75 years of innovation went into your next cup of Milano coffee
History
The legacy of Vancouver based Milano Coffee’s artisan tradition dates back three generations of Italian coffee heritage blended with over thirty years of West Coast culture. In 1984 visionary founder and Master Roaster, Francesco Curatolo, brought 75 years of Italian roasting and blending expertise to Vancouver, Canada garnering a worldwide reputation for his exquisitely crafted Italian coffees.
“Never imitate. Authenticate.” —Brian Turko
Following a 15 year mentorship to Francesco, today’s Milano Coffee owner and Master Roaster, Brian Turko, has earned his place as a West Coast coffee pioneer, elevating the premium coffee concept to new heights. Combining a careful diligence for Italian tradition with a boundless appetite for innovation, Brian’s novel blending concepts have created the ‘Milano taste’ hailed by coffee connoisseurs throughout the world and awarded multiple times by the International Institute of Coffee Tasters.
Brian Turko, has earned his place as a West Coast coffee pioneer, elevating the premium coffee concept to new heights.
Community
As native Vancouverites, we have a strong connection and loyalty to, first of all, our Local community and in the bigger picture—the global community. We believe in small beginnings. Milano Coffee is a strong supporter of many causes so important to our local community including BC Cancer Society, Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Our Lady of Sorrows Church, as well as, operating church run coffee houses to raise funds for Vancouver's marginalized communities since 1989.
Brian Turko
OWNER & MASTER ROASTER
There are musical virtuosos, great chefs, and then there are rare individuals that can take up to 13 coffee bean varietals and know what to do with them. Milano’s Master Roaster, Brian Turko falls into this category.
Brian was born and raised in Vancouver’s Little Italy. There he discovered espresso bars in the early 1980’s when there was only a handful in the city, including Café de Milano where Brian came across a taste that changed his life. It was the taste of 100% Arabica coffee espresso with 7 to 11 varietals in each blend, masterfully crafted by Milano’s founding father, Francesco Curatolo. This was the beginning of a special relationship between teacher and student that would span almost two decades.
Following his mentorship to Francesco, Brian continued to dedicate his life to the pursuit of the perfect blend. His passion, tenacity and talent for the craft of roasting and blending regularly takes him into rarified territory in the coffee world.
Linda Turko
OWNER & PRESIDENT
Owner and President of the Milano Coffee Group, Linda Turko has worked in almost every facet of the hospitality industry and coffee business. In 1997 Linda founded Turk’s Coffee Bar on Vancouver’s world famous Commercial Drive. Turk’s is now an award-winning staple of ‘The Drive.’ Linda also lays claim to opening Vancouver’s only espresso tasting bars, a revolutionary concept where eight different espresso blends can be sampled ‘on tap’.
With a love of coffee and coffee culture and extensive industry experience, Linda brings to Milano the ability to service our customers not only from the roaster’s perspective, but also from that of the café owner and coffee lover.
Barry & Colleen Henry
PARTNERS
Milano is blessed and proud to have partnered with brother and sister in law Barry and Colleen Henry who are passionate about excellence in coffee and have created a perfect synergy within Milano Coffee. Barry is an accomplished roaster and has learned all the aspects of the coffee industry. Barry has a background in radio, tv, fine arts and ran his own business for many years. Colleen has been in law enforcement for over 30 years. Not only does she bring a wealth of integrity, great ideas and business savvy, she has a great palate!
I Grew Up Italian
“In ‘Coffee Life’, I wanted to create a sense of ritual and tradition around the making of coffee. I wanted to connect the Milano brand to people’s everyday lives in a simple, beautiful way—where the visuals spoke for themselves.”
—Filmmaker Adam Greydon Reid
Coffee Life
“In this film, I wanted to explore Brian’s unique story and Milano Coffee’s origin. Brian is like his espresso—short, fast and brilliant—I want audiences to feel his passion”
—Filmmaker Adam Greydon Reid
