Pilot Coffee Roasters

Pilot Coffee Roasters is one of the pioneers of Toronto's specialty coffee scene. It opened in May 2009 as Te Aro Roasted, a cafe and micro-roastery in a former car garage in Leslieville, started by Andy Wilkin, a newly certified Q Grader, and Jessie Holmes. Wilkin modeled it on the cafes of Te Aro in his hometown of Wellington, New Zealand. The company also supplied coffee, equipment, training and support to other cafes, helping the city's coffee community grow.

In 2013 the business became Pilot Coffee Roasters and moved its roasting up the street to 50 Wagstaff Drive, where it still roasts, packs and ships. Pilot emphasizes long-term relationships with coffee producers and reinvestment in their communities, along with a steady curiosity about new brewing methods and equipment.

Today Pilot has cafes in Toronto, Oakville and Waterloo, grocery and wholesale partners across Canada, and an online shop serving North America. It's a natural first stop for US visitors exploring Toronto coffee.