La Terza

La Terza is an artisan coffee roastery established in 2001 in Cincinnati, Ohio, dedicated to sourcing coffee with purpose that inspires conversation through their "Experience Intentional Coffee" philosophy. The company operates as a social enterprise, using business as a force for good while challenging traditional business practices. La Terza specializes in ethically and sustainably sourced coffee beans, partnering directly with small, authentic farms and estates around the world. The company knows the origin of every bean and ensures they are sourced as ethically as they are delicious. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond fair trade practices to include shade-grown coffee cultivation, which preserves critical forest ecosystems while producing coffee with richer, more complex flavors. Led by CEO David Gaines, a passionate advocate for social enterprise, the company is supported by an expert team including Master Roaster Robert Gatesi, who brings over ten years of professional experience in coffee quality control, roasting, and barista training. Gatesi, originally from Uganda with extensive experience in coffee-producing countries, brings substantial expertise in all aspects of the coffee industry from green bean grading to cupping and marketing. The company operates from their flagship location at 9176 Winton Road, housed within HighGrain Brewing Co. in the Brentwood area of Cincinnati. This location serves as both their artisan coffee roastery and coffee bar, offering a unique collaborative environment where coffee culture meets craft brewing. La Terza has expanded their impact through comprehensive wholesale services, offering franchise-level support to coffee shop partners. Their diverse offerings include business support, barista education, machinery, supplies, and extensive consulting services. After nearly a decade of helping nearly one hundred coffee shops open, they launched La Terza University, featuring their Coffee Accelerator Course that guides entrepreneurs through all stages of opening a coffee shop. Environmental stewardship is central to their operations. La Terza was the first business customer of Queen City Compost, pioneering local partnerships that transform used coffee grounds into nutrient-rich soil amendments. They also partner with Aiken High School, where their coffee grounds help nourish the school garden while creating educational opportunities for students to learn about sustainability and agriculture. The company prioritizes circular practices throughout their operations, using reusable and recyclable packaging materials and implementing comprehensive waste reduction programs. Their coffee bags are fully recyclable and can be processed at the Cincinnati Reuse and Recycling Center. La Terza has earned recognition from Cincinnati Magazine as offering "some of the best roasted coffee in town" and has built a loyal customer base through their commitment to quality and community engagement. Their coffee selection includes single origin varieties from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as well as espresso blends and limited-time offerings, all roasted in small batches to ensure optimal freshness and flavor development.