The Birth of the Modern Barista

The history of coffee begins in long-ado Ethiopia, where the first coffee beans were discovered. According to legend, a goat herder named Kaldi noticed that his goats became unusually energetic after eating berries from a strange tree. Whether this legend is true or not really is not important; what is important is that someone in Ethiopia noticed the coffee berries, and from there, coffee began its journey to conquer the world.

As history continued to unfold, coffee became an integral part of many cultures. From the first coffeehouses in Constantinople (now Istanbul) in the 15th century to the explosion of coffeehouses across Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, to the dominance of coffee across the U.S. today, coffee has become a medium for connecting people, stimulating intellect, and fostering creativity.

Modern coffee culture has introduced a new wave in how we enjoy coffee. This also marked the birth of the barista profession as we know it today—individuals who are not just making coffee but are true artisans in creating the perfect coffee experience.

Little known fact: the word “barista” comes from the Italian word for “Bartender.” Whereas a bartender is an artisan of alcoholic beverages, a barista is an artisan of coffee beverages.

A point of pride: Madres Espresso believes we have the very best baristas in Olympia/Tumwater/Lacey, and being voted The Best of the South Sound pretty much proves our belief.

Come visit us and find out what great customer service looks like.