Little Waves Coffee

Curator's Notes

Durham represent! “Little Waves” might sound modest, but they’ve been making serious waves in the specialty coffee world since 2017—or really, since the very beginning of their journey as a coffee bike company back in 2004. Little Waves began as a business partnership and a love story between co-founders Areli and Leon, and their ethos is built around that same magic of connection: to each other, to community, to coffee, and to everyone else shaping the future of specialty coffee. The Little Waves team is proudly Latina-led, women-forward, and deeply intentional about creating opportunities in coffee for people whose identities and backgrounds haven’t always been represented in the industry. From sourcing from women-led cooperatives to building an inclusive workplace, their commitment runs deep. No surprise, then, that they were named Micro-Roaster of the Year in 2022. I was first introduced to Little Waves during their Seattle residency at La Marzocco Café back in 2019, and I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to bring them to Bean Box ever since. Their coffee is full of heart, soul, and spirit—just like the people behind it. I’m so proud to welcome them to the family!

From the Roaster

Little Waves Coffee is a Latina-led, women-forward roastery that was named Winner of the Micro Roastery of the Year Award by Roast Magazine for 2022. We love experiencing the wonders of flavor and the experience of beauty in a cup, knowing that many loving hands make this experience possible.