Bono Coffee is a family-owned coffee roastery that shares their Ethiopian heritage with the Calgary community. With three cafes and more than a half-dozen signature house-roasted blends, Bono is keeping Calgary caffeinated while providing meaningful opportunities to Ethiopian farmers. We spoke with Bono Coffee owner, Dawit, to learn more.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Bono Coffee is a specialty coffee roastery and café with three locations in Calgary. We roast premium Ethiopian beans in small batches and serve handcrafted drinks, grab and go snacks and desserts in three charming spaces designed to bring people together.
What made you want to do this work?
We love coffee—and we love people. Being an independent business owner allows us to bring those passions together. We’ve always believed that a coffee shop should be more than just a place to grab a drink. It should be a platform for connection. A gathering place. That’s the vision behind Bono and what we continue to work toward every day.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Our beans come directly from Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee. Through Bono, we’re able to give back to our roots by supporting small-scale, family-owned farms that practice sustainable, traditional methods. The majority of Ethiopian farmers aren’t commercial operations—they’re generational stewards of the land. Our work helps preserve that legacy while creating meaningful economic opportunities for local growers.
Who are your clientele?
Calgarians! Young, old—everyone is welcome. From students and creatives to retirees and remote workers, our customers are as diverse as the city itself.
How does your business make money?
We’re still growing and pushing every day. Dawit is up at the crack of dawn roasting beans and working late into the evening to keep everything running. We make money through coffee sales in-store and through our subscription and wholesale programs.
Where in the city can we find you?
You’ll find our coffee shops across Calgary, on Manhattan Road, Bridgeland and Stephen Ave.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask when comparing coffee shops—and how would you answer it?
What makes your coffee different?
Our beans are Ethiopian, known for their smoothness and low acidity. The difference is in the details: small-batch roasting, traditional farming methods, and healthy trees cared for like family. Just like people, coffee trees thrive when they’re well looked after.
What’s the best part about what you do? What’s the hardest?
The best part? Seeing people connect. Friends catching up. Strangers becoming regulars. Folks working, creating, and just being. Creating a space for that brings us joy.
The hardest part? Doing it all. From sourcing and roasting to keeping things running smoothly—it’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work. But we love it.
What’s your favourite coffee-related joke or story?
A girl once showed me a video of a guy trying to open a door while juggling a cup of milk, napkins, and other stuff. He’s totally overloaded—and I could relate. That’s the life! But all the scrambling fades away when someone walks in with a smile. Everyone wants to own a coffee shop… until they see what it really takes.
Also, I try not to run the POS—I’m terrible at it. I always end up giving away free stuff. 😂
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What’s another local business you love?
Pinnacle Wholesale Food. They supply our cups and lids—and Melissa is amazing to work with. Support local!
