Second Cup Celebrates 50 Years of Coffee and Community

TORONTO — From its humble beginnings in a Toronto shopping mall, Second Cup Café has grown into a cherished Canadian brand, and this year it’s celebrating 50 years of serving up more than just coffee.

Founded in August 1975 as a small kiosk specializing in whole bean coffee, Second Cup has since evolved into one of Canada’s most recognizable specialty coffee retailers. The company marked its golden anniversary this week, paying tribute to its half-century legacy of quality, innovation, and community connection.

Now owned by Quebec-based restaurant group Foodtastic, Second Cup continues to hold a strong presence across the country. Peter Mammas, Founder and CEO of Foodtastic, called the brand’s anniversary “a testament to Canadian passion and talent.”

“The Second Cup brand and its values are extremely precious in our eyes, but the key is the people behind the brand,” Mammas said in a statement released March 20. “This milestone has been made possible by Canadian passion and talent, working hard to meet one of our most basic needs – a cozy place to enjoy good company and a good cup of coffee.”

In honour of its 50th anniversary, Second Cup plans to roll out a series of celebrations and customer promotions over the coming months. While full details have yet to be announced, the company says the festivities will reflect both its history and the evolving tastes of Canadian coffee lovers.

Second Cup’s legacy includes not only its wide variety of espresso-based drinks and menu innovation, but also a longstanding commitment to sustainability and local community involvement.

“We owe this incredible journey to our loyal customers, dedicated franchisees, and hardworking employees,” Mammas added. “As a proudly Canadian brand, we look forward to continuing this mission for many years to come.”

Details of the anniversary celebrations are expected as the brand approaches its August founding date.