Mr. Espresso

Founded in 1978 by Carlo Di Ruocco, Mr. Espresso brings the tradition of Italian wood-roasted coffee to the United States. After immigrating to the San Francisco Bay Area from Salerno, Italy, Carlo sought to recreate the authentic espresso of his youth, leading him to establish his own roastery in Oakland, California. The company remains a family-run business, now managed by the second generation, including Luigi, John, and Laura Di Ruocco, alongside co-founder Marie-Françoise Di Ruocco. Central to their operation is the signature oak wood roasting process, a manual technique used to develop flavor in small batches. The roastery offers a diverse range of products, including single-origin coffees, espresso blends, and fair trade organic options. Beyond their roasting operations, the company maintains a commitment to sourcing quality beans and fostering long-term relationships at origin. Today, Mr. Espresso serves a wide clientele, including restaurants, hotels, and individual coffee enthusiasts, while maintaining an Italian-inspired coffee bar in downtown Oakland.