The evolution of Highlands Coffee Company had its beginnings in Diva Espresso (created by two partners and brought to life in January 1992). From 1992 to 1998, Diva paid her growing-pains dues, ultimately thriving in both North Seattle and West Seattle, cultivating kaffeeclatsch (coffee and gossip) in two funky/eclectic neighborhood coffeehouses.

October 1998 saw the Diva dream begin its metamorphosis into reality. Wanting to pursue what she called the fun end of the business (that most magical of beans and the fascinating way it has of connecting people. . . cultures . . ideas), the Then Half-Owner/General Manager, Laurie Cheeley, went in search of Diva Champions: Adventurers who would recognize Diva’s Sapphire Soul and be able to build on an already-wondrous thing. Her quest ended successfully in Steve Barker and Greg Hamper.

Now in partnership with one original owner (Mele Olsen), these princely dynamos have retained Diva’s essence, nurtured her excellence, and established both these concepts through the addition of three new Diva locations: Wallingford/Greenlake, Lake City, and the Highlands (bringing the number of Diva coffeehouses to five).

In 2001, Diva’s owners came to some revolutionary realizations: that noteworthy coffee originates with the grower and is supported by a decent and evenhanded relationship with their people; that a continuing equitable association with fair-and like-minded brokers, and their belief that the inestimable effect human dignity has on anything produced through heart and sweat and spirit is essential to the quality of that product and the success of anyone using it; and that by being involved in the process from its inception to its resolution they could assure all concerned -- from grower to broker to consumer-- that not only was the end product superb, incomparable and deeply satisfying, but that all was right with the world every step of the way.

This led to the founding of Highlands Coffee Company, an independent coffee roaster operating in North Seattle and offering high-end product infused with the care, knowledge, art and vision of all who had a hand in bringing it to you.

In early 2004 Highlands Coffee Company moved its roasting facility to a much larger space, adding a roaster with almost twice the capacity of their first roaster. Plans are in the works for an open-to-the-public cupping room and training space.

Come take part in the Wondrous Adventure of the Bean, as we foster its transformation from Splendid Newcomer to Perfection-In-A-Cup.

(call for tour times and directions)