affè Artigiano opened its doors to Vancouverites on the corner of Pender and Thurlow in January 2000. The dream began with Vince Piccolo’s vision of an Italian-style coffee house and bistro. He sought to create a caffè that offers superior coffee, excellent food and a lively, comfortable atmosphere. Gathering his restaurateur experience, Italian heritage, and with the support of his family behind him, he made his dream a reality.

In April 2002, it was the right time to bring the taste of Artigiano to Vancouver’s downtown shopping district. The second Caffè Artigiano opened on Hornby Street, just off of Robson. This location attracts people from all over the world who seek to escape the busy streets and indulge in a taste of Italy.


Community Involvement

Caffè Artigiano is also active in the coffee community. Participating in many events recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association of America, Caffè Artigiano and its talented group of baristas promote coffee quality and the barista trade. From Barista Jams, where baristas from all over the Pacific Northwest gather to share their knowledge and passion, to National and World Barista Championships where baristas are internationally judged and recognized.

Caffè Artigiano is proud to be the home of many champion baristas including Sammy Piccolo, Canadian Barista Champion 2003-2005. Sammy was also the Silver Medalist in the 2004 World Barista Championships (WBC) in Trieste, Italy, and 3rd Place at the WBC 2005, held in Seattle, Washington.


Further Growth

2004 and 2005 were years of exciting growth and expansion. With two caffes and a solid reputation for serving some of the finest specialty coffee in the world, Vince expanded the Caffè Artigiano experience to include gourmet brunch. With the opening of Caffè Artigiano on West Hastings Street in August of 2004, all three Piccolo brothers were devoting their talents to the business! Michael Piccolo, an accomplished local chef, designed the menu from scratch incorporating old family recipes and updating some Caffè Artigiano favourites. The West Hastings location offers a variety of brunch items, big gourmet salads and Italian Panini. This is the only Caffè Artigiano equipped with a full kitchen and chefs preparing the brunch items fresh daily. This kitchen is the hub for food preparation and where all of Caffè Artigiano gourmet items are prepared and distributed to all locations.

The final two Caffè Artigiano locations opened at the Village at Park Royal, and the cozy neighbourhood of Kerrisdale.


All in the Family

Caffè Artigiano is proud to be family owned and operated! Our extended family includes the handful of staff who has worked with us from the first store on Pender and Thurlow to the rest of our staff who create the Caffè Artigiano experience for our customers every day.

Finally, the Caffè Artigiano family is not complete without the customers who faithfully and loyally return not only to enjoy the essence and ambiance that Caffè Artigiano offers, but to visit with us, to share their stories and share their time with us. Caffè Artigiano is always grateful for the support Vancouver has shown to the Piccolo Family and to our extended family of employees.