Mr. Espresso: The company that's helped Bay Area's coffee culture thrive for half a century

"OAKLAND, Calif. -- If you've ever enjoyed an espresso-based drink in the Bay Area, chances are good that Mr. Espresso may have helped bring that cup to you. The company has been servicing coffee machines and selling espresso beans to retailers, restaurants, and cafes in the Bay Area for over 40 years. Founder Carlo Di Ruocco came to America from the town of Salerno in southern Italy."

"As Mr. Espresso began to import and supply more and more machines, Carlo's customers started to ask him where they could get quality espresso beans. So, Carlo integrated Italian methods of roasting espresso beans and soon he had his own product that he could offer his customers. "He quickly understood that nobody in the United States was roasting coffee with wood at that time, so he had the opportunity to become the first commercial coffee roasting company in the United States," said Luigi."

Carlo Di Ruocco emigrated from Salerno, Italy and founded Mr. Espresso in 1978 to supply quality espresso machines and beans. The company serviced coffee machines and sold espresso beans to retailers, restaurants, and cafes throughout the Bay Area for over 40 years. Customers' demand led Carlo to adopt Italian roasting methods and to roast beans with wood, becoming one of the first commercial wood-roasting coffee companies in the United States. Mr. Espresso became a favorite in many Bay Area Italian cafés and restaurants and later expanded nationwide. Carlo's three children—Luigi, John, and Laura—now guide the company and continue the focus on tradition, quality, and long-lasting customer relationships.

Read at ABC7 Los Angeles