Houston-based specialty coffee roaster Della Coffee is expanding its unique concept, which artfully blends meticulously sourced coffee, scratch-made food, and a curated selection of wines, with the grand opening of its second café, Della Coffee + Wine, in Richmond, Texas. This new venture marks a significant step in the company’s growth since its inception, promising a more expansive and multifaceted experience for patrons compared to its original Montrose location.
A Strategic Expansion into Fort Bend County
The newly unveiled Della Coffee + Wine in Richmond is a substantial 3,000-square-foot establishment, nearly doubling the footprint of its predecessor in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, which spans 1,800 square feet. This larger space has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate a greater number of guests, featuring enhanced seating arrangements and inviting outdoor patios. A key addition to the Richmond location is a small market area, stocked with artisanal pantry staples and an array of local goods, further embedding the café within the community it serves.
The expansion into Richmond, a rapidly growing city in Fort Bend County, signifies a strategic move to tap into a burgeoning market with a demographic that increasingly appreciates premium culinary and beverage experiences. Fort Bend County has consistently ranked among the fastest-growing counties in the United States, characterized by a diverse and affluent population, many of whom commute to Houston for work but seek local, high-quality amenities. The establishment of Della Coffee + Wine in this area is poised to cater to both the daytime coffee crowd and evening patrons looking for a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere for wine and light fare.
Design Philosophy: Evoking Emotion and Connection
Co-founders Becca and Douglas Roses have infused the new Richmond café with a distinct aesthetic, drawing inspiration from their extensive travels. The interior is a vibrant tapestry of colors and textures, brought to life through carefully selected artwork and design elements. This approach aims to create an environment that is not only visually appealing but also deeply resonant with patrons, fostering a sense of immediate comfort and belonging.
"We believe great design should evoke emotion and joy while creating a place where people instantly feel at home," Becca Roses shared with Daily Coffee News. "Every detail was intentionally chosen to create an atmosphere that feels elevated yet approachable, full of character while still feeling comfortable and lived in." This design philosophy underscores Della Coffee’s commitment to offering an experience that transcends the mere consumption of coffee or wine, focusing instead on the creation of a welcoming and inspiring social space.
Expanding the Culinary and Beverage Horizon
While the Richmond kitchen will serve the same beloved breakfast and lunch menu as the original Montrose shop, a significant new dimension is introduced with the availability of beer and wine. This addition allows the establishment to transition seamlessly from a daytime coffee destination to an evening gathering spot, offering beverages by the glass or bottle.
"The beverages may change, but the purpose stays the same," Becca Roses emphasized. "We want to create a welcoming space where people slow down, gather and connect." This dual offering addresses a growing consumer trend that seeks versatile venues capable of accommodating different occasions and times of day. The inclusion of wine and beer complements the café’s existing commitment to quality, providing an expanded palette for patrons to explore alongside their carefully crafted coffee and food offerings.
Both Della Coffee locations pride themselves on preparing all pastries, breakfast items, and lunch dishes from scratch. This dedication to artisanal preparation is a cornerstone of the Della brand. "We approach our food with the same care we give our coffee," Roses explained. "It’s a slower, more hands-on way of doing things, but we believe taking the extra time is always worth it." This commitment to quality and craft is a key differentiator in a competitive market, appealing to consumers who value authenticity and superior ingredients.
Sourcing Excellence: From Bean to Bottle
Della Coffee’s commitment to quality begins at the source. The company utilizes a Bellwether electric roaster located at its Montrose shop, which now serves as the central hub for roasting beans for both cafés, as well as its mobile catering services and growing wholesale operations. This centralized roasting approach ensures consistency and allows for precise quality control across all Della Coffee products.
The green coffees procured by Della Coffee are sourced through partnerships with suppliers like Primavera Green Coffee. These selections represent a diverse range of origins, including notable coffee-growing regions such as Guatemala, Colombia, and Tanzania, alongside rotating seasonal offerings from Ethiopia and other prominent coffee-producing countries. This diverse sourcing strategy allows Della Coffee to offer a nuanced and exciting coffee menu that reflects the unique terroirs of each origin.
In the cafés, a meticulous approach to brewing is evident. Coffees are ground using Mahlkönig grinders, feeding into La Marzocco espresso machines. Batch brewing is handled by Curtis machines, while pour-over methods utilize Verve Dwell Drippers and Hario V60s. The popular cold brew is prepared in-house using both Toddy and Hive Cafe systems, ensuring a range of expertly prepared coffee beverages to suit every preference.
