Our story begins on Nassau Street, with the aroma of coffee wafting from our micro-batch roaster in Toronto’s Kensington Market. It was 1999, when Toronto was only just getting a taste of third wave coffee. I DEAL quickly became a gathering spot within the neighborhood.
We found our style by immersing in different neighbourhood street corners, honouring the legacy of the corner shop in the early settlement days of Toronto. It is with this neighborhood spirit that I DEAL continued to grow. I DEAL became known for its consistent and iconic coffee blends and were the first roasters in the city to move into the Lower Ossington area.
To this day, we still roast twice weekly, with each blend inspired by the beans we source. As the coffee scene shifted and grew, I DEAL’s style has flourished to embrace and celebrate our local businesses, cultivating a space to work, chat, play, get a treat and make life that much more delicious and exciting.
The I DEAL Team
Julie remembers taking the time to make her father coffee at a young age in the Greek method of boiling finely ground coffee beans in a special pot called a briki. She recalls with fondness that the process and aroma of freshly brewed coffee became a favourite smell of her growing up.
The aroma of coffee carried Julie through her adventures and she was drawn to cafes and its swirling ecosystem in every city she visited. She loves cafe culture and the buzzing possibilities of ideas, music, solitude, smells, food culture and community it brings to our sense of place.
Liam Jaeger has been with I DEAL Coffee since 2009, bringing over 20 years of barista experience. For him, coffee is all about creating an enjoyable, balanced experience. His favorite drink? A short Americano that’s sweet, smooth, and perfectly brewed—no sugar or milk needed.
Liam knows that great coffee starts long before it reaches the cup. From choosing the best beans to supporting sustainable farming and perfecting the roast to the final preparation of the beverage, he ensures that every step brings out the best of the ingredients. Each cup captures a moment in the flavors of life.
With over a decade of barista experience, Marina brings warmth and authenticity to every coffee she makes. For her, it’s not just about the drink—it’s the simple joy of connecting with customers through each interaction. There’s a special fulfillment in crafting a cup that someone not only needs but truly loves.
In the summer, she’s all about a refreshing black cold brew, but when the weather turns chilly, nothing beats the comfort of a vanilla latte. Every cup Marina serves is a reflection of her love for the craft and the connections fostered through coffee.
Since joining I DEAL Coffee in early 2022, Lucille has found more than just a place to work—she’s found a community. For her, I Deal Coffee isn’t just about brewing great coffee; it’s about creating a space where connection thrives. "
The perfect I DEAL moment," Lucille says, "is when a customer walks in, chats with us while we prepare their usual—no need to order because we know it by heart—and leaves with a smile. We witness everyone's life on a day to day basis, I consider myself lucky to be part of their life."
Her favorite drink? A simple long black—rich, bold, and full of flavor. As for blends, it depends on her mood, but you’ll often catch her savoring either the Espresso or Red Sea. For Lucille, coffee is about more than just taste; it’s the experience of sharing it with others that truly makes it special.
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Hani brings her identities and values to life through food infused with care, joy and mindfulness of the season. She infuses her Mediterranean and middle eastern roots into the menu and food offerings, creating playful explorations of home flavors and baked goods that our communities love to pair with their coffee or to ease the day with our house prepared meals. You can find her baking and cooking up a storm at our 221 Sorauren back kitchen.
Our Ethos + Sustainability
At I DEAL, we are committed to supporting the thriving of our local neighborhood through freshness and sustainability. Freshness isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s a promise that everything we offer—from our fresh roasted beans to the baked goods on the counter—is supporting our neighborhood businesses as much as we can.
And when it comes to the environment, we’re just as mindful. We recycle everything we can, from boxes to wine bottles, and serve coffee in different reusable options, while encouraging folks to bring their own tumblers.
Our coffee bags? Fully recyclable—no foil here! We want every part of your coffee experience to feel good, from the first sip to knowing you’re making a sustainable choice.
An I DEAL cup of coffee is about more than just taste; it is about belonging to something meaningful.
Sustainability On Our Minds
At our roastery, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a commitment to making the world a better place, one cup at a time. Our beans are sourced from farms that share our values. Whether it’s shade-grown, organic, or Fair Trade certified, we partner with farmers who are as passionate about their craft. Our selection includes beans from RAC-certified (Rainforest Alliance Certified) and the groundbreaking Café Femenino program, ensuring that women coffee farmers are celebrated and supported.
Café Femenino—a trailblazing women-led coffee cooperative that we’re proud to source from. Each bean is grown on farms owned and operated by women, making a real difference in their communities. Choosing Café Femenino means you’re not just enjoying amazing coffee; you’re uplifting women who are leading the charge for change in the coffee industry. They receive direct compensation, leadership opportunities, and ownership rights, making every cup a powerful choice.
Coffee with a Story
For us, every blend tells a tale, and we’re passionate about the farmers behind the beans. Our mission is simple: to support small-scale, low-intervention farms where sustainable practices are not just a trend but a way of life. When you sip our coffee, you’re part of a narrative that honors the hard work and dedication of those who grow it.
Our blends change with the seasons, bringing you fresh stories from around the globe. Make sure to check out our changing single origin offerings!
With eight I DEAL coffee blends to choose from, there’s a little something for every coffee lover—whether you’re after a light, vibrant cup or a rich, bold experience. We steer clear of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. For us, being organic is more than just a certification; it’s a lifestyle choice that preserves the ecosystems where our coffee is grown.
Explore Our Coffee Blends
