About Zoka

 

In 1996, University of Washington Alumni Jeff Babcock created Zoka Coffee Roaster & Tea Company. Nestled in the heart of Seattle's Wallingford District, this vibrant cafe has become a hub of activity and community, open seven days a week. Thanks to the small-batch roasting of Zoka coffees, homemade baked goods and hand-sourced teas, it's often hard to find a seat. Now with the third Zoka Coffee Roaster & Tea House, Kirkland Zoka, customers have recently been given another chance to settle in with a Zoka cappuccino and scone.

The cornerstone concept of the Zoka Coffee Roaster & Tea Company is a focus on our local community. Where other coffeehouses may hurry customers out the door, we at Zoka invite you to stay, and feel honored when you decide to settle in with us for a whole afternoon (that's why we tempt you with free wireless Internet).

Where we regard our customers with warmth and respect, we consider our coworkers as close as family. Each Zoka staffer brings new creativity, ideas and joy to the table, thereby continuing what has become a grand tradition of diversity and originality at Zoka.

We treasure the bonds we share with customers and fellow baristas, and we hope you'll join us in growing our family bigger still.

 

2008 Roaster of the Year

ZOKA COFFEE ROASTER AND TEA CO.'S store in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood bustles with activity on most days, a coffee- and espresso-stoked energy fueling discussions about the new light rail line or the latest university art exhibit. But to owner Jeff Babcock, the real strength of the shop isn't the people, nor even the fact that he roasts and sells excellent coffee. It's that Zoka offers the one thing that most large roasting operations can't: first-day freshness.  (READ MORE)

Maki Campbell awarded 2nd Place at the NWRBC

Congratulations to Zoka's own Maki Campbell who won 2nd place with a skillful and polished performance at this year's Northwest Regional Barista Competition! In only her third competition, Maki stood out amid the field of competitors with her precision, speed and creativity. After a fifth place finish at last year's Northwest Regional and advancing through the first round of fifty competitors at the last US Barista Championship, Maki felt she could do better and set out to refine the various skill sets required in the craft of espresso preparation. (READ MORE)