is right for you, consider:

  • Your Brewing Method: Light roasts shine in manual brews like pour-over, while dark roasts are great for espresso and French press.
  • Your Taste Preferences: If you enjoy bright and fruity flavours, go for a lighter roast. If you prefer smooth, chocolatey notes, medium roasts are great. For deep, rich, and smoky flavours, opt for dark roasts.

Want to become an expert in choosing coffee? Read our blog on How to Read a Coffee Label Like a Pro to understand flavour notes, roast levels, and origins so you can find your perfect match.

How Do Coffee Roasters Impact the Flavor of Coffee?

Coffee roasting is an art and a science that transforms raw green beans into the rich, aromatic coffee we love. At Fratello Coffee Roasters, our Direct Trade practices ensure sustainable farming, ethical sourcing, and a positive community impact. More importantly, these direct relationships provide certainty around the specific flavour profiles we seek from each region.

The Roasting Process & Flavor Development

Roasting plays a crucial role in defining the taste, aroma, and body of coffee. Each stage of the roasting process affects how flavours develop:

  • Crafting Flavor: Roasting is where a coffee’s true character comes alive. We carefully profile each batch to enhance its natural flavours—whether that means bright, fruity notes in a lighter roast or deep, chocolatey richness in a darker roast.
  • Precision and Balance: Using vintage Probat roasters combined with modern techniques, we create coffees that are balanced, complex, and full of depth.
  • Roast Levels & Their Impact:
  • Light Roasts: Retain the bean’s original characteristics, showcasing floral, citrus, and fruity notes.
  • Medium Roasts: Offer a balance of acidity and body with caramelized sweetness.
  • Dark Roasts: Develop deeper flavours with notes of dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and smoky undertones.

Why Roasting Matters

Each coffee bean has a unique flavour potential influenced by origin, altitude, processing method, and roast profile. A great roaster doesn’t just “cook” coffee—they unlock the best possible flavours while preserving the bean’s natural characteristics.

Want to dive deeper into the roasting process? Read our blog on Roasting Coffee to the Perfect Bean to learn how roast profiles influence the final taste in your cup.

What Makes Fratello Coffee Roasters Unique?

Fratello Coffee Roasters stands out by combining Direct Trade relationships, high-altitude specialty coffees, precision roasting, and innovative processing methods to craft an exceptional coffee experience. Our commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and quality ensures that every cup reflects the best flavours from farm to cup.

1. Direct Trade & Ethical Sourcing

Unlike traditional coffee sourcing, we work directly with farmers, building long-term partnerships to ensure:

  • Sustainable farming practices that protect both farmers and the environment.
  • Fair compensation that supports coffee-growing communities.
  • Uncompromised quality control, ensuring consistency and exceptional flavour.

2. High-Elevation, Specialty-Grade Coffees

The altitude at which coffee is grown has a direct impact on its flavour. We source coffee from farms between 1,200 to 2,200 meters above sea level, which results in:

  • Brighter acidity and natural sweetness, producing a more refined cup.
  • Slower-growing coffee cherries, leading to more complex flavours.

Want to learn more? Read our blog on Why Elevation Matters in Coffee.

3. Precision Roasting for Ultimate Flavor

We use vintage Probat roasters combined with modern profiling techniques to bring out the best in every coffee. Our approach includes:

  • Small-batch roasting to maintain quality and consistency.
  • Customized roast profiles that enhance each coffee’s natural characteristics.
  • A perfect balance of science and craftsmanship to develop rich, nuanced flavours.

4. Coffee Processing Methods & Their Impact

The way coffee is processed at the farm plays a crucial role in how it tastes. We carefully select coffees based on unique processing techniques, including:

  • Washed (Wet) Process: Produces clean, bright, and vibrant flavours.
  • Natural (Dry) Process: Results in fruit-forward, bold, and full-bodied coffee.
  • Honey Process: A perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

Curious about processing methods? Read more in our blog: Understanding Coffee Processing.

Want to Learn More? Explore our sourcing and roasting philosophy on our About Our Coffee page to see how we bring out the best flavours in every bean.

How Should I Store Fresh Coffee Beans?

Proper storage is essential to preserve the freshness, aroma, and flavour of your coffee beans. Follow these simple guidelines to ensure every cup tastes as fresh as possible.

1. Store in an Airtight Container

Exposure to air, light, heat, and moisture degrades coffee quality over time. For the best results:

  • Use an airtight container made of ceramic, glass, or stainless steel.
  • Keep it in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard.

