“Coffee that Fuels Community”
You may have already stopped in, walked by, or seen their lattes on your Insta feed. Or, if you frequent the HSCA Farmers’ Market, maybe you recognize them from our Incubator Booth a few summers back. Located along Kensington Road (1154 Kensington Cres.) Good Trade Coffee Company has found a place in our community, serving cups of coffee (and tea!) and bringing people together. A few weeks back, HSCA had the opportunity to chat with co-owner of Good Trade Coffee Co., Brandon Waardenburg, about everything from GTC’s approach, fair trade, design, social good and community.
Entering GTC, you’re hit with a sense of familiarity. A warm welcome from the barista, that smell of freshly ground coffee beans (is there a better smell?) and an intimate space that feels more like a friend’s living room than a café (although definitely a friend with a passion for interior design and decorating).
Being in the space, it’s easy to forget that just months before it was a Jugo Juice with humming, wall-to-wall coolers. According to Waardenburg, designing the space came with some challenges due to its small and unique shape. In collaboration with a friend and architect, they approached the space thoughtfully and with intention. I was surprised to learn that the shop has 22 seats (neat side note: some of the side tables can double as chairs) and the furniture by the bay window can be shifted and arranged just as you would if you were hosting a get-together in your own living room.
Opening their Kensington doors in late November last year, this is Good Trade Coffee Co.’s second location in the city (the first and other location is at the Crossroads Market). A few summers ago, GTC was set up at the HSCA Farmers’ Market Incubator Booth. This provided the company with the opportunity for testing and feedback from customers. This experience would ultimately influence GTC to open their second location within the community. In fact, many of their customers today remember and recognize GTC from their short stint at the Incubator Booth (to learn more about the Incubator Booth Program or apply as a vendor click here).
Much like the Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market, GTC is rooted in community and quality. For GTC, social good and community development are built into their business model.
“You don’t have to sacrifice quality to be this way” Waardenburg said. GTC is committed to fair trade, community development and breaking the ‘cycle of poverty’ all while offering premium products. GTC works closely with rural communities in Latin America, ensuring “the profits from each bag of coffee goes directly back into the producer’s community” (GTC, 2019). Waardenburg himself has dedicated the last 5 years alleviating poverty in Canada, working with vulnerable populations across the city. For Waardenburg, coffee is both the vehicle and the fuel to actioning GTC’s mission and values.
So, whether you pull up a chair next to the bay window or take your latte to go, show your valid HSCA Membership card and you’ll receive 10% off all beverages and you can walk away knowing that you’re supporting a socially conscious business in our community. We’re so excited to welcome Good Trade Coffee Co. as our newest Membership Partner. To purchase or renew your 2020 HSCA Membership, click here. To learn more about Good Trade Coffee Co. visit their website, follow them in Instagram @goodtradeco or find them on Facebook.