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
Lincoln and Ward meet Paul in an old Milwaukee warehouse – they bond over coffee while listening to vinyl.
1993
The trio buys their first vintage Probat, hatching the idea of becoming coffee roasters—Alterra is born!
1994
Alterra Coffee Roasters debuts with kiosk in Bayshore Mall, bringing on-site roasting to the retail world.
1994
First trip to origin—Finca Oriflama, San Marcos, Quatemala—beginning one of many direct-sourcing relationships.
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
Prospect Cafe opens, introducing Milwaukeeans to a new kind of cafe experience and expanding their love and knowledge of specialty coffee.
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
The baking begins.
2002
Lakefront Cafe opens with the introduction of food—forever changing the trajectory of the company and its cafes.
2004
Hello Chorizo Burrito, all-day breakfast hits the menu.
2007
Humboldt Cafe and Roasting opens in Riverwest—revitalizing a forlorn corner.
2010
The "Martians" are coming—Alterra sells global brand rights (selling the name, but not the business) to Mars Inc.
2012
Troubadour Bakery (and Bay View Cafe) join the family—shining a spotlight on our bakery operations.
2013
"Mad Town" on the Square—Madison cafe #1 opens, our first outside of Milwaukee.
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
Slow-made Bread starts to come out of the ovens at Troubadour.
2017
Welcome to the Windy City. We plant our flag in Chicago—Lincoln Park cafe opens followed by Logan Square.
2020
Our new APP launches, ushering in a new way to interact with our brand.
2023
Colectivo celebrates 30 years.
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