Esquires Coffee: Organic Coffee & Community Since 1993

Jan de Vries · 2026-03-23

You know that feeling when you walk into a coffee shop and it just feels right? That's what Esquires – The Organic Coffee Co. has been building since 1993. It all started with two business grads in Delta, British Columbia, who just wanted to bring great coffee to their neighborhood. Fast forward to today, and that single shop has grown into a worldwide family, with locations from Ireland to the Middle East and Asia. I recently spoke with Brendan Duigenan from the team to understand what makes this brand tick. ### More Than Just a Cup of Coffee Walk into any Esquires, whether it's in Dublin, Portugal, or somewhere in Asia, and you'll be greeted with a genuine smile. That's not an accident. The brand's growth isn't just about beans—it's about people. Their partnership model puts local franchisees in charge, which means each café has its own community heartbeat. It's a warmth you don't always get from big chains. ### The Ethical Bean Promise Let's talk about the coffee itself. Every cup is 100% Fairtrade and organic. That means farmers get fair wages, and the environment is treated with respect. They grind the beans fresh for every single order using top-notch equipment. The result? A rich, full-bodied taste that's become their signature. And hey, if coffee's not your thing, they've got you covered with specialty teas, fresh smoothies, and iced drinks too. ### Food That Feels Like Home A great drink needs great food to go with it, right? Esquires gets that. They bake most of their food right in the store, using high-quality ingredients. We're talking about a menu that has something for everyone: - A hearty full Irish breakfast to start your day - A choice selection of fresh sandwiches - Loaded fries, salads, and pastries As Brendan put it: "Esquires also stands out for its extensive food menu, which sets us apart from other well-known café brands. We put a strong focus on providing a wide selection of cooked options, as well as sandwiches and breakfast and dinner specials." ### Built on Local Connections This might be the most important part. Because each location is run by a local franchisee, every Esquires café is deeply connected to its neighborhood. It doesn't matter if it's a standalone shop in a city center or a spot inside a larger store—the community focus is always there. Brendan explained it perfectly: "One of the key advantages of being based in Ireland for us here at Esquires is this strong sense of community the country nurtures. This aligns perfectly with our brand." ### Walking the Sustainability Talk Customers today care about where their money goes. They want to support businesses that do good. Esquires has been ramping up its ESG efforts because of that. You'll see it in the little things that add up: - Plant-based milk alternatives are more popular than ever - Compostable takeaway cups, straws, and napkins are standard - Every corporate decision considers its environmental impact It's about making real change, one cup at a time. ### Keeping Up With the Trends The coffee world never stands still. To keep both regulars and new customers happy, Esquires has to stay on top of trends. Take matcha, for example—it's exploded in popularity with health-conscious folks. Adapting to these shifts is just part of staying relevant in a fast-moving industry. It's about honoring their core values while also embracing what's new. That balance is what keeps a brand thriving for decades.