Ayla Bombe, Ethiopia

Named by combining the founders' surnames, Thomas and Bargen, this husband and wife team has been roasting in Winnipeg since 2012, building multiple locations across the city including a heritage building in the Exchange District and a spot in Osborne Village. They roast on a Probat at a central facility, producing approachable medium profiles from Colombia, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Kenya, Brazil, and El Salvador, with direct trade and long term producer relationships guiding their sourcing. What sets Thom Bargen apart is the equal weight given to baking and coffee: their pastry program has earned as much of a reputation as the beans. Multiple staff members have competed in the Canadian Barista Championship, reflecting the depth of talent on the team. Wholesale across Manitoba and a subscription service keep the roastery connected to a broad audience, and the brand plays an active role in Winnipeg's downtown revitalization.