Carlo Di Ruocco’s
passion for espresso began in his hometown of Salerno, Italy. When he was a young man he apprenticed there under a coffee-roasting master, learning the art of bean selection and blending, and the craft of roasting by oak wood fire.
After immigrating to San Francisco, Carlo discovered that there were few places where he could find a true Italian espresso. Inspired, he founded Mr. Espresso in 1978, with the vision of bringing authentic Italian espresso and wood-fire, coffee roasting tradition to the United States.
Carlo quickly gained a cult-like following with influential figures in the restaurant community—many at the forefront of California cuisine. Chefs like Alice Waters, Paul Bertolli and Bradley Ogden began serving Carlo’s classically-inspired espresso, establishing a place for espresso at the table of American dining. As a result, legions of coffee fans experience the enjoyment that a well-prepared, delicious espresso can bring, and it has become a critical element of American culinary culture.
Today Mr. Espresso continues to thrive as a second generation of Di Ruoccos have joined the company to build on their father’s reputation for quality—a reputation that spans the country. Mr. Espresso’s specialty coffee is gently roasted as it was in Italy, over slow burning, oak wood logs that are hand selected, perfectly seasoned, and sustainably sourced. Skillfully adapting this Old World tradition to modern tastes, the Di Ruocco family continues to roast classically inspired blends to bring you an espresso like no other.
Schedule a tour
Mr. Espresso Office/Showroom
696 3rd Street, Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: (510) 287-5200
Fax: (510) 287-5204
Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PST)