Meet the 12 Independent Cafés We Met at Coffee Fest New York 2025

TLDR

Every year, Coffee Fest New York gathers some of the most forward-thinking cafés and specialty coffee brands under one roof. The 2025 edition, held at the Javits Center from March 23–25, sparked meaningful conversations, connected passionate business owners, and showcased fresh ideas to coffee professionals from the Northeast and beyond.

At Per Diem, we had the privilege of connecting with dozens of innovative cafés and roasters that are shaping the future of coffee retail. Below, we're spotlighting 12 standout coffee shops we met at the show. Each one brings something unique to the table—whether it’s their community impact, creative beverage programs, or commitment to quality and culture.

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1. Stoop Coffee – Sulphur, LA

Located in Sulphur, Louisiana, Stoop Coffee offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a side of handcrafted espresso and baked goods. Their drive-thru setup brings extra convenience to regulars on the go. The shop stands out for blending small-town hospitality with a café service. It’s a beloved gathering place for people.

2. Equal Grounds Community Cafe – Rochester, NY

A pillar in Rochester’s South Wedge neighborhood, Equal Grounds is a coffee shop built on inclusion, equity, and safe conversation. Since 2006, it has served as both a café and a community hub. Guests return for its cozy setting, rotating art, and strong values. It’s an example of mission-driven coffee that leaves a lasting impression.

3. Avos Java – Cliffside Park, NJ

Avos Java brings Mediterranean flair to its New Jersey neighborhood with a café experience that’s elegant yet laid-back. Their drinks and light fare offer something beyond the typical coffee shop menu. Known for its wine bar vibe and polished ambiance, Avos creates a space that encourages lingering conversations and elevated casual dining.

4. La Antioqueña – Flushing, NY

This Flushing-based Colombian bakery serves up traditional Latin pastries alongside warm service and nostalgic flavors. Popular items like guava-and-cheese pasteles and savory empanadas keep regulars coming back. It’s a family-run spot with a loyal customer base and a deep connection to cultural roots. Their booth brought a unique energy to Coffee Fest.

5. Moa Coffee – Astoria, NY

With locations in Astoria, Woodside, and Sunnyside, Moa Coffee has built a strong identity in Queens. Their cafés feature clean design, good music, and well-made coffee — creating dependable neighborhood spots. Their focus on consistency and customer connection makes them a standout brand in a fast-growing market. Every visit feels intentionally crafted.

6. Georgie's – Lower East Side, NY

Georgie’s, on Broome Street, brings Hong Kong-style café fare into the heart of NYC’s Lower East Side. Their menu is a fun mashup of East-meets-West comfort food, paired with strong coffee and milk teas. The shop’s branding, vibe, and flavor combinations are all intentionally bold. Georgie’s was a fan favorite among attendees at Coffee Fest NYC.

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7. Cup of Common Wealth – Lexington, KY

This Lexington-based shop goes beyond coffee—it’s a space for connection, storytelling, and giving back. A Cup of Common Wealth is rooted in community-first values, and it shows in their team culture and customer service. With a growing local following and strong brand mission, they’re redefining what a modern coffee shop can look like. Their energy was contagious at the fest.

8. Kismet Coffee – Bay Shore, NY

Kismet started as a seasonal coffee stand on Fire Island and has grown into a full-fledged café business with multiple Long Island locations. Their brand balances beach vibes with high-quality espresso and a strong local following. Their story is one of hustle, resilience, and smart scaling. The team’s fresh approach caught the eye of many Coffee Fest attendees.

9. Redhawk Coffee Roasters – Pittsburgh, PA

From a mobile espresso bar to a multi-location roastery in Pittsburgh, Redhawk has built a strong name in craft coffee. They roast their own beans and operate with a deep commitment to quality and transparency. With locations near universities and creative hubs, they’ve cultivated a loyal, knowledgeable customer base. Their booth buzzed with attention throughout the event.

10. Be Bold Coffee – Santa Rosa, FL

Be Bold Coffee serves small-batch drinks from a retro coffee truck parked in Santa Rosa Beach. Their mobile setup is all about creativity, positivity, and keeping things fun. As a mobile-first brand, they’ve built flexibility into their business model—without losing focus on product quality. Be Bold made a strong impression as a nimble and inspiring coffee brand.

11. Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters – Greenpoint, NY

With roots going back to 2008, Sweetleaf helped pioneer third-wave coffee in Brooklyn. Their Greenpoint café doubles as a roasting space, with a bar-like setting and a focus on precision brewing. Known for great service and a loyal customer base, they’ve grown thoughtfully without losing their edge. Their consistency and cool factor still draw major crowds.

12. Mandy Bean Specialty Coffee – Yonkers, NY

Mandy Bean brings precision and design-forward thinking to Yonkers’ growing specialty coffee scene. Every element—from roast profiles to the interior layout—is curated with care. They’re carving out a niche with premium offerings and an elevated customer experience. Their approach is both boutique and bold, and Coffee Fest was a great match for their vision.

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Final Thoughts

Whether they’re long-established or just starting to grow, each of these cafés is a strong example of what’s possible in the modern coffee industry—authentic experiences, loyal communities, and a clear point of view. As a tech partner, we love connecting with shops that share our belief that small businesses can compete by staying smart, nimble, and connected.