Our Story

World Cup of Coffee was established in Johannesburg in 2015 with a simple mission: to bring the world's finest coffee to South Africa. What started as a small specialty stall in Braamfontein has grown into a beloved destination for coffee enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, celebrating the global coffee culture.

Our founder, Thabo Mthembu, spent years traveling across coffee-producing regions in Ethiopia, Kenya, Colombia, and Vietnam, building relationships with local farmers and understanding the art of coffee cultivation. Having returned to Johannesburg, he wanted to share this passion and knowledge with his community, creating a space where world-class coffee is celebrated and people can connect over exceptional brews.

Our Values

🌱 Sustainability

We source coffee from farms that practice sustainable and ethical farming methods, ensuring a better future for farmers and the environment.

☕ Quality

Every bean is carefully selected and roasted in-house to ensure the highest quality and freshness in every cup.

🤝 Community

We believe in building strong relationships with our customers, local businesses, and the wider community.

📚 Education

We're passionate about educating our customers about coffee, from origin stories to brewing techniques.

Meet Our Team

Our dedicated team brings years of experience and passion to every cup

T

Thabo Mthembu

Founder & Coffee Master

Coffee enthusiast with 15+ years of experience in global sourcing and roasting. Thabo's passion for connecting South Africa to the world's coffee culture drives everything we do.

L

Lebo Dikgang

Head Barista

Award-winning barista certified in specialty espresso technique. Lebo ensures every drink exceeds our high standards and tells a story of its origin.

N

Nomvula Ndlovu

Operations Manager

Dedicated to creating a welcoming South African atmosphere and exceptional customer service. Nomvula brings warmth and Ubuntu spirit to every guest interaction.

A

Amahle Khumalo

Pastry & Local Chef

Expert baker who creates fresh pastries, koesisters, and traditional South African treats daily, all made with locally-sourced premium ingredients.

Our Sourcing Philosophy

Direct Trade

We work directly with coffee farmers, cutting out middlemen to ensure fair prices and better relationships.

Fair Trade Certified

We support fair trade practices to ensure coffee workers receive fair compensation for their labor.

Single Origin

Many of our coffees are single-origin, allowing you to taste the unique characteristics of each region.

Specialty Grade

We only purchase specialty-grade coffee beans that score above 80 on the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) scale.

Ready to Experience Our Coffee?

Visit us today and discover why we're passionate about every cup

Visit Us