Written by Jordan Michelman.
Coffee lovers (and coffee industry pros) in the United States are gearing up to put all eyes on the city of Houston, Texas, as it prepares to host the 2025 SCA Expo—North America’s largest annual coffee festival. This means we’re diving deep into the Houston coffee scene in a series of interviews, aided immeasurably by the on-the-ground knowledge and coffee scene expertise of La Marzocco USA’s own Hana Kaneshige, who represents LM in Houston and beyond.
I can’t tell you how incredibly important it is to have eyes and ears on a scene like this—Houston is a vast place (pop. 2.3 million), the fourth-largest city in the United States, home to a broad cross-section of cafe and coffee service styles, established favorites and newcomers, all expressing their vision for delicious coffee in unique and distinctive ways. It was Hana who put me on to Little Dreamer, a new artisan coffee bar that’s very worth your attention, particularly if you’ve got some time scheduled for Houston in the coming days. Design, culture, voice, vibes—this spot has everything you look for in a modern coffee bar, and I’m thrilled to chat more about it with founder Matthew Toomey.
Hi Matthew, thanks so much for talking with us! To start—I’m just learning about your company, and I’m curious to ask how you might describe Little Dreamer to someone who is unfamiliar.
Little Dreamer is something within all people. As humans, we aspire for happiness and purpose with fulfillment. For me, LD represents the authentic nature of people to create and the divine spirit reflected in each of us as individuals. Little Dreamer has enabled me personally to reflect my interests and likes through the lens of the vast and beautiful world of coffee. Giving honor and praise back to the earth and the source of this magical fruit is where I place my primary intention and gratitude. From the producers and pickers to the exporters and importers all the way through the roaster’s hands into the lives of consumers. It is a cycle we are delighted to be a smol part of. In short, LD is a reflection of my love and of the people and things I love.
It seems like y’all are going through an evolution as a brand — farmers’ market pop-ups have been a huge part of your work so far, but there’s a cafe project coming soon as well. What can you tell me about the cafe?
Oooh, yes, you could say we are constantly evolving. Our style is pretty abstract and somewhat playful, so it’s easy to be creative within that scope. We are excited to release some of our new brand imagery, including new coffee bags, shirts, cups, and such. Our new shop is the fulfillment of several year’s work. We are so excited and grateful about this opportunity to be in a space in our community where we can call home. We are partnered with the Art League of Houston to promote their non-profit initiatives. We also look forward to collaborating with various artists and vendors for various projects and events.
We will be using a La Marzocco GB5 3 Group machine painted a beautiful pastel blue. Mahlkonig E65 espresso grinders and a good ole Fetco brewer. We will be featuring various pour over options to highlight more expressive coffees.
How do you think differently about gear for a cafe than at, say, a market pop-up?
I love pop-ups. Equipment can make or break your experience. Obviously, power is the main issue, but you know I always love my La Marzocco GS3 for the finest quality shots pulled. I also use a La Spaziele Lucca that produces some delicious coffee and is quite a little workhorse. Truth be told, if you have a good grinder, you can probably make the right adjustments. As long as you have good clean water from the depths of Lake Minnetonka, you should be good.
I love the influence seasonality has on your drinks. Is there a recent drink that you’re especially proud of, or do you think typifies your style?
Saaaame! I love the effect of seasonality on drinks and food and, well really everything. In the winter we make a Salted Rum Butterscotch sauce for lattes, it’s topped with a little pink Himalayan sea salt. It’s a genuine slapper. I also think of the Swamp Thang, which is one of our new concoctions consisting of chicory, chocolate, cold brew, espresso and milk. It’s a real gullet grabber.
What is MOON BREW?? I spotted this on your market menu, and it sounds intriguing.
Moon Brew is a fanatically wildly popular drink designed by my precious eldest daughter, Hannah. It consists of Matcha, Chai, Lunar Spices (from the moon), and Oat Milk. It’s ledishush.
What’s your approach to roasting? Who are the roasters you’re inspired by? Is there a coffee or blend that you’ve roasted recently that you think exemplifies your style?
My roasting style is guided by the great spirit of the coffee. I am primarily a sensory roaster, but I do love me some Cropster! My goal is to be present enough and familiar enough with any coffee that I can interpret it and nuance it in a way that brings out qualities that are dynamic, structured and balanced. Good ole Joe Marrocco was a big influence of mine. Ken Palmer taught me a lot in my younger days back at Java Pura Coffee and when I was starting Boomtown Coffee. Jesse Nelson of Conduit Coffee in Seattle… Mark Michaelson, Jen Apodaca, Ian Picco, Will Frith, and so many people have contributed to my growth and knowledge.
I am absolutely madly in love with our current crop of coffee we imported via Caravela from Oaxaca, Mexico called Ozolotepec. It is a very balanced and beautiful cup of coffee. It has a versatile range in both roasting and brewing. We also use it as a base for our espresso blend and our cold brew. It is a truly lovely and memorable coffee.
Houston is going to be home for the 2025 SCA Expo — what are you excited about for this event? What stuff in Houston do you hope folks check out? Any coffee, food, or culture recommendations?
I am so excited about this I could spit. Seriously though, I am very excited to be united with so many people whom I have not seen in a long time. Houston has grown immensely in the last few years. The coffee scene is completely different! I look forward to Houston showing up and showing off a little. I hope people support our amazing local hospitality industry and small businesses!
My recommendations include: Koffeteria, Retrospect Coffee, Ema, Jun by Kin, Catalina Coffee, aaaand of course one of my favorite places in the city, Better Luck Tomorrow. If you’re up early and want to experience Houston’s Farmers Markets, Little Dreamer Coffee sets up on Saturdays at Urban Harvest Farmers Market and Sundays at the Heights Mercantile Farmers Market.
What’s something unique about Houston that you think gets overlooked?
Our art scene. It is really great. From the Museum of Fine Arts to the Menil to the various assorted small spaces like Winter and Spring Street Studio, there is always some way to show appreciation. Also, our hospitality, I really think Houston offers genuine kindness and warmth in the way we embrace visitors. Our coffee scene is on par with any other city out there. I love my city!
Visit Little Dreamer Coffee’s website and follow them on Instagram.
