Caffe Ladro Opens in Ballard
Seattle-based coffee chain Caffe Ladro has opened a new location on NW Market Street in Ballard. This marks another step in the company's steady expansion within its home market.
Caffe Ladro, Italian for "coffee thief," was founded in 1994 by Jack Kelly and Bob Ohly in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood. The name was a playful nod to opening next to a coffee giant with the intent to "steal" customers with high-quality coffee and service. The company has since expanded to 18 locations throughout the Seattle area as of 2023. A pioneer in ethical sourcing, Caffe Ladro became the first multi-location chain in the U.S. to exclusively sell 100% fair trade coffee in 2002. In 2011, the company launched its own roasting operation to directly manage coffee quality and sourcing. This allows them to build direct relationships with farmers and millers. The new Ballard cafe, located at 2240 NW Market St., is the company's 11th location within Seattle proper. It joins a neighborhood with a competitive coffee scene, but Caffe Ladro aims to distinguish itself with its in-house roasted beans and pastries baked at a central bakery. Beyond retail, the company has a wholesale division, supplying their roasted coffee to restaurants, bars, and grocery stores. Founder Jack Kelly remains the CEO and head coffee buyer, continuing to travel to farms to source beans directly.
