Cleveland’s coffee scene just got a bold new player. Vessel Coffee Collaborative, a 2,000-square-foot haven in Gordon Square, isn’t just another café—it’s a deliberate experiment in collaboration, curation, and community. Opened this month, the spot brings together roasters from across the U.S., local food creators, and a vision to redefine how coffee lovers engage with their brews.
At its heart, Vessel is a partnership between Austin Fedor and Jacob Digman, two Cleveland pros who’ve spent years shaping the city’s coffee culture. Fedor, once a barista at Rising Star Coffee, now runs Index Coffee & Books, while Digman’s husband, Cory Hajde, is part of the ownership team. Their shared goal? To create a space where coffee isn’t just served—it’s explored. The menu features roasts from Little Waves Coffee Roasters (a 2022 Micro Roaster of the Year) and Flower Child Coffee, with plans to let customers influence future selections. “We’re not here to sell coffee,” Digman says. “We’re here to spark curiosity.”
The design mirrors this ethos. Natural light floods the front, dimming toward the back where circular tables sit beneath hanging plants and pendant lights. Vintage copper tiles and dark wood floors set a warm, grounded tone, while a gallery wall and community bookcase invite lingering. Behind the counter, baristas wield Mahlkönig grinders, Hario V60s, and a Synesso S200, crafting drinks that reflect the diversity of the roasters they work with.
What sets Vessel apart isn’t just its beans or setup—it’s its commitment to local talent. Food comes from Cleveland Bagel Co., Raisin Hell Vegan, and Dramatic Snax, while artist Emily Frances designed the branded merch. Digman emphasizes that the café is a platform for creators, not just a retail space. “We want to be a hub,” he says. “A place where people come to taste, learn, and connect.”
Its design blends vintage charm with modern functionality, creating a space that feels both inviting and intentional.
Key points: The café prioritizes collaboration, with customer feedback shaping future roasts and a rotating lineup of guest roasters. Its design blends vintage charm with modern functionality, creating a space that feels both inviting and intentional. Vessel also serves as a showcase for local food and art, reinforcing its role as a community anchor.
What would you want to see in a coffee space that prioritizes exploration over tradition? Share your thoughts below.
Questions & Answers
Where is Vessel Coffee located?
Vessel Coffee is located in Cleveland, Ohio, within a collaborative space known as the Cleveland Cafe.
What type of coffee does Vessel Coffee serve?
Vessel Coffee serves locally roasted beans and offers a variety of specialty drinks, emphasizing quality and sustainability.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
