In 1978, Carlo Di Ruocco, an electrical engineer by trade, began importing espresso machines from Italy which he would sell and service out of his home in Alameda, California. Although gourmet chefs in the San Francisco Bay Area were beginning to experiment with specialty coffees at that time, Carlo and his wife, Marie-Francoise, could rarely find an espresso with the depth of flavor of their favorite European brew. Carlo decided it was time to put to use an old skill that he had learned as a boy in Salerno, Italy - traditional, all-natural, oak wood coffee roasting.

Starting with tiny batches, roasted for a curious few, Carlo soon found himself at the forefront of the burgeoning specialty coffee movement. Acclaimed chefs in the Bay Area, such as Alice Waters and Bradley Ogden, began to see excellent espresso as an imperative to a good meal. So Carlo expanded his operation to a warehouse in Oakland to meet the demand for his extensive line of machines, his espresso brewing expertise, and his remarkably delicious oak wood roasted coffee.

The Di Ruoccos from left: Marie-Francoise, Carlo, John, Luigi, & Laura

Mr. Espresso has since grown into a thriving business, now with an established reputation that spans the country. Carlo and Marie-Francoise along with the next generation of the Di Ruocco family - Giovanni (John), Luigi, and Lorenza (Laura) - work together in the Oakland showroom and roasting facility to ensure that what they began over twenty years ago will endure.

Carlo and Marie-Francoise have also begun a new project - wine making. Learn about the Di Ruocco's other passion at Ardente Winery.

Please visit our machines section to learn more about Mr. Espresso's extensive line of espresso machines. To sample our coffees, please order online or visit one of these fine establishments.