After 22 years in the corporate world, Youssif felt it was time to move away and become his own boss. Owning his own café was the best vision for him, he has always had a passion for coffee and has always enjoyed local cafes that offer a great latte with fresh store made food. He was able to fulfill these dreams through Espresso Café, where he has grown great relationships with the community. Espresso Café has been part of Newton for over 20 years. Formerly known as Esquires Coffee, the coffee shop has been family owned since it’s beginnings and was the first specialty coffee shop opened in Newton during the 90s. Youssif and his wife Jana are both of European descent with a great passion for coffee and were looking to bring a European style coffee shop to the community giving people an opportunity to experience a unique feel and create a great place to come together and spend time.

Espresso Café has become a daily coffee stop for many in the community, particularly for residents of Arbourside Court, an independent living seniors’ residence located here in Newton who meet every Tuesday at the café. We spoke with Wendy Scott who is a part of the group and she had nothing but great things to say about Youssif and the café. “Yousiff’s not only a great barista and host, but his genuineness brings us back every week, rain or shine. He ensures tables are reserved for us, with enough chairs to go around, has everyone’s order memorized by now, and joins our spirited conversations.” Wendy went on to say that they love the products and can advocate to their tastiness (her personal favorite is a lo-fat, decaf mocha frappe with a shot of sugar free hazelnut flavour). What also keeps Wendy and her friends in the café are all the regulars they have gotten to know and the feeling of neighborhood within the café, “Youssif and the Espresso Café embody the spirit of a great community.”

With the great amount of time they have been in Newton, Espresso Café has grown deep roots within the community. Addition to becoming a neighborly place within the Newton Town Centre, Espresso Café has hosted meet and greets for politicians, RCMP, and other influential people. The Café has also been a contributor to the community including donations to local fundraisers. They also cater to large groups for special gatherings and hold monthly painting nights for any skill level.

Apart from their special place within the community, Espresso Café is unique to its customers. Its European feel provides a unique environment and their vast array of drinks and food keep the people coming back. The café has over a thousand options to customize your drink and offers a great variety of pastries, sandwiches, and paninis (the tuna melt is a hit!). To add to the atmosphere and feel, Youssif and Jana also incorporate local art within the café.

When asked about their future vision for the business, Youssif and Jana responded, “to continue providing exceptional customer service and quality coffee and sandwiches for our community. We are also continuing the creation of new products to satisfy the changing trends, such as gluten-free products and healthier choices.” For the future, Youssif and Jana hope to continue providing a place for residents to come to share conversations and have a laugh, as well as continue to grow with the community.

Stop by and have a coffee with a friend this month at Espresso Café and see what it’s all about! Bring in the coupon below and receive 50% off your second drink. People watch on their patio while supporting your local business and enjoy a tuna melt while you’re at it! And take an opportunity to join many at a paint night at the café. The next one will be on the night of November 21st, contact the café for more information.