About us
Cafe Colucci serves a traditional Ethiopian dishes made with fresh heirloom spices but it didn't start that way. When Cafe Colucci opened in 1991, it was a small Italian cafe that had a few Ethiopian dishes on the menu. There weren't many East African spots in Oakland at the time and people were excited to have a place to get Ethiopian food and coffee.
Founder Fetlework Tefferi has a legacy of sharing the beauty of East African cuisine and culture. In the early 90's she ran an Afrocentric night club that hosted artists from across Africa. Cafe Colucci, our restaurant was next. Most recently, Brundo Ethiopian Spice Company, was created to source the freshest traditionally processed heirloom spices.
Fetlework brought on family friend, Daniel Aderaw Yeshiwas as General Manager. He helped open the new location and added the bar program in 2023 -featuring African spirits and local Black wine makers.
Brundo Chef Residency
The Brundo Residency offers up and coming chefs a chance to try concepts in a low risk, fully equipped and licensed kitchen with a full bar, front of house support and management mentorship.
The inaugural Brundo pop-up residency belongs to Chef Selasie Dotse of e le aɖe Test Kitchen.
Selasie, who began e le aɖe Test Kitchen as a way to explore their Ghanaian heritage, is committed to creating “elevated,” Michelin-level techniques to showcase Black and African foods, flavors and stories.
They host a 7 course chefs table experience once a month at Cafe Colucci. Tickets and additional info at the link below.
Nosh | Berkeleyside
Fine-dining pop-up at Cafe Colucci combines West and East African
KQED
A New Oakland Pop-Up Fuses Ethiopian and Ghanaian Cuisines
Instagram
Who's ready to do this again?
Community:
Brundo Spice Company has the freshest traditionally processed, heirloom East African spices. Brundo is an Ethiopian, woman owned company started by Fetlework Tefferi.
They ensure farmers in Ethiopia have secure access to land and resources for growing, employ 85% women and best of all - the short supply chain means employees have more equity.
Our favorite event of the year.
Cafe Colucci is serving up the party at the bar.
Mandela Partners is working to fill the gap created through deeply rooted inequities– like redlining and economic disinvestment.
We work with Mandela Partners food hub to source local produce through their food hub, Mandela Produce. We offer internships for folks participating in their Culinary Training Program. A few have become part of our permanent staff!
End of Year Fundraisong
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