The fair-trade coffeehouse chain is committed to establishing and sustaining strong connections with customers, farmers, employees and frontline workers
A variation of this post was first published on the Westboro Connection blog.
Bridgehead Coffee, a renowned fair-trade coffeehouse chain, is a well-known hub for the residents of Westboro and Hintonburg. The first company to offer consumers fairly-traded coffee in Canada, it has a special relationship with the Westboro and Hintonburg neighbourhoods. Back on June 17, 2000, the first Bridgehead Coffeehouse opened at 362 Richmond Road in Westboro. Currently, it has twenty outlets and includes a line of organic teas and food products.
Bridgehead is known for the quality of its coffees – and the warm and generous service of its team. The staff consciously make an extra effort to bring joy to every customer, and being limited to takeout hasn’t dampened their enthusiasm for creating special moments for everyone they serve. The Bridgehead team are inspired by the long-lasting memories that can be created over cups of coffee.
Bridgehead also deeply values its interactions with the farmers who grow the beans and pluck the tea leaves. They aid them by providing support and also learn how to inculcate environment-friendly practices into their daily work. There is a desire to extend the relationship to customers in the future. “We want our customers to know the farmers responsible for their coffees,” says Blair Amyotte, Director of Marketing and Brand at Bridgehead Coffee.
There have been challenges in creating these relationships during the pandemic, particularly with travel restrictions in place. “The values of community-building and collaboration have still continued to guide our way,” adds Blair. The community of farmers seemed to be hit hard financially. One particular farmer was unable to produce enough harvest to take to market. However, Bridgehead turned the challenge into a chance to support the farmers as well as celebrate its employees. They bought the few bags the farmer had produced, which they gave to their staff as thank you coffees with a note introducing the farmer and sharing his story.
Bridgehead is also committed to supporting the community close to home. Around the beginning of the spread of COVID-19 in Ottawa, when testing centers were just opening up, the Bridgehead team decided to surprise the nurses and staff at the Brewer Park Arena Walk-in COVID Assessment Centre with free coffees. The Bridgehead team was met with an overwhelming response – full of gratitude and joy. The emotional reaction inspired them to continue delivering coffees to these heroic frontline workers every day since then. They have expanded this initiative to deliver to other different local health care worker groups as well, such as The Ottawa Hospital, CHEO, EORLA and community health clinics like Centretown Community Health Clinic.
While Bridgehead is undoubtedly a perfect go-to for a hot beverage or a delicious bite to eat, it’s the kindness and generosity of the team that make it truly special – whether it is delighting customers, aiding farmers, rewarding employees, or celebrating the healthcare workers who are guarding our community.
About Discover Local
Discover Local is an exclusive program for our residents, created to better acquaint them with their neighbourhood and the many local businesses and services therein. It’s all about discovering what makes their local community so vibrant, inspiring, and livable. From cafes and restaurants to retailers, gyms and beyond, we invite you to discover local – there’s a whole neighbourhood waiting to be discovered!