3FE
ActiveOverview
3FE is a Dublin-based specialty coffee company operating seven cafes, a roastery, and wholesale operations. It roasts coffee in Dublin for sale worldwide and provides training and equipment services. The company focuses on improving specialty coffee standards in Ireland through sourcing, roasting, and partnerships with businesses.
History
Founded in 2009 by Colin Harmon, former investment banker and 2009 Irish Barista Champion, as Third Floor Espresso in a nightclub lobby. It expanded from a training room and small coffee shop on Lower Grand Canal Street to multiple Dublin locations and its own roasting operations. 3FE has grown into roasting, wholesaling, cafe management, and authoring resources like Harmon's book on running coffee shops.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Single Origin Coffees | Specialty-grade fresh roasts | $15 - $25 per 250g |
| Coffee Blends | Balanced espresso blends | $18 - $22 per 250g |
| Decaffeinated Coffees | Specialty decaf options | $18 - $24 per 250g |
| Espresso Machine Sales | Professional-grade equipment | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Coffee Grinders | High-precision grinders | $500 - $2,000 |
Manufacturing
Coffee is roasted in-house at their Dublin roastery. Espresso machines and grinders are sourced from partners like Nuova Simonelli, Eureka, and Marco, with sales and service handled internally.
Notable Products
- 3FE Espresso Blend - House blend for cafe espresso, roasted in Dublin.
- Single Origin Selections - Rotating fresh single origins from global sources.
- What I Know About Running Coffee Shops - Book by founder Colin Harmon on cafe operations.
- Nuova Simonelli Machines - Professional espresso machines distributed by 3FE.
- Eureka Grinders - High-end grinders supplied through 3FE partnerships.
Reputation
3FE is respected among coffee professionals for its role in elevating Ireland's specialty coffee scene, strong barista training heritage, and consistent quality roasting. Enthusiasts appreciate the transparency in sourcing and direct trade focus. Some note higher pricing typical of premium specialty roasters, but it maintains a solid reputation for reliability in wholesale and cafe operations.