Our Story

Indaba (in-DAH-bah)Derived from the Zulu word for a gathering of community to listen and share; a space built around conversation, connection, and belonging.

The Vision: From Spokane to South Africa

Indaba founder Bobby Enslow grew up in the Inland Northwest, attending North Central High School before earning both his undergraduate finance degree and MBA from Washington State University. Soon after graduating, a journey to South Africa helped put his future dreams and goals into perspective.

Observing the stark economic divide on the streets of South Africa, Bobby saw firsthand how socioeconomic hardship can isolate individuals and render entire communities invisible. "So many people there are just invisible," he reflected. The experience left a deep impression, prompting a pivotal question: How could he return to Spokane and serve the people being overlooked right in his own hometown?

Looking Close to Home

Back in Spokane, Bobby began taking a harder look at local districts facing systemic challenges—places like Hillyard, East Sprague, and West Central. The reality hit close to home when he reflected on his high school years at North Central, remembering that many of his former classmates lived in West Central—a neighborhood rich in Spokane history, yet struggling with poverty and limited local resources. "I realized I had been ignoring my neighbors," Bobby admitted.

Determined to change that, Bobby moved into West Central in 2008 to immerse himself in the neighborhood, listen to residents, and build a business model focused on community restoration. Driven by personal faith, he wanted to create a public space that rejected exclusivity—a venue built around an open invitation: everyone is welcome here. And to bring people through the door, he knew the coffee had to be exceptional.

Humble Beginnings

In the fall of 2009, Indaba Coffee opened its doors on West Broadway. Operating on a shoestring startup budget of roughly $10,000, the original shop relied on a single espresso machine, two grinders, and an unwavering commitment to radical hospitality.

Behind the scenes, the passion for craft grew from humble roots—literally in the family kitchen. "I started roasting coffee out of our kitchen," Bobby laughs, "and quickly got kicked out because I kept setting off the alarms." Family members saw the vision, stepped in to help purchase professional roasting equipment, and launched Indaba onto a specialty path.

What began as a quiet neighborhood spot quickly drew visitors from across Spokane, regional hubs, and even traveling coffee lovers driving down from Canada. Indaba initially curated featured guest roasters, rapidly building a reputation for high specialty standards, awards, and relational service.

Growing with Spokane

As the community surrounding Indaba expanded, so did the business. In 2014, Indaba launched its own in-house specialty roasting operations, taking full control of sourcing, custom roast profiling, and flavor development.

When choosing where to expand next, Bobby went with his gut: Downtown Spokane on Riverside Avenue. Despite commercial shifts nearby, the downtown choice reflected Indaba’s foundational philosophy—stepping into areas undergoing transition and serving as an anchor of light, warmth, and restoration. "What gets me pumped is seeing things restored, redeemed," Bobby notes. "Seeing new life, not just with development, but with people’s lives."

That mindset of intentional community spaces continued in Kendall Yards. Partnering with Fleet Feet on Summit Parkway right along the Centennial Trail, Indaba created a bright neighborhood hub connecting local running culture with craft coffee. As Bobby says, "I love how Indaba is a catalyst for community. The more people can connect with each other in healthy ways, the better."

A New Chapter on North Monroe

Indaba’s journey reached an exciting milestone with the opening of its flagship café and roasting facility on North Monroe Street. Anchoring a historic district, this beautiful location houses a custom Diedrich production roaster alongside a light-filled gathering space.

Love People, Love Coffee

Today, Indaba Coffee Roasters continues to roast, brew, and build community across Spokane. While our operations have grown into multiple cafes, regional wholesale partnerships, and national recognition, our core motivation remains identical to the day we opened in 2009.

"Love People, Love Coffee. Those four words symbolize our heart and vision. We try our very best to live by it."

— Bobby Enslow

We believe coffee is fundamentally relational. It creates an "Indaba moment"—bringing strangers together, sparking real conversation, and building common ground across neighborhoods, one cup at a time.