Annette Chew Media
“Harnessing the power of a unified community, we will build a strong network to provide support and resources for our businesses, advocate for meaningful changes at the city and county levels, and showcase Oakland’s diverse hospitality offerings to both local and national audiences.” — Luigi Di Ruocco
‘The Town is not going to fall:’ Oakland Restaurant Collective takes aim at negative narratives
Members of the Oakland Restaurant Collective, including Mr. Espresso’s Luigi Di Ruocco, believe in a brighter future for Oakland. At a rollout event on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, a newly formed nonprofit announced plans for bringing that future to fruition.
Spearheaded by restaurateurs including Nelson German (AlaMar, Sobre Mesa), Paul Iglesias (Parche, Jaji) and Luigi DiRuocco (Mr. Espresso), Oakland Restaurant Collective aims to counter the stigma surrounding Oakland and its culinary scene by amplifying positive stories highlighting the city’s bars, cafés and restaurants. Roughly 140 attendees — including media members, bar owners, local politicians and corporate sponsors — gathered on the Kissel Hotel’s rooftop to hear the collective’s founding members relay their vision.
“Our mission statement is to support, protect and promote the Oakland hospitality industry,” DiRuocco told guests during the hour-long presentation. “Harnessing the power of a unified community, we will build a strong network to provide support and resources for our businesses, advocate for meaningful changes at the city and county levels, and showcase Oakland’s diverse hospitality offerings to both local and national audiences.”
Read more about the launch of Savor Oakland here.
Mr. Espresso Ranked Among The Bay Area’s Best Coffee
The Caffè by Mr. Espresso has been recognized by the San Francisco Chronicle as serving some of the “Best Coffee in the Bay Area.” Thank you to the Chronicle for including us [...]
The Sprudge Twenty Class of 2024 Welcomes John Di Ruocco
We are thrilled that our own VP of Coffee, John Di Ruocco, was chosen as a member of the 2024 Sprudge Twenty. The annual initiative by leading industry publication Sprudge honors and amplifies extraordinary individuals in the global specialty coffee community [...]
The Caffè Is Architizer’s Best Restaurant Design Finalist
We are proud to announce The Caffè by Mr. Espresso has been recognized as a finalist in the annual ArchitizerA+ Awards for Restaurants <1,000 sq. ft. Architizer celebrates the world’s best architecture and design through projects, competitions, awards, and stories, offering inspiration and tools for architects. We are thrilled that the care and intention that went into the design of The Caffè were recognized by Archetizer in this global list [...]
Mr. Espresso Opens The Caffè in Downtown Oakland | Barista Magazine
With the recent opening of The Caffè by Mr. Espresso, we were delighted with a two-part feature in Barista Magazine Online. First, a quick look back at our 45-year history: "The Di Ruoccos’ foundational role in establishing espresso cuisine [...]
Kick the time change | KTVU Mornings on 2
Click play, above, to see Sal Castaneda get a "wakeup call" from latte art champ Mehdi Chung. You can find Mehdi at The [...]
You’ll never wait in line at this new Oakland coffee shop | Nosh Oaklandside/Berkeleyside
“We know the industry well and have a unique vision and approach to specialty coffee,” he said, reminding Nosh that Mr. Espresso has been [...]
A Perfect Neapolitan Coffee in San Francisco? Yes, Thanks to Mr. Espresso | L’Italo Americano
"Carlo Di Ruocco, originally from Salerno, saw his dream of roasting and selling Italian-style coffee come true in America, in San Francisco, where he [...]
Organic Neapolitan Makes Best Espresso Beans List | Saveur
"...made in the Italian tradition — bittersweet, chocolaty — and is also certified both organic and fair trade, making it a good choice for [...]
The Caffè by Mr. Espresso • Coming SPRING 2023!
We are very proud to announce the Spring 2023 opening of The Caffè by Mr. Espresso. The Caffè will be located just blocks from our roastery, in the heart of Downtown Oakland at 1120 Broadway in The Key at 12th.
Our Organic Ethiopia Shantawene is a winner!
Mr. Espresso's Organic Ethiopia Shantawene, Natural Process is a 2022 Good Food Awards Winner. "Winners are the exceptional food crafters who top the [...]
Two Mr. Espresso Coffees Named Good Food Awards Finalists
We are proud to announce that two Mr. Espresso coffees were named Good Food Awards Finalists 2022 by the Good Food Foundation. Our Organic/Fair Trade Certified Guatemala CODECH - Women’s Lot (medium-light roast) and Organic Ethiopia Shantawene Natural (light roast) are among the 25 coffee division finalists from across the country.
Mr. Espresso named Roaster of the Year Finalist
“Mr. Espresso has a mission is to keep Italy’s espresso tradition relevant within America’s evolving coffee culture, and to improve upon it through a focus on quality, sustainability, [...]
Mr. Espresso Single Serve is “Steeped in Sustainability” | Packaging World
Order now! Our thanks to Packaging World for the recent feature on Mr. Espresso’s Steeped Coffee. Adding a single-serve coffee to our product line has been [...]
Coffee Can Spell Higher Profits for Restaurants | BarandRestaurant.com
Luigi Di Ruocco Shares Pro Tips with Bar & Restaurant. Coffee can be the last thought in restaurant menu development. We see this as a [...]
Luigi Di Ruocco on “Making Better Espresso at Home” | CoffeeCon March 6th
The CoffeeCon's one-day event will be hosted by two coffee legends: renowned inventor Alan Adler, creator of the world-famous AeroPress coffeemaker, along with friend of Mr. Espresso [...]