Bridgehead, Ottawa

Bridgehead is a renowned fair trade coffeehouse, coffee retailer, and coffee roaster chain that originated in Ottawa. Founded in 1981 as Bridgehead Trading, the company was established by two United Church ministers and two social activists who shared a concern for the well-being of small-scale coffee farmers in Nicaragua. Bridgehead emerged as a pioneer in offering Canadian consumers fairly traded coffee.

Bridgehead experienced rapid growth and was acquired by Oxfam Canada in 1984 and Shared Interest in May 1998. However, the original vision was realized in 1999 when Tracey Clark acquired the company. Clark established Bridgehead Inc. in April 2000 to revitalize its commitment to fair trade. On June 17, 2000, the first Bridgehead Coffeehouse opened in Ottawa, a significant milestone.

At Bridgehead, customers can expect a diverse range of offerings beyond coffee and organic teas. The coffeehouse proudly serves soups, salads, sandwiches, and snacks made in its own kitchen, providing a wholesome and satisfying menu. Moreover, Bridgehead's commitment to fair trade is evident in its sourcing practices. The company prioritizes fairly traded, organic, and shade-grown coffees, supporting small-scale farmers who cultivate coffee beans with care and sustainability.

As a beloved fixture in Ottawa's coffee scene, Bridgehead continues to serve as a beacon for fair trade practices, ethically sourced products, and a warm, welcoming environment for coffee enthusiasts.