NL Five Ways on Kinkerstraat demonstrates how transparent sourcing, a thoughtful workflow, and a curated cultural program can elevate a coffee bar. With high-end equipment, regular cuppings, and visible sustainable choices, the bar has evolved into a community anchor, offering valuable lessons for entrepreneurs on service, selection, and community building.
Coffee Roaster at Five Ways Coffee Roasters – Kinkerstraat
Coffee Beans at Five Ways Coffee Roasters – Kinkerstraat
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About Five Ways Coffee Roasters – Kinkerstraat
Five Ways Coffee Roasters, Kinkerstraat: A lesson for the modern coffee sector
This corner bar in Amsterdam-West demonstrates how a roaster can shape a neighborhood. Their story is concrete, transparent, and ambitious, offering valuable insights for both entrepreneurs and coffee enthusiasts. Here is what stands out, and why it matters.
Origins and Concept
Five Ways began roasting in 2017, with a strong emphasis on transparency from farm to cup. The roastery operates on an S35 Loring, combining technical precision with training and machine expertise. Founder Benjamin (Kozica-)O’Callaghan brought a distinct Australian style of hospitality to the venture. The name refers to both a crossroads in Sydney and the five senses, a detail reflected throughout the bar.
Between 2021 and 2022, they opened two cafés in Amsterdam, located in West and Oost. The Kinkerstraat location launched in 2022 in the former Koffiesalon building, near the Ten Katemarkt. The concept bridges flavor and service with design, education, and community, creating a cohesive brand identity that runs through the entire chain.
Space and Workflow
The bar features large corner windows, a mezzanine with a view, and a hidden training room tucked behind a bookshelf. This speakeasy-style function provides a dedicated space for training and cuppings without disrupting service. Designed by Ben himself, the bar layout optimizes workflow for speed and consistency, ensuring the guest experience remains calm even during peak hours.
Coffee Program and Equipment
The espresso program runs on a three-group Slayer Steam with five grinders. The menu typically features the Five Points Blend, a Brazil, a natural Ethiopia, and a decaf. A rotating specials grinder allows for exceptional lots, such as a honey Geisha. Both locations serve 100% arabica, roasted right here in Amsterdam.
Filter coffee has a strong presence, with batch brew and hand brew offered side-by-side. Upon opening in June 2022, filter coffee was priced at €3, a clear choice to prioritize accessibility. Manual brewing methods are highlighted in both service and retail, featuring equipment like the Chemex 6-cup. By roasting to order, they maintain peak freshness and keep production scalable.
Community, Culture, and Collaborations
Five Ways was featured as the roaster of the month in The Coffeevine’s subscription in May 2023. In 2024, the team showcased the Slayer Steam LP and Single Group at the Amsterdam Coffee Festival on April 6. Public cuppings keep the dialogue open, such as the session on January 24, 2025, featuring producers and importers. These moments strengthen knowledge sharing and customer loyalty.
The Kinkerstraat location integrates art and culture, including gallery evenings by Shaima. On February 6, 2025, “Five Pianists, Five Ways” took place—an intimate classical concert in collaboration with Gutman Records and Amsterdam Piano Series. In this way, the bar becomes a stage rather than just a counter, making the community experience feel vibrant and multi-layered.
Sustainability and Sourcing
The roaster aims to reduce its carbon footprint through innovative packaging and sustainable logistics. Phrases like “climate-friendly shipping and returns” appear on product pages, making their policies tangible. Sourcing is transparent, handled via trusted importers and, wherever possible, directly from farmers. By roasting locally and to order, waste remains low and freshness stays high.
Additionally, the Kinkerstraat location participates in Too Good To Go. Surprise bags rescue products at the end of the day, reducing food waste while attracting price-conscious guests. The impact is both ecological and commercial.
Accolades and Reputation
The official city guide “I amsterdam” listed Five Ways among the city's best coffee bars, updated on September 3, 2025. European Coffee Trip included the Kinkerstraat location in its Amsterdam Coffee Guide. On June 14, 2022, The Coffeevine specifically praised the coffee, service, and setup. Koffietje.nl added a detailed profile and featured the bar in “58x the best Coffee in Amsterdam.”
Their presence at the Amsterdam Coffee Festival with Slayer underscores their specialist position. The combination of reviews, guides, and festivals builds social proof. Guests recognize the quality before they even step through the door, shortening the journey from a first visit to a daily routine.
Lessons for Professionals
The Five Ways case study demonstrates the power of focus. A streamlined workflow, clear blends, and room for specials provide variety without the noise. Cultural programming adds meaning to every cup. Sustainability measures work best when they are visible and measurable.
Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs
- Invest in a bar flow that can handle peak rushes, for example, with a three-group espresso machine.
- Use multiple grinders, featuring a house blend alongside rotations for seasonal lots.
- Keep filter coffee visible and affordable; a competitive price can increase both accessibility and volume.
- Schedule quarterly cuppings with producers or importers; shared knowledge binds both the team and the guests.
- Embed sustainability into the business, from climate-friendly shipping to Too Good To Go bags.
- Roast locally and to order to maximize freshness and minimize inventory risks.
- Turn the space into a stage, hosting art and music evenings that resonate with the local neighborhood.
- Communicate origin and agreements with importers and farmers; transparency builds trust.
Conclusion
In short, Five Ways on the Kinkerstraat blends precision with pleasure. The combination of design, education, selection, and community creates tangible value. This is how a bar evolves into an anchor point for taste, knowledge, and the community. The model is scalable, provided the core remains clear.