Written by 
Updated on Aug 18, 2025
I strive to keep all content fresh, but details may change
Behind the Brew: Diana Ambrus of Sleepy Bear Coffee in Lausanne & Montreux
I met Diana on my first coffee related trip to Switzerland in 2018. Back then I stopped by Sleepy Bear in Lausanne and found her pouring flat whites behind the bar in a city that initially knew little about third wave coffee. From that single café, Diana and her husband have built a coffee brand that now spans across multiple locations in French-speaking Switzerland. During a more recent conversation we had, she shared the story of their humble beginnings as well as newest ventures.
How did your coffee journey begin?
I encountered specialty coffee for the first time back in Romania and it completely changed my perspective. The complexity of flavors, the stories behind each bean – I found myself dedicating more and more time to understanding this world while working in marketing and fashion. Eventually, coffee won my heart completely.
What brought you to Switzerland?
Life has interesting ways of guiding us. My husband’s career as a professional athlete opened doors to Switzerland. While he pursued football, I continued exploring coffee through courses and tastings. He noticed my growing obsession and encouraged me to transform this passion into something tangible. That was the push I needed to start something on my own.
Tell me about acquiring Sleepy Bear
The search for the right space took time. We explored various options around Lausanne before discovering that Sleepy Bear was available. The timing felt right, and we officially launched in 2018. What excited me most was the opportunity to introduce proper specialty coffee to Lausanne – we were pioneers in that sense.
The early days demanded total commitment. Seven days a week, no holidays, no breaks, building relationships one cup at a time. People didn’t understand specialty coffee initially. They expected bitter, dark roasts. We had to guide them through this new world of flavors, explaining why lighter roasts could taste like berries or citrus.
How did the business evolve?
When my husband concluded his football career, he caught the entrepreneurial spirit too. We found a former crêperie nearby and transformed it into Hungry Bear in 2022. The concept focuses on local Swiss producers – about 90% of everything we serve comes from nearby farms. Naturally, we pair these dishes with our specialty coffee. The expansion accelerated in 2023 as we opened a second Sleepy Bear near Lausanne’s railway station, making specialty coffee accessible to commuters.
But you didn’t stop there. Why Montreux for your latest venture?
We initially searched for a roastery location in Lausanne without success. Then the space in Montreux appeared and it was absolutely perfect.
Last year marked your debut at the Swiss Brewers Cup, where you worked with MAME’s team to perfect your technique. How was the experience for you?
Standing before those judges, presenting my chosen coffee – the experience was invaluable. This year I’m competing in Romania. I’m curious to see how the specialty coffee scene has evolved in my homeland. It is my dream to arrive at the world stage.
What drives your continued passion?
Learning never stops in coffee. Every day brings new discoveries: processing methods, origin characteristics, brewing techniques. What thrills me most is witnessing our community’s evolution. Customers who once feared anything lighter than French roast now request specific Ethiopian varieties or Colombian carbonic macerations. We’ve grown together.
