For anyone who has known me for a long time, you know my life has been anything but ordinary. It’s been a wild, adventurous ride filled with twists, turns, and a lot of coffee. My journey with coffee isn’t just about the drink—it’s about the moments, the stories of adventure, the people I've shared it with, and the lessons that have shaped me along the way.
The Early Days: A Seed Was Planted
I was born in Hamilton, Ontario, but my story really began when my mom packed up a few clothes for me and my sister, and we ran off in the middle of the night to escape my abusive dad. It was the summer before grade 5, and we moved into a small three-story apartment building. It was there that I met two friends who unknowingly kickstarted my coffee journey.
Every morning in grade 6, the three of us would walk to school through an old mall grocery store. There, I’d stop for a free coffee with the little old ladies who worked there. They were so kind and welcoming that they eventually started having our coffees ready as we walked through. It was my first taste of coffee, but more importantly, it was my first taste of community—a feeling I’d later chase in coffee shops around the world.
My Mom’s “Stupid Coffee” Ritual
After grade 6, we moved to Burlington, and life changed forever. During this time, my mom developed a love hate relationship with coffee. She bought a little coffee grinder and pot, and it became her morning ritual. She’d sit in her garden during the summer or in front of the fireplace in the winter, dreaming about gardening and the simple joys of life. She loved her coffee, but there was one problem: she’d always forget to grind the beans before bed.
Every night, without fail, I’d hear her call out from down the hallway, “Oh, I forgot to grind the stupid coffee!” It became a running joke in our house, but it was also the moment I started to love coffee. I’d join her sometimes, sitting in the garden or by the fire, sipping coffee and talking about life. She would talk about her own dreams of owning a small tea shop, with little tea cups, flowers on the tables, and chatting with all the customers. Those little moments with my mom were more significant than I realized at the time. They were my first introduction to the magic of coffee—not just as a drink, but as a connector of people and a catalyst for conversation. My mom would later pass away from cancer but left a legacy of dreaming.
From the Army to the World: A Global Coffee Adventure
When I left Burlington in the winter of 1996/97 to join the army, I had no idea how much my life would change—or how far coffee would take me. At the time, coffee was just a comforting ritual, a reminder of those quiet mornings with my mom. But as I traveled the world, coffee became so much more. It became a way to connect with people, to explore new cultures, and to dream bigger than I ever had before.
Kosovo: Coffee as a Symbol of Resilience
During my time in the army, I was deployed to Kosovo as part of one of the first military units in the country. It was a challenging and eye-opening experience. I witnessed some horrific moments, but also ones that will stay with me forever. The people of Kosovo had very little—homes were often bombed-out shells, and daily life was a struggle. But one thing they did have was coffee.
To them, coffee wasn’t just a drink; it was something sacred, a symbol of hospitality and resilience. I’ll never forget the sight of people emerging from their damaged homes, holding small cups of Turkish coffee. They wanted to offer us something, to show their gratitude and kindness, even in the face of unimaginable hardship. It was incredibly moving. Unfortunately, for reasons I won’t get into here, we couldn’t drink the coffee they offered, but the gesture itself left a profound impact on me. It was a reminder of how something as simple as a cup of coffee can carry so much meaning—hope, connection, and humanity.
Building a Life Over Coffee
Also during my time in the army, my then-girlfriend (now wife) and I began our own adventures. One of our earliest rituals was meeting every Wednesday at the Second Cup on Jasper Avenue. She was in university at the time, and those weekly coffee dates became a cornerstone of our relationship. We’d sit for a few hours, sipping coffee or tea and talking about our days—her studies, my work, our dreams for the future. It was in those moments, over the steaming cups sitting in the window seats watching people walk by, that our bond grew stronger. Second Cup wasn’t just a coffee shop; it's where we sat and listened to each other or I would just watch her study. it was where we built the foundation of our life together,
When we moved to England for a year, coffee continued to play a central role in our lives. It was there, while working in a school, that I first started thinking about starting my own business. I didn’t know what it would be yet, but the seed had been planted. When we returned to Canada, I landed jobs at Dell and then Intuit, where I was surrounded by dreamers and doers who inspired me to chase my own passions.
