Listen up: In the heart of Providence, a single coffee shop has been perfecting its craft for nearly 40 years. Since 1984, Coffee Exchange has been a quiet revolution in Rhode Island’s coffee scene, turning a humble roastery into a cultural touchstone. While the city’s coffee culture has exploded—think specialty brews, cold brews, and single-origin obsessives—the shop that started with a focus on fresh, home-brewed beans still holds its own. Owner Charlie Fishbein, who’s been at the helm for decades, calls it a “family affair.” The story of Coffee Exchange isn’t just about coffee—it’s about resilience, community, and a stubborn refusal to compromise.
The Fishbein family’s journey began in the 1980s, when they shuttered four food businesses after financial struggles. Charlie took a job in Boston, while his brother Bill pursued his coffee dream. The original Coffee Exchange on Wickenden Street was a modest operation, selling beans for home roasting. “Keeping the coffee fresh was our mantra,” Fishbein says. That ethos carried through as the shop evolved. By 1991, the space had transformed into a full-fledged café, with tables for reading papers and chatting. But the real pivot came when Bill traveled to Guatemala and saw the plight of coffee farmers. He founded Coffee Kids in 1988 to support Latin American growers, then expanded with the Coffee Trust in 2008. Today, Coffee Exchange’s 1st Cup fundraiser on New Year’s Day donates 100% of sales to these causes—a reminder that this place is about more than just beans.
The pandemic tested the shop’s survival. For two years, in-shop sales vanished, and the team served coffee from a patio window. Fishbein used the downtime to renovate, adding a second-floor seating area and modernizing the layout. Yet the soul of the shop remains: the Diedrich roaster still hums in the front, where Mike Carr has been roasting for nearly 30 years. The shop’s commitment to organic, fair-trade beans—80% sourced through Cooperative Coffees—speaks to its roots. “People here know what they’re getting,” Fishbein says. “They ask about processing methods, flavor profiles. That’s the sign of a community that cares.”
So, what’s your favorite way to savor a cup of Coffee Exchange? Share your ritual in the comments.
Questions & Answers
What is the Coffee Exchange in Providence?
The Coffee Exchange is a specialty coffee shop in Providence, Rhode Island, known for its quality beans, brewing methods, and community vibe.
Is the Coffee Exchange open for takeout?
Yes, the Coffee Exchange offers takeout options, including coffee, pastries, and house-made treats for on-the-go enjoyment.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
