OUR HISTORY

VIVA Colectivo

Our company began more than a quarter century ago in a Walker’s Point warehouse; co-owners Ward, Paul, and Lincoln bonded over vinyl records and a strong desire for a better cup of coffee...

1992

1992

Lincoln and Ward meet Paul in an old Milwaukee warehouse – they bond over coffee while listening to vinyl.

1993

1993

The trio buys their first vintage Probat, hatching the idea of becoming coffee roasters—Alterra is born!

1994

1994

Alterra Coffee Roasters debuts with kiosk in Bayshore Mall, bringing on-site roasting to the retail world.

1994

1994

First trip to origin—Finca Oriflama, San Marcos, Quatemala—beginning one of many direct-sourcing relationships.

1995

1995

Lincoln and Ward present their technical innovations at the SCAA Expo, reimagining the way batch coffee is brewed and ushering in a new standard for coffee equipment technology.

1997

1997

Prospect Cafe opens, introducing Milwaukeeans to a new kind of cafe experience and expanding their love and knowledge of specialty coffee.

1998

1998

Partnership with Kulatik Co-ooperative establishes our first Fair Trade buying relationship at the forefront of the U.S. Fair Trade movement.

"Blue Heeler" is created in honor of Mina, our unofficial mascot—it's instantly beloved and becomes a symbol of our organic and Fair Trade sourcing practices.

1999

1999

The baking begins.

2002

2002

Lakefront Cafe opens with the introduction of food—forever changing the trajectory of the company and its cafes.

2004

2004

Hello Chorizo Burrito, all-day breakfast hits the menu.

2007

2007

Humboldt Cafe and Roasting opens in Riverwest—revitalizing a forlorn corner.

2010

2010

The "Martians" are coming—Alterra sells global brand rights (selling the name, but not the business) to Mars Inc.

2012

2012

Troubadour Bakery (and Bay View Cafe) join the family—shining a spotlight on our bakery operations.

2013

2013

"Mad Town" on the Square—Madison cafe #1 opens, our first outside of Milwaukee.

2013

2013

¡VIVA COLECTIVO! 20th Anniversary—Alterra renames itself to Colectivo and ends its relationship with Mars, embarking on our next chapter under our new name.

2014

2014

Slow-made Bread starts to come out of the ovens at Troubadour.

2017

2017

Welcome to the Windy City. We plant our flag in Chicago—Lincoln Park cafe opens followed by Logan Square.

2020

2020

Our new APP launches, ushering in a new way to interact with our brand.

2023

2023

Colectivo celebrates 30 years.

Join Our Team

We offer a wide range of opportunities for you to explore and thrive, from warehousing to cafes, admin to bakery, and much more!
Join Our Team