Editor’s Note: Ever wonder what it takes for a mobile business to cross that line from wheels to walls? In VendrTV’s Cart to Counter column, we visit some of our most-loved food trucks who go brick and mortar. This week, our Seattle contributor Paul Goodman shows us around Spella Caffé’s new home! (Watch Spella’s episode on VendrTV here.) Do you have a Cart to Counter business you want to tell us about? Email me at amy@vendr.tv. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

In Portland, a city known for its quality coffee and places which sell it, it’s not difficult to find a decent shot of espresso. But few businesses here recreate the traditional Italian coffee culture as well as Spella Caffé, which first gained notoriety for its first-rate espresso served from an Italian-flag adorned cart on 9th and Alder.

Earlier this year, Owner and Roaster Andrea Spella expanded his operation to a small storefront a few blocks away. While the shop is not much larger than the vehicle, it provides a refuge from the sometimes unforgiving Northwest weather for those who seek Andrea’s hand-pulled shots of espresso and lattes, cappuccinos – even hot chocolate.

Sales, so far, have exceeded projections because, as Andrea puts it, he serves espresso “as it was meant to be enjoyed”. And he must be doing something right. After all, a third location of Spella is in the works.

I have to admit: it was difficult for me to write this post as I really wanted to keep Spella a secret. But after many of Andrea’s espressos, I realized I had an obligation to tell the masses. Next time you are in Portland, visit Spella. You will find an incomparable coffee experience that you don’t find often outside Italy.

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