Fan Area Favorite: Rostov’s Coffee & Tea

Looking for a better cup of coffee? When it comes to picking a true coffee connoisseur, we’d put our money on Rostov’s Coffee & Tea’s four decades of coffee-roasting experience. Tammy Rostov’s father started the coffee shop in Carytown in 1979, and Rostov’s was the first shop in Richmond to roast their beans in house. Tammy spent much of her childhood in the shop with her dad, and she’s been running the show for the past couple of decades. Now, Rostov’s roasts and sells more than 1,500 pounds of coffee weekly from their location on Main Street in the Fan. Rostov’s sells coffee by the pound for at-home brewers and restaurants, but they’re also a full-service coffee bar, serving up espresso, lattes, cappuccinos and other favorites. Plus, they celebrate the afternoon slump with “Cappy Hour” every weekday from 3-5 p.m., offering folks half-priced coffee and 50 cents off espresso drinks.

Rostov’s carries more than 50 coffees and 45 teas for customers to choose from. The shop keeps many of their best-selling blends consistent, because customers are often loyal to their favorites. But, if you like mixing up your morning fix, they also rotate in harder-to-find coffees. These “Select” coffees include Fair Trade, Organic, Rain Forest Alliance and Single Origin beans. Be sure to try a new roast if it catches your eye though, because they’re only available in limited quantities, and once they sell out, they’re gone!

Tammy appreciates the sense of community that comes from being located in the Fan — its strong collective voice and sense of unity that makes it unique. Tammy doesn’t just see Rostov’s as a coffee shop that happens to be in the Fan; she works to be sure the coffee-roasting staple is an integral part of the community. They participate in National Night Out, support the local middle school, and strive to be a good neighbor through and through.

Locals can get Rostov’s coffee delivered to their home or office by bike courier, perfect for those with busy schedules and a never-ending need for caffeine. But if you’re a little further away, Rostov’s also ships across the country for fans both near and far. For the next few months, Rostov’s will be celebrating their 40th anniversary, which will culminate in a celebration on April 18 that’s open to friends and customers.

Eager to stop by and grab a bag of coffee? The shop is super accessible and there’s plenty of parking in the lot behind their store. Plus, they’re dog friendly, so if you’re out with your furry pal don’t let that stop you from swinging by!

A few questions from our interview with Tammy Rostov:

How many cups of coffee do you drink daily? “I drink about six half cups of coffee… I always get interrupted, I lose it, I can’t remember where I put it. I get one good one in before I leave in the morning.”

What was your #1 reason for joining FABA? “I love being part of our community. You know having businesses that are part of the community just feels good to me.”

What skills or expertise do you bring to the table that other FABA members could benefit from? “I caffeinate people! I am a parking and trash person all the way. I love rules. I’m kind of that geeky person who likes to read. A couple of years ago there was a new sign ordinance and I went to three of the meetings about the new sign ordinance and I knew it frontwards and backwards… I like urban development and things like that.”

What is an area of your business you hope to grow through your partnership with FABA? “The retail. I’d like to see more people from the Fan come in and drink coffee… and get coffee to go.”

Rostov’s Coffee & Tea is located at 1618 W Main Street, Richmond, VA 23220.

Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:45 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.