OUR STORY

Our contribution to local coffee and food culture over the years is undeniable.

Our founder Tom Labrakis was trained in a classical wood-fired coffee roaster setting in the early 1980s and became entranced with the art of roasting coffee. He decided to pursue his passion for coffee and transplanted into Sydney’s emergent 1990s coffee scene, establishing ‘Pure Juice’ Coffee Roasters & ‘Pure Juice’ Cafe at Surry Hills. This location is where Tom was able to experiment with different convection & conduction roasting methods, establishing his own techniques to capture the true essence of great coffee beans.

2009

In 2009 Tom established Espresso Organica Concord.

It was from this rustic, small shop that Tom began further developing his famous coffee blends, and refining his craft. Roasting, grinding and selling his coffee beans was escalated to a new scale. His passion and unrivaled support for Organic, Fair Trade and sustainable agriculture, along with the delicious cuisine being served up, drew a following from all over Sydney.

The coffee revolution had begun and was spreading fast. Two years later running out of space in the small shop, Organica moved three doors up to a much bigger shop 10 times the size, establishing a much bigger Espresso Organica café restaurant.

Awards for his coffee and food from leading publications in Australia started pouring in and they did not stop till the business was sold.

• The Good Cafe Guide 2012
• The Sydney Morning Herald Everyday Eats 2012
• The Good Cafe Guide 2013
• The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food under $30 2013
• The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Month 2013
• The Sydney Morning Herald NSW Food and Wine Festival 2013

2014

Espresso Organica was sold but Tom could not stay away from his passion.

2015

Tom and his team established the iconic Ironwood Coffee Company at Woolwich, attracting customers and followers from all over Sydney for his unique organic coffee and Mediterranean food. At Ironwood, Toms’ son Lazaros was being trained in the art of coffee roasting, as well as studying full time. His passion for hospitalitywas igniting, leading him on a path to follow in his fathers footsteps.

2017

Tom & Laz sold their business interest in Ironwood coffee company but again they could not stay away from sourcing and roasting the best organic coffee beans they could find from around the world.

2018

Tom believes leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It’s about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, It is about laying the groundwork for others’ success, and then standing back and letting them shine. Tom’s son Lazaros has taken charge in Toms steps and “Urbano Organic Coffee Traders” was born.

To observe our reverence for great craftsmanship, one need look no further than our URBANO CAFÉ RESTAURANT at 4 Rochester Street Homebush 2140. Looking forward to having you follow along on our journey!