During my role at Intuit and my adventures with my wife, I have visited 23 countries and countless cities, and no matter where I was, coffee was always a priority. It wasn’t just about the caffeine—it was about the experience. Every morning, before meetings or exploring a new city, I’d seek out the best local cafes. These places became my sanctuaries, my classrooms, and my inspiration.
Dublin: A Warm Welcome in the Rain
One of my most memorable coffee experiences was in Dublin, Ireland. The city is known for its cozy pubs, but its coffee scene is just as inviting. I stumbled upon 3FE (Third Floor Espresso), a cafe that’s often credited with revolutionizing Dublin’s coffee culture. The baristas were passionate and knowledgeable, and the coffee was exceptional. Sitting there, sipping a perfectly brewed flat white while rain tapped against the windows, I felt a deep sense of connection—not just to the coffee, but to the city and its people.
New York City: The Heartbeat of Coffee Culture
New York City is a coffee lover’s paradise, and I’ve been fortunate to visit some of its most iconic spots. One of my favorites is Devoción, a Brooklyn-based roastery that sources its beans directly from farmers in Colombia. The space is stunning, with lush greenery and a massive window that looks into the roasting area. Every cup feels like a celebration of the entire coffee journey, from farm to cup.
Another standout is Stumptown Coffee Roasters in the Ace Hotel. It’s the kind of place where you can sit for hours, watching the world go by while sipping on a velvety cappuccino. NYC’s coffee scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself, and every visit feels like a new adventure.
Mexico City: A Burst of Flavor and Culture
Mexico City holds a special place in my heart. The city’s coffee culture is vibrant and deeply rooted in tradition. One of my favorite spots is Café Avellaneda, a small, unassuming cafe that serves some of the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. The baristas are artists, carefully crafting each cup with precision and care.
I also visited Buna, a specialty coffee shop that’s all about sustainability and quality. Their pour-over coffee was a revelation—bright, complex, and bursting with flavour. Mexico City’s coffee scene is a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation, and it left a lasting impression on me.
London: History in Every Cup
During my time in England, I made it a point to visit Jamaica Wine House, the oldest coffee shop in London. Stepping inside felt like stepping back in time. The dark wood paneling, the low ceilings, the sense of history—it was incredible to think about all the people who had sat in that same spot, sipping coffee and sharing stories over the centuries.
Tel Aviv: Coffee and Community
In Tel Aviv, I found myself at Little Prince, a charming cafe that doubles as a bookstore. It’s the kind of place where you can lose yourself for hours, sipping coffee and flipping through the pages of a good book. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and it reminded me of those early mornings with my mom, sitting by the fire and talking about life.
Paris: Romance in a Cup
No coffee journey would be complete without a stop in Paris. The city’s cafes are legendary, and for good reason. I’ll never forget sitting at a sidewalk table at Café de Flore, one of the oldest and most famous cafes in the city. The espresso was rich and intense, the croissant buttery and flaky, and the people-watching absolutely unparalleled. Paris taught me that coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience, a moment to savor.
The Dream Takes Shape
All of these experiences—Dublin’s warmth, NYC’s energy, Mexico City’s flavour, London’s community, Tel Aviv’s history, and Paris’s romance—shaped my dream of owning a coffee business. Each cafe, each cup, each conversation added another layer to my understanding of what coffee could be.
It wasn’t just about the coffee itself, but the stories behind it. The farmers who grew the beans, the roasters who brought out their flavours, the baristas who crafted each cup with care—it was a whole world of passion and dedication. And I wanted to be part of it.
The Adventure Continues
Now, as the founder of Trailhead Coffee, I’m living that dream. Every bean I roast, every bag I sell, is a tribute to the journey that brought me here. From those early mornings with my mom to the cafes of the world, coffee has been my constant companion.
And the adventure is far from over. There are still so many cafes to visit, so many stories to hear, so many cups to share. I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes me—and I’m so grateful to have you along for the ride.
Cheers,
Chris Finch
Founder, Trailhead Coffee
P.S. If you’re ever in Dublin, NYC, Mexico City, or any of the other incredible places I’ve been, let me know. I’d love to share my favourite coffee spots with you!
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