Milano Coffee Roasters Celebrates 20 Years of Community, Coffee and Connection
Exclusive 20-Bean Espresso Blend Released to Honour the Occasion
Milano Coffee Roasters is proud to announce its 20th anniversary this November. Milano’s artisan tradition dates back three generations – blending Italian coffee heritage with west coast culture. For two decades, this local-and-beyond coffee shop has been serving premium, stand-out coffee and creating welcoming community hubs for locals and visitors alike.
History
It all began in East Vancouver…
In 1984, founder and Italian Master Roaster, Francesco Curatolo, brought 75 years of coffee roasting and blending expertise to Vancouver where he gained global recognition for his expertly crafted coffees. Curatolo formed a long-lasting mentorship with an eager-to-learn, Brian Turko who spent 15 under his tutelage. Finding his passion in the possibilities of the coffee bean, Turko dedicated his life to the pursuit of the perfect blend, becoming a Master Roaster and co-owner of Milano Coffee along the way. With the business acumen and energy of his work and life partner, Linda and brother-in-law, Barry Henry, the trio has continued to elevate, refine and revitalize coffee blends – and local coffee culture – ever since. Since taking over the brand in 2003, the business has expanded to include seven Milano Coffee bar locations in Vancouver, Vancouver Island and Calgary, as well as the original Turks Coffee Bar on Commercial Drive – now in its 25th year.
Awards
Over the years, Milano Coffee has created quite the buzz – winning many international awards for Turko’s tireless approach to coffee innovation. Turko’s ongoing curiosity, desire to best-himself and flat-out ‘mad professor’ mentality has yielded 15 gold-medal wins at the International Coffee Tasting Awards held by the International Institute of Coffee Tasters (IIAC). His fascination lies in the nuance of multi-bean blends – and the creation of deep, memorable, and complex flavor profiles in his passion for a ‘more-is-more’ coffee experience. The most recent win was for their Turks Crown 20-bean blend, a full spectrum of coffee elements and premium flavour characteristics that include nuts, spice, fruits and flowers.
Vancouver Coffee Culture
Since the early 2000s, Milano Coffee Roasters has stood as a beacon of warmth from its welcoming locations across the city. From flagship Vancouver neighbourhoods like Commercial Drive, Mount Pleasant, Gastown and English Bay, Milano has long prided itself on being a gathering place for conversation, connection and friendship. From the inviting aroma of freshly poured coffee to the welcoming smiles – and remembered coffee orders – of the staff, Milano has created an elevated experience that transcends a simple cup of joe.
“We’re immensely grateful to our dedicated customers and talented team for supporting us over these 20 wonderful years. It’s been an amazing journey, and we’re excited for what lies ahead,” said Brian Turko, Owner and Master Roaster. “Turks Crown is the result of two decades of passion and promises to take coffee lovers on a complete flavour wheel experience. This one has it all!”
Celebrating the 20th Anniversary with a 20-Bean Blend
To mark this milestone, Milano is releasing a limited-edition, 20-bean blend espresso blend that embodies the essence of the last two decades – a blend of rich flavors and a sprinkle of nostalgia. Turks Crown 20-bean blend is $100 per bag and is available at all Milano locations and online, while supplies last.
Customer Appreciation Events
In addition to the new release, Milano will be celebrating in-store with a customer appreciation day on Friday, November 24th at Milano’s West 8th location that promises surprise giveaways and special discounts. The award winning anniversary blend will also be available that day at the bar of all Milano locations for $6 to $10 (single/double). The Milano team hopes to express their heartfelt gratitude to their supportive communities throughout the day.
Join Milano Coffee Roasters in raising a cup to 20 incredible years of brewing happiness, fostering friendships, and being an integral part of the local communities their shops call home. Barry Henry, Linda and Brian, and their daughter – up-and-comer, Lili Turko – look forward to enjoying many more years of community, award-winning espresso blends, and the perfect cup of coffee.
About Milano Coffee Roasters:
The legacy of Vancouver based Milano Coffee’s artisan tradition dates back three generations of Italian coffee heritage blended with 30 years of West Coast culture. Brian and Linda Turko, partners in business and life, have been at the helm since 2003 and have since opened seven Milano Coffee Bars, as well as the original Turks Coffee Bar on Commercial Drive that celebrated 25 years in 2022. Here they began the trend of offering more than one espresso bean blend, and now offer up to eight different espressos at any given time. Milano is dedicated to sourcing, hand roasting – all done by owners Brian Turko and Barry Henry – and blending each of their espressos. Brian’s espresso has won multiple “Best Espresso” gold medals at the International Coffee Tasting Competitions since 2012. Milano Coffee has locations in Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Courtenay, and Comox.
For more information about Milano Coffee Roasters, visit milanocoffee.ca and connect socially @milanoroasters.
Media release and images provided by Krista Lochhead, Hatch Hospitality. Photo credit: Allison Kuhl
