In the wake of local coffee shop favorite Origin 23 on 6th Avenue closing, a new business has popped up down the same stretch of road that can satiate diehard coffee lovers’ needs. On June 29 Caffe Dei opened its doors, and owners Shuanna Holt and Shane Siegfried presented themselves to Tacoma as purveyors of fine coffee, teas and pastries that can please the palates of those with even the most specific dietary needs.

Holt and Siegfried opened Caffe Dei in Tacoma because they both previously lived here, and felt comfortable bringing this shop to the bustling 6th Avenue neighborhood. They also felt that Seattle was plenty filled with singular coffee shops and that Tacoma would appreciate a coffeehouse that also happens to offer pastries, donuts, sandwiches and more to vegetarians, vegans and those following gluten-free diets.

Holt was born and raised in Sacramento and lived there for 18 years, then moved north to Tacoma 13 years ago. While initially rooted in Seattle because that is where the coffee was, both felt a pull toward the City of Destiny.

“We lived here five years ago, but I was commuting to Seattle because I worked in coffee, but I liked living here…I got my first tattoo here, and Tacoma was my first home in Washington,” Holt said.

“After two years I decided to move to Seattle and continued to do work in some of Seattle’s best independent coffee shops. Five years ago I thought ‘I want to own my own shop.’ All baristas think that it’s easier than it is. I’ve worked in coffee, coffee management and as a roaster. I feel that I’m well-rounded enough to know about coffee and I actually have a passion for it.”

The couple moved to northern California for a bit after living in Seattle, where coffee had not quite taken off as much as in the Northwest. Holt wanted to possibly contribute something to the coffee community there, but did not feel enough of a coffee culture, so they moved back to Washington eight months later because it had since become their home.

“I told Shane that if I move back, I’ll make it my home, contribute to the community and do something for ourselves,” Holt stated, and that is exactly what they have managed to do so far in opening up Caffe Dei.

Holt comes from a family of business owners and her parents own a restaurant back in Sacramento, so opening a coffee shop with her partner Siegfried was a no-brainer. Siegfried has managed restaurants in the past and comes from a family restaurant background as well.

For their coffee and espresso offerings, Caffe Dei uses Ipsut Creek, a Tacoma micro-roaster, and True North Coffee based in Ballard. Holt felt that the two types have completely different flavor profiles and that it is important to showcase the different roasting styles. “It’s good to give people options. It’s another avenue to give people consumer education. If you’re going to spend $3 on coffee, let’s make it the best coffee you’ve ever had!”

Holt and Siegfried made their coffee menu offerings and all of them are as intriguing to experience as their names. The Arancione Moka is a mocha that features dark chocolate, steamed milk and orange zest, the Picante Mocha boasts steamed milk, Mexican chocolate and a healthy dose of cayenne pepper and the Sasquatch combines coffee favorites cappuccino and Americano into one delightful beverage.

The Abominus is four shots of espresso poured over sweetened condensed milk and Thai and Vietnamese coffees and teas are offered that are all lightly sweetened and made with choice of milk. The Ahimsa is made by steeping chrysanthemum flowers in honey soymilk and the Karma steeps Jasmine pearls in honey soymilk. There are also traditional black coffees that can be personally brewed by the cup, and black and herbal teas for those who keep it simple with their beverage choice.

In terms of baked goods, Caffe Dei is dedicated to keeping it local, tasty and healthy. Flying Apron Bakery based out of the Fremont neighborhood offers up vegan and gluten-free (sometimes sugar-free) scones, cookies and banana bread and Seattle-based Macrina Bakery offers hearty harvest breads, cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, macaroons, muffins and thumbprint cookies that use traditional butters and milks. Mighty-O vegan donuts are also quite popular, as Caffe Dei is the only shop in Tacoma to offer them.

A few sandwiches are also offered daily and include tasty vegan and vegetarian options. The vegan sandwich includes fresh baked focaccia with a house made spread, sundried tomatoes, roasted red pepper, Field Roast, onions and fresh greens and vegan cheese upon request. The vegetarian sandwich includes hummus, ciabatta, basil pesto, Tofurky, onions, greens and natural cheese. The Tree Hugger includes a house-made spread and vegan cheeses and the grilled cheese includes pepperjack and cheddar cheese on potato bread. And on Saturday mornings only, a vegan breakfast sandwich is now being offered in limited quantities.

All of Caffe Dei’s offerings are at least vegetarian, because Holt and Siegfried are vegans and they see no other way to own a business than to have it represent who they are and what they know.

“It’s important to us and our values (that we sell vegetarian/vegan products). It’s what we believe in and these are ethical companies,” Holt said. “I’d never had a Mighty-O donut until I’d met her,” Siegfried laughed. “I’ve been vegan for 10 years and I understand how hard it is to eat in some cafes and how hard it is for some people to live this lifestyle,” Holt affirmed. “We feel it’s important to welcome people who choose that lifestyle too, and that they’re happy spending their money here. People come in and ask ‘do you have things that are gluten-free and vegan?’ and I say, yes, we have four options for that! I just want people to be taken care of.”

Though they just opened a little over a month ago, Caffe Dei has already amassed a loyal customer following and some regulars who come in every day for their fix. In addition to quality coffee and food, the shop will also highlight a local artist every month. The shop space is constantly changing as Siegfried and Holt strive to make it as comfortable and inviting a space as they can. The also pride themselves on being as sustainable in their product choices as possible.

“It’s one of those things that’s really important to me, and you have to do it responsibly, (owning a business),” Holt said. “If not, you’re doing a disservice to the community and the environment. People who support us are supporting the bigger picture, and we want to be as green as we can.”

Caffe Dei is located at 2607 6th Ave. and is open Monday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and closed Sunday. For more information, call the shop at (253) 572-2550 or find their Facebook group page by searching for “Caffe Dei.”