Name a city in Washington State that begins with the letter “S” and has an absolutely incredible coffee culture. Think again.
You might have thought Seattle. And while that’s true, you’d be crazy to not also include SPOKANE in that list of cities doing great things when it comes to Specialty Coffee. It was this past summer while there on holidays where I had the incredible privilege of sitting down with Bobby Enslow (founder & owner) of Indaba Coffee Roasters.
After a great chat, and after some equally as great coffee, I knew that I needed to share his story. So here you go, let me tell you more about Indaba Coffee Roasters on the blog as our December Coffee Roaster of the Month.
So great to get the chance to connect with you once again Bobby! Help our audience get to know you a bit better… What’s your personal backstory in coffee? How did you get started? What keeps you going in coffee?
My journey in coffee really began with people, not with the beverage itself. I started Indaba Coffee in 2009 with the belief that coffee could be a vehicle for connection and community transformation. At the time, I didn’t have deep coffee expertise — what I had was a passion for my neighborhood and a conviction that loving people well through hospitality could make a difference.
Over the years, I’ve grown in love with the craft — from sourcing and roasting to the nuances of brewing. But what keeps me going isn’t just the coffee; it’s seeing people’s lives impacted through it. Whether that’s someone finding belonging in one of our cafés, a team member growing into leadership, or a wholesale partner using coffee to do good in their own community — that’s what fuels me.
Before we go much further, share with our readers what you’re drinking/enjoying these days when it comes to coffee!
Right now, I’m really enjoying our seasonal single-origin offerings. Lately, I’ve been drawn to washed Ethiopian coffees — bright, floral, and complex, yet comforting in their familiarity. I love brewing them as pour overs at home. But honestly, my favorite coffee is often the one I’m sharing with someone — the conversation always makes it taste better.
I am always fascinated in the origin story of how a roaster/cafe selects their name/brand, so help our readers to get to know the story behind the choice of your name. Why Indaba Coffee Roasters? Is there a significance or symbolism about this for you?
“Indaba” is a Zulu and Xhosa word meaning a gathering of people. I came across it while studying community development in South Africa, and it perfectly captured what I wanted the café to be — a place where people come together for meaningful conversation and connection.
Coffee has always been a connector across cultures, and our name reflects that spirit. Indaba isn’t just a business name; it’s a daily reminder of our mission: Love People, Love Coffee.
So, home for you is Spokane, Washington. I suppose that readers might recognize Washington State as place well-known for its coffee-culture, but likely more on the Westcoast in cities like Seattle. So can you share a bit more about what you love about the coffee culture where you call home. What sets Spokane apart?
When people think of Washington coffee, they often picture Seattle. But Spokane has its own unique coffee culture — smaller, more relational, and incredibly collaborative. There’s a strong sense of community among local roasters, cafés, and customers here.
Spokane is a place that values authenticity and relationships over trends. Our guests don’t just want a good latte — they want to know the story behind it, and they value spaces that feel real and connected. That aligns perfectly with our heart at Indaba.
I see you’ve got four locations around Spokane. What can people expect to experience when they visit any of your shops?
Every Indaba café is designed around one simple idea: radical hospitality. When you walk in, we want you to feel seen, known, and valued — not just served. Our spaces are warm and intentional, our team is approachable and genuine, and our coffee is crafted with excellence but never pretentious.
You’ll also notice each location has its own personality — reflecting the neighborhood it’s in — but all are grounded in the same mission: to love people through coffee.
I see on your site that you offer classes like Latte Art, and Mini-Barista, along with Barista Certification. Why is coffee-education such a passion for you? If there could be just one thing you’d want to teach someone getting into specialty coffee, what would it be?
Education empowers people. Whether it’s a young barista learning to pull their first espresso shot or an entrepreneur trying to start their own café, teaching builds confidence and connection. That’s why we launched the Indaba Coffee School — to help people understand not just how to make great coffee, but why it matters.
If I could teach just one thing, it would be this: coffee is about people first. Master the craft, yes — but never forget that every cup you serve has the power to change someone’s day, maybe even their life.
I was checking out your website and I see quite often this mantra of “Love People, Love Coffee.” Why these two areas of focus? How are you seeking to live this out day in and day out at Indaba?
Those four words summarize everything we do. Love People means treating everyone — from our team to our guests to our suppliers — with dignity, empathy, and kindness. Love Coffee means honoring the farmers, the craft, and the pursuit of excellence in every cup.
We live this out through radical hospitality — going above and beyond to serve and connect. Sometimes that looks like remembering a customer’s name and story. Sometimes it’s giving someone a job when they need a second chance. It’s simple, but deeply powerful when lived consistently.
Thanks so much Bobby for sharing your story! Here’s your chance to say anything else you want to. Go for it. Is there anything else our readers need to know?
Just that we believe radical hospitality can change the world — one cup at a time. Coffee is the medium, but people are the mission. If you’re ever in Spokane, come by one of our cafés, say hello, and let’s share a cup together.
_________________________________________
Contact Info:
web: www.indabacoffee.com
instagram: @indabacoffee
email: info@indabacoffee.com
Find their beans: If you’re looking to get your hands on some beans then definitely check out their web-store for what they’re currently roasting.
__________________________________________
I just wanted to say a huge thanks again to Bobby at Indaba Coffee for being a huge contributor to the specialty coffee community in Spokane, WA.
And if you have read this far…here’s our way of saying THANK YOU! Indaba is generously offering an incredible deal of 40% off your first bag of coffee. Just use the promo code CommonlyCoffee. Offer expires Dec 31st, 2025.
Thanks so much again to Bobby! Be sure to check out their website, and grab some coffee.
-Tyler
commonly coffee 