2. Avoid Moisture & Temperature Fluctuations

Many people assume storing coffee in the fridge or freezer keeps it fresh, but it actually introduces moisture that can damage the beans. Instead:

  • Keep coffee at room temperature and away from humidity.
  • Only grind what you need to prevent additional exposure.

3. Enjoy Within 2-3 Weeks of Roasting

Coffee is at peak freshness within 2-3 weeks of roasting, so:

  • Buy only what you can use within this time.
  • Opt for whole beans and grind just before brewing for the best flavour.

Want to Learn More? Check out our full guide: 5 Ways to Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh.

Do You Offer Ground Coffee?

Yes! We offer freshly ground coffee for all our beans and can grind them to match your preferred brewing method.

How to Choose Your Grind at Checkout

  • Simply select your preferred grind size from the drop-down menu at checkout.
  • We offer a variety of grind options, including:
  • Espresso (Fine)
  • Drip Coffee (Medium)
  • French Press (Coarse)
  • And more!

Why Freshly Ground Coffee Matters

Grinding coffee just before brewing ensures maximum freshness and flavour. If you want to experience the best coffee possible, investing in a burr grinder allows you to grind on demand for the perfect consistency.

Want to Learn More? Check out our blog: Why Do I Need a Burr Coffee Grinder? to understand how grinding your beans at home can elevate your coffee experience.

Do You Offer Office Coffee Services or Supply Coffee to Offices?

Yes and no. While Fratello Coffee Roasters does not directly supply coffee to offices, we partner with companies that do. Through these partnerships, you can enjoy:

  • Fratello’s high-quality coffee delivered to your office.
  • Professional-grade coffee equipment placed at no charge.
  • Full-service support including cleaning, maintenance, and a variety of products to enhance your office coffee experience.

How to Get Started

If you’re interested in bringing Fratello coffee to your workplace, we’d be happy to recommend trusted providers. Simply fill out the customer service form on our website, and we’ll guide you through the process.

Want to Learn More?

Do You Offer Coffee Subscriptions?

Yes! Fratello Coffee Roasters offers a flexible and convenient coffee subscription service, allowing you to receive fresh coffee delivered on your schedule.

Subscription Benefits

  • Flexible Delivery Options: Choose your preferred frequency and coffee packaging size at checkout.
  • Fully Customizable: Modify, change, or cancel your subscription anytime.
  • Exclusive Perks: Earn VIP points through our Loyalty Program with every order.

Looking for the perfect gift or want to try our service without long-term commitment? Check out our 3-Month Espresso Gift Subscription.

Want to Learn More? Discover all the details about our subscription service in our blog: Fratello Coffee Subscription Service.

Do You Have Any Tips on How to Brew Great Coffee at Home?

Yes! Brewing exceptional coffee at home is all about using the right techniques, equipment, and coffee-to-water ratios to bring out the best flavours in every cup.

Where to Start?

  • Master the Basics: Our Brew Basics page walks you through different brewing methods, helping you brew coffee like a pro.
  • Explore Brewing Tips: Our blog is filled with expert guides to help you refine your coffee-making skills.

Key Brewing Methods & Tips

Our Brew Basics Guide covers step-by-step instructions for:

  • French Press: Full-bodied, rich coffee with a heavier texture.
  • Pour-Over: Clean, crisp flavours with precise control over extraction.
  • Aeropress: Versatile and fast brewing with balanced flavour.
  • Espresso: Bold, concentrated coffee for a true café experience.
  • Drip Coffee Maker: Convenient and consistent for everyday brewing.
  • Cold Brew: Smooth, less acidic, and perfect for hot weather.

General Coffee Brewing Tips

  • Use Fresh, High-Quality Coffee: Opt for freshly roasted whole beans for the best flavour.
  • Grind Just Before Brewing: A burr grinder ensures a consistent grind size, crucial for even extraction.
  • Get the Right Water-to-Coffee Ratio: A good starting point is 1:16 (1g coffee to 16g water) for a balanced cup.
  • Control Water Temperature: Brew between 195-205°F (90-96°C) for optimal extraction.
  • Experiment & Adjust: Each method requires slight adjustments—don’t be afraid to tweak grind size, ratios, and brew time to find your perfect cup.

Check out our Brew Basics page for a step-by-step guide to brewing coffee like an expert at home!

Customer Support