Person Behind The Place Sara Refsland

After six years as a stay-at-home mom, Sara Refsland resumed her career in coffee by joining Caffe Ladro in Bellevue, where she quickly rose from barista to store manager. Caffe Ladro is known for its commitment to fair wages and direct trade, which greatly resonates with Refsland’s values. She describes her role as empowering, as it allows her to train others in the craft of coffee-making while building relationships with regular customers. The café's standout offering, The Medici—a dark chocolate mocha with fresh orange zest—is a favorite among patrons, alongside their flaky quiche options. Refsland appreciates the sense of community in Downtown Bellevue, where she enjoys meeting local residents and exploring nearby dining spots like Lady Yum and FOB Poke Bar.

She also recommends Bellden Cafe for its delicious avocado toast and exceptional service. As she looks to the future, Refsland is open to advancing her career at Caffe Ladro or starting her own café, where she hopes to create a welcoming "third place" for the community. Her journey exemplifies the blend of passion, community engagement, and professional growth in the local coffee scene.