Carving a (caffeinated) niche

It’s no secret that Melburnians love to drink coffee. In a café, at home, at work – anywhere!

But in 2008, Larnce discovered a spanner in the works: coffee made at the office was ordinary. Often, the coffee beans were months old. The machine resembled a rusted 1977 Ford Cortina. And the people making it – usually colleagues – were decidedly not baristas.

‘People can always tell the difference between good coffee – and the other kind,’ says Larnce. ‘They know when their beans aren’t fresh, or when their equipment isn’t working as it should.’

So he set about revolutionising coffee in the workplace.

Alongside his wife Sarah, Larnce founded Ottimo Coffee: a one-stop-shop for businesses and venues vying to up their coffee game.

‘My wife and I are hospitality professionals. We've both been in the industry all our lives – so we were ready to dive in.’

Named after the Italian version of the chef’s hat – and the Italian word for ‘optimal’ – Ottimo’s mission was simple: deliver café-quality coffee to workplaces. And do it with consistency, reliability and honesty.

In the early days of building their business – working from their lounge room with children running around – Larnce says friends and family were integral to keeping things growing.

‘Initially, we needed a lot of chutzpah to convince people our product was the best. We were young, with a young family to look after.

‘But our community supported us. We persisted – every single day. And now, we’re here.’

Today, Ottimo supplies freshly roasted coffee and equipment to workplaces, cafés, and businesses around Australia (including us!) – and runs a bustling espresso bar in Cheltenham.

 

 

Striding towards sustainability

A great cup of coffee begins at the source. Literally.

As a boutique roastery, Ottimo can shop for the finest raw coffee beans. That often sends Larnce and Sarah on a search around the globe: from Brazil to Indonesia – and beyond.

It’s one of the things Larnce loves most about what he does: talking directly to the farmers. To get to know them – and learn first-hand about the beans Ottimo will eventually roast.

‘We know all our farmers; what their working conditions are like. We know if it’s been raining lately or if conditions are dry.’

This transparency is integral to Larnce, who keeps ethical trade at the centre of his practice.

Because, where many coffee companies tiptoe towards sustainability, Ottimo strides.

It offers an extensive range of sustainable, traceable, and fair-trade coffee. Its entire coffee range comes in biodegradable and compostable packaging. And, as of May, Ottimo has opened a bulk-buy coffee station at its espresso bar. It means customers can fill up on any blend they like – without single-use packaging.

For Larnce, it’s all about keeping Ottimo’s footprint small, so customers can enjoy a stellar sip – guilt-free.

‘Now more than ever, we're thinking about the environment. We always want to ensure we’re doing our bit for the planet.’

 

 

The love in the cup

Considerate sourcing. Careful roasting. Meticulous preparation. Larnce knows all the work that goes into serving a balanced, silky latte.

‘Delicious coffee is built on solid foundations. Quality coffee beans. A well-trained and passionate barista – and friendly service staff. They’re all equally important.’

The Ottimo team cups and grades its coffee weekly: keeping in close contact with its head roaster to ensure the espresso bar is always well stocked – and customers are drinking the freshest cups.

As for Ottimo’s wholesale clients? Larnce loves tailoring blends to them.

‘Our Malvern Blend – which we initially created specifically for one of our café clients – has been on rotation for 15 years. It's got dark chocolate and cedar spices from the earth where it's grown in Indonesia. It’s divine – and one of our most popular blends.’

 

 

Living – and giving – like a local

Ottimo strives to deliver more than just the best products. It provides training, servicing, and round-the-clock support too.

‘If somebody rents a coffee machine from us,’ explains Larnce, ‘we teach them how to use it. We guide them throughout the entire experience so that they can make consistently beautiful coffee.’

It’s all part of Larnce’s drive to give back to the community that has provided so much for him.

‘I grew up in Brighton, and my wife grew up in Malvern. Now, we live in Ormond. And our customers love that we're very centric to them.

‘If you need something at the last minute, who will you call? You'll call someone five minutes away rather than someone across town!’

Passion and pride radiate from Larnce as he talks about his community – and Ottimo’s place within it.

‘I love putting a smile on people's faces. We've got such committed, dedicated, unbelievable humans in Melbourne. I love working with them!’

And, with a rapidly growing client base – including the Kingston Community Centre, Cheltenham Panthers, East Sandringham Cricket Club, and Big Dog Cricket Company – it seems people love working with him, too.

 

A bright horizon

Consistently excellent products. Honest and reliable service. And, above all, a genuine passion for – and love of – coffee.

These are the pillars of Ottimo Coffee’s approach. And the hallmarks heralding new heights for Larnce and his team.

With new café partnerships forming almost weekly – including a particularly sweet collaboration with Walker’s Doughnuts – there’s never been a better time to get your hands on a hot, delicious cup of Ottimo coffee.

Southeast locals can find an Ottimo brew at a plethora of local cafés – if it isn’t already at your office. And – though it's currently under wraps – we can reveal that there’s another Ottimo espresso bar in the works. But that’s all the beans Larnce can spill for now!

‘We’re really excited about the future. So keep your eyes peeled!’

 

 

Ready to savour the flavour of an Ottimo brew? Head to one of the stellar cafés Ottimo supplies:

• Ottimo Espresso Bar – 12 Mills Street, Cheltenham
• Clancy’s Bakehouse – 278 Waverly Road, Malvern East
• Common Room Co – 257 Alma Road, Caulfield North
• Monet’s Grocer – 783 Centre Road, Bentleigh East
• Mooks Café – 451 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield South

 

Got a taste for more foamy, caffeinated content? Explore the story of our coffee van, or our Star-crossed lovers: Melbourne and coffee’s spirited history.