Mecca Espresso – One of many nation’s early pioneers in specialty espresso – Thieves Espresso

We spoke with Mecca Founder Paul Geshos concerning the challenges they confronted after they first opened up store, what it was prefer to be an early pioneer in specialty espresso and all of the thrilling issues they’re planning for this yr!

The Roaster

Again in 2005, we needed to convey the espresso tradition from different components of the world, like Scandinavia and the US, to Australia. Whereas overseas we have been blown away by the complexities of the espresso we have been ingesting. Beans from Ethiopia and Kenya have been cleverly roasted to convey out their distinctive fruity and floral notes because of these roasters specializing in single tons, having a lighter roasting method and dealing extra instantly with producers. You did not see this as a lot in Australia on the time. 

These experiences served as our inspiration when opening Mecca. Nonetheless, the primary yr was powerful. We have been giving espresso away at instances simply to get clients to attempt filter espresso because it was a really new idea in Australia. Some days we questioned if we must shut up store. What bought us by was the shut knit neighborhood we constructed – a mixture of {industry} and non-industry espresso fanatics who actually ‘bought it’ and have been simply as enthusiastic about espresso as we have been. 

In. 2006, after making it by the primary 12 months, we noticed a shift within the enterprise. We had some unbelievable media protection and have become recognised within the {industry} which led to extra regular commerce. It was an thrilling and rewarding time and we’re fortunate sufficient to nonetheless be working in that momentum as we speak!

What units Mecca other than different roasters?

We’re a small piece of the puzzle, so we do our greatest to honour the efforts of the total neighborhood of individuals working collectively to convey you scrumptious espresso on daily basis. Our relationship with like-minded espresso exporters and distributors has given us a direct hyperlink to the farmers. We’ve labored with a few of these producers for over a decade!

Mecca is an early pioneer of specialty espresso and is proud to face by the likes of Market Lane, Reuben Hills, Seven Seeds, Campos and Allpress simply to call a number of. We’ve constructed a stable neighborhood not solely throughout the espresso {industry} however hospitality as a complete. 

We’re additionally extra than simply espresso! 2023 was a giant yr of collaborations with manufacturers reminiscent of Alberto’s Lounge + Swill Hospitality, IWC Schaffhausen, Audio-Technica, Mountain Tradition and. Hunter Candles. {Our relationships} all through the chain, from farm to cup, are a power in constructing our Meccaverse.

Inform us about what’s in retailer for Mecca this yr? Any thrilling or upcoming tasks to notes?

We had an excellent busy 2023 – new product launches, new menus, new partnerships. Probably the most memorable partnerships and actions concerned a beer collaboration with our mates at Mountain Tradition to create the beer Tireme Su and our launch of a nitro chilly brew RTD with our mates at Audio-Technica referred to as Sonic Brew. We additionally launched a coffee-infused candle with Hunter Candles for the vacations. 

2024 will probably be a giant yr making an attempt to construct upon our efforts in 2023. The main focus will probably be on reaching new markets, sharing the love outdoors NSW, collaborating with thrilling manufacturers and providing enjoyable retail experiences at our places in Alexandria and King Road in constructing our ever-growing neighborhood. 

Our course, the first perform and why we’re right here is finally the espresso. Partaking in additional espresso pushed initiatives and occasions working with manufacturers reminiscent of La Marzocco, The Barista League and collaborating at SCA – all to be revealed at a later date!