Graffeo Coffee, San Francisco’s Oldest Roastery, Announces New Ownership

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 9, 2025

Graffeo Coffee, San Francisco’s Oldest Roastery, Announces New Ownership

SAN FRANCISCO — Graffeo Coffee, the 90-year-old North Beach roastery served in celebrated establishments like House of Prime Rib, Zuni Cafe, Lazy Bear, Bryan’s Grocery, Woodlands Market, Draeger’s, and The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, proudly announces a change in majority ownership. For the first time in nearly half a century, sixth-generation San Franciscan Walter Haas acquires a controlling stake from longtime proprietor and fluid-bed roasting pioneer, Luciano Repetto, who remains as partner.

Featured recently in both SFGATE and the San Francisco Chronicle, Graffeo holds a remarkable legacy of artisanal coffee production. Its single blend—Dark Roast, Light Roast, and a chemical-free Swiss Water Decaf—owes its famously smooth character to a temperature-controlled fluid bed roaster meticulously calibrated by Repetto.

“I understand and believe in the power of heritage businesses and San Francisco,” Haas said in an exclusive interview with SFGate's Jessica Yadegaran. “I think Graffeo will always be a well-kept secret. It will always be for connoisseurs, high-end restaurants and high-end grocery stores. People who are in the know. My job is to make it a slightly worse-kept secret.”

Haas, who has led marketing efforts at both startups and iconic brands like Levi’s, intends to expand Graffeo’s presence while preserving its rich history and timeless approach.

About Graffeo Coffee Roasting Company, Inc. 

Established in 1935, Graffeo Coffee is the oldest coffee roastery in San Francisco, trusted by the finest restaurants and top independent gourmet grocery stores in The Bay Area and Beverly Hills. Our heritage meets modern precision, delivering a smooth, never-bitter cup that has delighted connoisseurs for nearly a century.

For more information, please visit graffeo.com

Media Contact coffee[at]graffeo.com

(415) 986 2420