North Park’s vibrant community is enriched by the stories of passionate individuals and unique businesses that define its character. One such cornerstone is Caffe Calabria, founded by Arne Holt. In this month’s spotlight, we delve into Arne’s journey, his love for coffee, and the pivotal role Caffe Calabria has played in transforming North Park. Although he might describe himself as cantankerous, his impact on our business community is undeniable.
The Origins of Caffe Calabria
Arne, born and raised in Seattle, frequently visited family in San Diego. A transformative experience during one of these visits set him on the path to founding Caffe Calabria. Reflecting on his initial move to San Diego, Arne shared, “I left Seattle at six in the morning in freezing rain, and by the time I arrived in San Diego for my grandmother’s services, it was 80 degrees with Santa Ana winds blowing. I was hooked.” His newfound love for San Diego, combined with the absence of a coffee culture, sparked his entrepreneurial spirit.
“In 1991, lattes were primarily a Seattle and Portland phenomenon. Down here, there was no coffee culture. I rode around downtown and couldn’t find a single place for a latte. Starbucks hadn’t even opened down here yet. That’s when I decided to move and open an espresso cart,” Arne recalled. The first iteration of Caffe Calabria was a humble espresso cart at Grossmont Hospital, which remains operational today, run by Arne’s sister. This marked the beginning of Arne’s coffee journey, which eventually expanded to multiple locations and a significant wholesale operation.
The Evolution of Coffee Artistry
Arne’s passion for coffee goes beyond merely serving it; he views it as a culinary art approached with a scientific mindset. His frequent travels to Europe, particularly Italy, heavily influenced the style and atmosphere of Caffe Calabria. “I’ve been to Europe 80 times in 19 years. On one of my early trips to Italy, I realized I had done everything wrong in terms of design and layout for our shop. Over the years, I started incorporating those Italian influences to give Caffe Calabria a more authentic vibe,” Arne explained.
Arne’s dedication to perfecting his craft is evident in his approach to roasting coffee. He acknowledges the challenges he faced initially, “We really struggled with roasting coffee early on. But with guidance from a good friend and experienced roaster from Seattle, we honed our skills. After that, our wholesale customers went crazy. I’d be roasting and taking orders at 10 p.m. on a Sunday and then out to deliver at 9 a.m. the next day.” Arne’s meticulous attention to detail in the roasting process highlights his commitment to excellence. “There’s a mathematical equation to roasting coffee and preparing espresso. Our espresso is second to none because of the precision we put into it.” However, he will be the first to admit that developing his mastery wasn’t a linear progression, “I’m a person who needs to be hit over the head with a hammer three or four—maybe five—times before I get it. It’s… an evolution of craft, I guess.” Listening to Arne talk about his craft makes you crave an espresso to experience their “full city roast, which gets a lot of chocolate notes out there, as much as possible.”
Impact on North Park and Beyond
Caffe Calabria is more than just a coffee shop; it’s an integral part of the North Park community. When Arne and his sister purchased their current building, North Park was a far cry from its present-day vibrancy. “North Park was in pretty bad shape commercially. But I had a feeling about the neighborhood. It took longer than I thought, but good things take time,” Arne noted.
Arne’s vision and commitment helped catalyze North Park’s transformation. “We were one of the first new businesses here, alongside Claire’s and The Mission. It was a high-tide-raises-all-boats situation. Everyone helped each other out, and it was a fun time watching the neighborhood progress,” Arne reminisced. Caffe Calabria’s involvement in community events, such as hosting the first World Cup party on 30th Street, underscores its dedication to fostering a sense of community.
Looking back, Arne is proud of the role Caffe Calabria has played in North Park’s evolution. “I’m proud of being part of the domino effect of what North Park has become,” he said. When asked what created the collective energy of North Park, Arne highlights “the really great soul” of all the people starting businesses. “Every place you walked into, the owner was in there working, which was uncommon at that time.”
It’s that soul that has attracted amazing, talented people to this community over the years. As Arne contemplates the future, he is ready to pass the torch. “I’ve been doing this for 33 years. I’m ready to bow out and do something in southern Italy, perhaps in the art world.” However, he won’t be away forever. “I can’t wait to come back in a couple of years and see what has transpired. A lot’s changed since 2021, so who knows what will happen. Our block alone is booming. Arsalun is opening up Lelia, Brad Wise is opening up on the corner, Lara has done such a phenomenal job with Bivouac Adventure Lodge, and Saigon Coffee’s banging it up. That’s just our block, you know? They’re quality places with quality people being attracted here, and it’s great to see that.”
So, the next time you’re in North Park, take the time to enjoy the empire Arne has built by ordering an espresso (and maybe a slice of their Neapolitan pizza), taking it outside to their parklet, and observing the soul of North Park.