In May 2024, two creative souls, Lukas Tralmer and Viktor Walther, transformed their friendship into an award-winning specialty café named 08 COFFEE. The duo, who met in Paris in 2015, brought a piece of their unique bond to Rosenheim, a Bavarian town that was soon to experience the magic of high-quality coffee and contemporary baked goods.
The name “08” is a testament to the month that forged their friendship. Every August since 2017, they traveled together, exploring Iceland, Costa Rica, Korea, Turkey, and more. These trips were marked by laughter, adventures, and memories that strengthened their bond. “It’s the month where all the crazy stories took place,” says Viktor, “the month that shaped our friendship into brotherhood.”
The café stands out in Rosenheim, a town accustomed to traditional German cafés and bakeries. But 08 COFFEE has been an educational program for the city’s residents, showcasing the delight of high-quality coffee. While cappuccinos remain popular, demand for V60 pour-overs and cold brew is on the rise. “We are still in southern Germany — people want what they know,” Viktor admits with a grin, “but cold brews and V60s are ordered more and more.”
The café’s sourcing strategy is straightforward. They work exclusively with Munich-based roaster Pacandé, a partnership born out of respect for the quality and camaraderie with their team. This relationship is not likely to change anytime soon.
Their cool, personal, and slightly provocative interior design sets them apart as the town’s cool spot.
The 08 COFFEE experience extends beyond the cup. Their cool, personal, and slightly provocative interior design sets them apart as the town’s cool spot. They’ve also launched 08 WORLD, a merchandise and events label that releases clothing and other items every few months, with an online shop on the horizon.
Behind the bar, patience and clarity reign. The team is trained to stay friendly and calm, ensuring a positive experience for every customer. This approach has fostered a motivated, stable team who embody the café’s vision.
From a shared dream to an award-winning café, 08 COFFEE is proof that friendship, creativity, and a little risk can revolutionize a small-town coffee scene. In their own words, they’re just getting started. And as the winner of ECT Awards 2024 in Germany, it seems they have only scratched the surface of what’s possible.
So, what’s next for these pioneers of specialty coffee in Rosenheim? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain — the journey of 08 COFFEE is far from over. What do you think their future holds? Let us know in the comments!
Questions & Answers
Who won the Specialty Café category in Germany with a coffee?
08 Coffee, a friendship-inspired brand, won the Specialty Café category in Germany.
What inspired the creation of 08 Coffee in Germany?
08 Coffee was inspired by friendship and aims to bring people together through quality coffee in Germany.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
