"SO" stands for "southwest," reflecting the direction where Portugal—and our cherished hometown of Porto—are beautifully situated in Europe. In Portuguese, "Porto" means "harbor," a place of welcome, rest, discovery, and connection. At SO Coffee Roasters, we embrace the essence of a harbor—a vibrant, ever-evolving space that thrives on sharing and receiving. Our journey began in 2019 with three passionate professionals—Lisa, Pedro, and João—each bringing unique backgrounds and perspectives. Today, we've grown into a dedicated team of 12, united by a love for coffee and a commitment to making thoughtful choices that ensure every cup is the best it can be.

At SO Coffee Roasters, we deeply value every individual behind the coffee we serve. We hold great respect and appreciation for the farmers who dedicate their lives to growing coffee, honoring their environment, culture, and overcoming the challenges posed by climate change. That’s why we take pride in personally meeting and exchanging ideas with producers, including Jose Eguiguren from Ecuador, Patrick Murray from El Salvador, Johan Vergara from Colombia, the Barbosa Family from Brazil, and many others. With every cup, we stay committed to supporting the people, traditions, and sustainability that bring exceptional coffee to life.

It all started with a simple idea: to share fair, sustainably produced coffee. Today, SO Coffee Roasters is a team of 12 passionate individuals united by the same ethical vision and commitment to exceptional coffee that has driven us since 2019. We also challenge ourselves by competing on the world stage. In 2024, our Luiz Lahutte Motta won the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) "Brewers Cup" national chapter and will proudly represent Portugal in the World Championship. Back in 2022, Rui Pedrosa became the National Barista Champion, achieving Portugal's highest-ever ranking at the World Championships by placing among the top 15 baristas globally. As a team, we learn, grow, and thrive—together.