"We’re looking for coffees that are approachable enough to enjoy every day while still offering complexity, balance and a sense of place," Roses elaborated on their coffee philosophy. "We care deeply about quality in the cup, but we also believe quality begins at origin. We intentionally partner with suppliers who value transparency, sustainability and long-term producer relationships." This emphasis on ethical sourcing and producer relationships highlights Della Coffee’s dedication to a more responsible and interconnected coffee industry.
The Convergence of Coffee and Wine: A Shared Philosophy
The journey of Della Coffee is intrinsically linked to the passion and expertise of its co-founders, Douglas and Becca Roses. Prior to launching Della Coffee with the Montrose café in 2024, the couple amassed years of experience in the hospitality and restaurant industries. Douglas Roses, who grew up in Portland, Oregon, a city renowned for its pioneering coffee culture, brings a deep understanding of coffee craftsmanship to the business. He is also actively pursuing further education in wine, undertaking studies with the Court of Master Sommeliers, further solidifying the integrated approach to their beverage offerings.
"For us, coffee and wine have never felt like separate worlds," Becca Roses stated. "Coffee and wine both begin with agriculture. Origin matters. Processing matters. The people producing them matter. Both invite curiosity without requiring expertise, and both have an incredible ability to bring people together around a table." This perspective is central to Della Coffee’s identity, framing both beverages as products of agricultural artistry that foster connection and shared experiences.
The expansion into wine is not merely an addition of a new product line; it is an extension of the core values that define Della Coffee. Both coffee and wine share a common heritage rooted in cultivation, meticulous processing, and the human element of the producers. This shared origin story allows Della Coffee to offer a cohesive and compelling experience, where the nuances of a single-origin coffee can be appreciated with the same depth and respect as a carefully selected glass of wine.
A Timeline of Growth and Vision
Della Coffee’s trajectory illustrates a deliberate and strategic expansion. The initial opening of the Montrose café in 2024 served as a testing ground and proof of concept for the unique combination of high-quality coffee, scratch-made food, and a welcoming atmosphere. The success of this first location, coupled with the Roses’ vision for growth, paved the way for the development of the larger, more comprehensive Della Coffee + Wine in Richmond.
The establishment of the Richmond location in mid-2026 represents a significant milestone, allowing the company to reach a broader audience and cater to a wider range of consumer needs. The larger space and the inclusion of wine service demonstrate an evolution of the brand, moving beyond the traditional café model to offer a more versatile and sophisticated hospitality experience. This expansion is likely to be closely watched by other players in the specialty coffee and hospitality sectors, as Della Coffee continues to innovate and redefine the café experience.
Broader Implications for the Houston and Richmond Markets
The opening of Della Coffee + Wine in Richmond has several implications for the local and regional markets. For Richmond, it signifies the arrival of a premium establishment that enhances the city’s growing reputation as a destination for quality dining and beverage experiences. It provides residents with a sophisticated local option that can compete with offerings in larger metropolitan areas, potentially attracting visitors from surrounding communities as well.
For the broader Houston area, Della Coffee’s expansion underscores the region’s dynamic culinary landscape and its capacity to support innovative and niche businesses. The success of Della Coffee demonstrates a market appetite for businesses that offer more than just a product, but a curated experience built on quality, craftsmanship, and community. This could encourage further investment and development in similar concepts within the greater Houston area.
Furthermore, Della Coffee’s commitment to sourcing ethically and sustainably, coupled with its focus on producer relationships, aligns with growing consumer demand for transparency and social responsibility in the food and beverage industry. As consumers become more discerning, businesses that can effectively communicate their values and demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices are likely to gain a competitive advantage. Della Coffee’s approach positions them favorably in this evolving consumer landscape.
The dual focus on coffee and wine also addresses a trend towards "all-day" dining and beverage establishments. By offering high-quality options throughout the day, from morning coffee to evening wine, Della Coffee + Wine positions itself as a versatile hub for social and professional gatherings, catering to a diverse clientele with varying needs and preferences. This adaptability is crucial for long-term success in the fast-paced hospitality industry.
Della Coffee + Wine is located at 1255 Mercantile St. in Richmond, Texas, marking a new chapter in its journey to cultivate connection and elevate everyday experiences through exceptional coffee, food, and wine.
