Editor’s note: The Restaurants of YEG blog series reaches out to local restaurants we love to share their story by having them answer a short interview by email. Responses are shown as submitted. Get in touch with us if you know of a restaurant we should feature!
I first heard of ACE Coffee Roasters when their coffee was used in a Town Square coffee stout that I sampled (Town Square is a local Edmonton brewery). They do locally-roasted coffee off the beaten track in Strathcona and are attached to coffee-supply shop CaffeTech. On top of a delicious variety of coffee beans sourced from a variety of international free-trade farms, they ALSO happen to have some of the best little donuts in town. We interviewed them to see why this coffee shop should be your next place to grab a cup of local brew.
What’s your name and how long have you lived in Edmonton?
Ace Coffee Roasters. We’ve been open to the public since June 2017.
What’s one of the biggest struggles you’ve had to deal with as a local restauranteur?
Having to compete with all of the other great YEG coffee shops/roasteries!
What’s your commitment around local and organic food?
We only use organic milk in our drinks (shout-out to Rock Ridge Dairy!), and all of our pastries are locally made.
Is there anything you do to be a greener restaurant?
High-efficiency equipment, 100% recycled to-go cups and sleeves, café staff trained to minimize food waste.
Where do you eat out when you go out? What are your top three places for food and drinks in town?
Coffee Bureau, Lock Stock, Pip Food & Drink, Bar Bricco
Where do you see your restaurant in the next three years?
In three years, we want to be a household name in Western Canada, with locations south of the border and a strong reputation for amazing coffee and beautiful cafés.
What’s your take on the Edmonton local food and independent restaurant scene?
It’s an exciting and constantly growing scene, with a healthy array of concepts and styles. Something for everyone!
What’s one thing that the City of Edmonton could do to support establishments like yours?
Make more free parking available around our location!
Website: www.acecoffeeroasters.com
Instagram: acecoffeeroasters