Something special is brewing in Tacoma.
A coffee shop known for pop-ups, online subscriptions and distribution to cafes and grocery stores will soon open its first permanent location.
Civic Roasters, founded by Benita Ki in 2018, will open at 508B S. 11th St., nestled between Ninth Tentacle Tattoo and Buzzerd’s Barbershop. The coffee shop has spent the past two and a half years searching for its home, according to the website.
Civic is a third-wave specialty coffee roaster, offering lightly roasted beans highlighting unique flavors while emphasizing sustainability and ethical sourcing.
“All our coffee is single origin and hand roasted in small batches to ensure excellent quality. We source from farms with the highest standards and with certifications like fair trade and organic whenever possible, and from co-ops that provide social programs for the farmers. We seek to dignify and empower workers at every step of the process,” the shop’s website reads.
Civic’s beans include blends such as “Cat Nap,” “Roosters” and “Guadalupe,” as well as coffee sourced from Ethiopia Guji Natural, Guatemala Santa Palencia, Mexico Nayarit and Peru. The shop uses a La Marzocco Linea PB espresso machine and Mythos Nuova Simonelli grinders to craft its carefully roasted coffee.
The cafe menu will feature a classic cold brew, iced raspberry matcha, iced hojicha with coconut and an Iced Cafe de Olla, made with Civic cold brew, oat milk and a housemade blend of cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, black peppercorn, orange zest and brown sugar served over ice.
“We’re opening a space where we can have a home for production and where you can come in for a cup of coffee and to hang out,” Ki said in a YouTube video.
Civic plans a special initiative to provide training and employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated women.
“We are not just another coffee company, we want to change lives for people historically excluded from employment and to do it with an everyday product you’ll love,” Ki said.
While an exact opening date has not been announced, Civic Roasters posted on Facebook on October 1: “Big things ahead. Thanks for tuning in; it’s been a wild ride and I’m grateful for your support.” Their Instagram bio also reads: “Opening: 2025.”
What Now Seattle reached out to the team, however, they have not yet responded. This article may be updated.
