A Love Story

Cappucho is located in Elco Yards, Redwood City, within a small art parklet in the shade of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative offices. 

It's been called a sanctuary. That suits it well. It's intentionally rarely crowded. There are no long lines and there's plenty of space to stretch out, if not in front of the cafe, then at any of the other benches spread out in the park. 

People arrive on foot, by bicycle, or by chance, and leave more slowly than intended. Cyclists pause. Dogs snif. Conversations lengthen. A cup is taken. Imagination wanders.

They come for the unique coffee drinks. They come for carefully curated and very personal culture of the place. They come for the friendliness of the owner. 

Joe Witherspoon roasts, brews and sells coffee here in small quantities, using electric, ventless, smokeless roasting technology. Green beans are sourced from Ethiopia, Brazil, Costa Rica and Mexico. Unique roasted coffees are imported directly from all over the world, where ever interesting coffees are found. 

Joe was trained by Pei, his roasting guru, in coffee roasting in Chiayi, a country town in the center of Taiwan. Before that, Joe was  involved with coffee for more than 30 years. 

Espresso is tasted and prepared in the Italian and Taiwanese manner, rarely the normal manner.  Water is treated with equal seriousness and Milk too. Cappucho offers   8-10 different kinds of milk and where milk stops, fruit juice takes over. Sugar, artificial flavoring and unnecessary ornament are not recommended, in favor of true taste, or wild adventure, unless taken through a pairing of sweet panettone or Italian or Taiwanese chocolate.

Cappucho began as distance measured on two wheels, in airports and train stations:  the poetry of motion translated into a sustainable business, bringing home ideas and flavors from across the globe. It is a travel journal, a destination guide and a mirage. It remains a kind of hiker’s hut within the suburban landscape of Silicon Valley. A place to drop a kickstand, rest briefly, and continue on a journey with more attention than before.

Joe's commitment to sustainability, community and optimism is not announced loudly. It is meant to be tasted.  

Hospitality here is considered inseparable from quality. If the coffee is good but the welcome is not, the work is unfinished.

Beans  by pound or half pound (and conversation) are available. Hugs too. 

Orders may be placed by person, text or phone: +1 (415) 343-5245.

This is coffee with a passport, maybe more than one.