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...
Lincoln and Ward meet Paul in an old Milwaukee warehouse – they bond over coffee while listening to vinyl.
The trio buys their first vintage Probat, hatching the idea of becoming coffee roasters—Alterra is born!
Alterra Coffee Roasters debuts with kiosk in Bayshore Mall, bringing on-site roasting to the retail world.
First trip to origin—Finca Oriflama, San Marcos, Quatemala—beginning one of many direct-sourcing relationships.
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.
Prospect Cafe opens, introducing Milwaukeeans to a new kind of cafe experience and expanding their love and knowledge of specialty coffee.
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.
The baking begins.
Lakefront Cafe opens with the introduction of food—forever changing the trajectory of the company and its cafes.
Hello Chorizo Burrito, all-day breakfast hits the menu.
Humboldt Cafe and Roasting opens in Riverwest—revitalizing a forlorn corner.
The "Martians" are coming—Alterra sells global brand rights (selling the name, but not the business) to Mars Inc.
Troubadour Bakery (and Bay View Cafe) join the family—shining a spotlight on our bakery operations.
"Mad Town" on the Square—Madison cafe #1 opens, our first outside of Milwaukee.
¡VIVA COLECTIVO! 20th Anniversary—Alterra renames itself to Colectivo and ends its relationship with Mars, embarking on our next chapter under our new name.
Slow-made Bread starts to come out of the ovens at Troubadour.
Welcome to the Windy City. We plant our flag in Chicago—Lincoln Park cafe opens followed by Logan Square.
Our new APP launches, ushering in a new way to interact with our brand.
Colectivo celebrates 30 years.
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