CTRL Z Coffee has recently inaugurated its first physical cafe, marking a significant milestone for the roaster. This new establishment is set to immerse patrons in the rich and vibrant coffee culture of the Philippines, offering a unique blend of traditional flavors and modern cafe aesthetics. The venture is deeply rooted in the founder's personal experiences and dedication to promoting Filipino coffee traditions, providing a welcoming space for both connoisseurs and casual visitors to explore distinctive tastes and enjoy meaningful connections.

Filipino Coffee Culture Flourishes in Chicago's New CTRL Z Cafe

In the vibrant heart of Chicago's South Side, a captivating new coffee destination has emerged with the grand opening of CTRL Z Coffee's inaugural brick-and-mortar cafe. This thoughtfully designed establishment, spanning a cozy 400 square feet, immediately embraces visitors with its warm, contemporary ambiance. Rich natural wood tones adorn the flooring and bespoke furniture, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages relaxation and social engagement. Specially crafted stump-like wooden stools foster a sense of groundedness, while sleek leather-topped metal stools lining the window counter invite leisurely people-watching, blending urban observation with intimate comfort.

The visionary behind CTRL Z Coffee, Zandro Zafra, meticulously curated the menu, drawing profound inspiration from his formative years in the Philippines before his arrival in the United States at the tender age of 16. The coffee selections proudly showcase beans directly imported from the Philippines, notably including the distinct and rare Liberica species. Complementing these exquisite brews are an array of traditional Filipino baked goods, such as the delectable pan de coco and the vibrantly purple pan de ube, alongside the delightful ube crinkles, each offering a genuine taste of Filipino culinary heritage.

Zafra eloquently shared his recent journey to the Philippines, which, while prompted by a personal loss, evolved into an immersive research and development expedition into the nation's coffee landscape. This profound experience illuminated the nuanced ways Filipinos savor their coffee. He highlighted the pervasive popularity of the Spanish Latte, an iced concoction featuring condensed milk, which has since been artfully integrated into the cafe's menu. Patrons can indulge in this popular drink, customized with either the unique Liberica beans or the rotating bean of the week, adding a distinctive twist to a beloved classic.

At the heart of the cafe's operations lies a state-of-the-art barista station, anchored by a sophisticated Synesso S200 espresso machine, meticulously paired with a Mahlkönig Peak grinder to ensure unparalleled quality. For those seeking single-origin espressos, decaf options, or artfully prepared manual pourovers, dual Niche Zero grinders stand ready to cater to every preference. Zafra’s commitment to coffee education is evident in his desire to introduce patrons to Philippines-grown Liberica, though Ethiopian washed coffee remains a consistent and popular daily offering. He expressed a desire to maintain a diverse selection, often featuring at least four distinct origins when feasible.

Zafra's entrepreneurial journey began in 2019 with the inception of CTRL Z, nurtured by support from a Chicago business incubator. His vision expanded in 2023 with the opening of Mano Modern Cafe in Chicago’s Noble Square neighborhood, providing Filipino-inspired bites and beverages, naturally supplied by CTRL Z. Further expanding his culinary footprint, Zafra launched Kapwa Bakery in Niles this past May, which now consistently supplies fresh, sweet delights to the CTRL Z cafe. For roasting operations, Zafra strategically collaborates with local Chicagoland companies, including Ten Drops Coffee and Magnifico Coffee, leveraging their expertise and facilities. He openly acknowledges his continuous learning within the coffee roasting community, expressing a keen willingness to explore various coffee origins through esteemed importers like Trabocca, Honduras Coffee Alliance, and Genuine Origin.

The newly established cafe in the Bridgeport neighborhood is thoughtfully designed as a "slow bar," promoting unhurried enjoyment and fostering genuine engagement among patrons. Beyond its role as a welcoming public space, it also functions as a dedicated coffee laboratory for private tastings with wholesale clients. Zafra's path to coffee entrepreneurship took a serendipitous turn from his former wedding photography business. He often relied on specialty coffee for sustenance during demanding events and spent countless hours editing in coffee shops. The unforeseen halt to social gatherings brought by the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a professional pivot, leading him to launch CTRL Z as a humble homemade cold brew delivery service, ultimately culminating in his current success.

Now at the helm of his own flourishing cafe, Zafra extends a warm welcome to all, whether they arrive with a laptop in hand or simply seeking a moment of respite. While acknowledging the enduring appeal of working from coffee shops—a practice he occasionally indulges in—he emphasizes his core belief in their potential as vibrant hubs for human connection. After nearly a decade immersed in this environment, he aspired to create a space specifically designed for socializing, catching up with friends, and truly savoring the coffee experience, transforming the cafe into a cherished community gathering point.

The emergence of CTRL Z Coffee’s first cafe beautifully illustrates the power of cultural exchange and entrepreneurial spirit. It highlights how personal heritage can inspire innovative business models, creating spaces that are not just about commerce but also about community and connection. This venture serves as a compelling reminder that success often blossoms from adapting to change and daring to share one's unique story and passions with the world, one cup of culturally rich coffee at a time. It underscores the profound impact a single individual's journey can have on shaping local culinary landscapes and fostering a deeper appreciation for global traditions.