Calgary has firmly established itself as a city with a serious passion for coffee. While renowned local roasters like Fratello, Phil and Sebastian, Monogram, and Rosso have long set a high standard, the scene is now expanding with a wave of niche, next-level cafes taking the experience even further.
Beyond the Bean: The Rise of Niche Roasters and Education
For those already enjoying beans from Calgary's established roasters, the cup is undoubtedly superb. However, a new tier of coffee culture is emerging, driven by smaller batch roasters and skilled baristas. These experts actively highlight specific bean varietals, unique fermentation and drying processes, and precise brewing methods to unlock the fullest expression of each coffee. This deep level of detail, once mainly the domain of industry professionals, is now captivating a growing audience of curious customers eager to learn and explore.
Sought x Found: Building Community Through Guided Discovery
At the forefront of this movement is Sought x Found Specialty Coffee Shop and Roaster, founded by Caleb and Kitty Leung. They opened their first cafe in Crescent Heights (916 Centre St. N.) in 2017, patiently cultivating a community around their house-roasted coffees, which boast natural tasting notes distinct from mainstream chains. Their success led to the opening of a second location in the Beltline (1107 4th St. S.W.) in December 2025, featuring a fresh design but the same core philosophy.
A defining feature of the Sought x Found experience is its innovative "concierge" station at the entrance of each café. Here, staff greet guests and guide them toward a drink that aligns with their preferences, whether they're seeking a casual cup or an aficionado interested in a three-coffee tasting flight. The Leungs learned that simply lecturing customers on high-end coffee could be off-putting. Instead, they focus on connection and tailored education.
"Even if they’re just looking for a simple drip coffee, we can talk about what is on drip that day and let them know about a specific producer we work with or a particular process that gives us these tasting notes in the coffee," says Kitty Leung.
Striking the Balance Between Passion and Approachability
Education remains a cornerstone, helping guests appreciate the nuances of specialty coffee—for instance, Caleb Leung is passionate about elevating the quality and availability of decaf options. The key is sharing this knowledge without condescension.
"We try to find that balance of when to share more information and when we want to share our passion and when not to," Caleb explains. "Making that connection is what brings people back."
This personalized, conversational approach is setting a new standard in Calgary's vibrant coffee landscape. It demonstrates that the city's coffee reputation isn't just about excellent roasting, but also about creating welcoming spaces where exploration and conversation are as important as the brew itself.
