Café del Primo

Café del Primo is a coffee shop located at Roggenstraat 37 in the heart of Zwolle. The venue officially opened on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Prior to this date, the café had been quietly open for several weeks, operating from Wednesday through Sunday afternoons.

According to the owners, the name translates to “coffee from the cousin.” This refers to a Latin American custom where close friends are considered family. This explanation aligns with the venue’s public profile, which brings together coffee and Latin American culture.

Ricardo is named as the founder. He is from Panama, studied law, and previously worked in legal roles. From 2020 to 2025, he worked as a corporate lawyer in Amsterdam, among other positions. In 2025, he opened a specialty coffee bar in Zwolle.

Hanneke Céspedes García-Zwiers is publicly documented as the founder and owner of Descarga Salsa. Her background lies in pedagogy, education, care, and instruction. External media sources describe Hanneke and Ricardo as the owners of the café. However, the exact legal ownership of Café del Primo is not publicly recorded.

The coffee line at Café del Primo revolves around Panamanian coffee. The house blend is called Panamaria. It is a 100% Arabica coffee featuring Caturra and Catuai varieties. The coffee is washed and originates from Boquete in Panama.

The origin is further specified with the names of producers and locations. The farmers are Ricardo Koyner and Ratibor Hartmann. The coffee comes from Carolina Farm, part of the Kotowa plantation and Hartmann Estate. Boot Koffie is named as the importer and roaster for this house coffee.

Public mentions list espresso, filter coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and plant-based milk as available categories. Additionally, tea, hot chocolate made with real chocolate, a vegan variant, chai latte, matcha latte, and Pumpkin Spice Caramel Latte are mentioned. No complete public menu listing all brewing methods was found.

For Panamaria, Boot Koffie describes various preparation methods. These include espresso, fully automatic machines, moka pots, iced coffee, milk-based drinks, French press, and slow brewing. It is not publicly documented whether all these methods are also served at Café del Primo.

Café del Primo states that its Panamanian specialty coffee is fully traceable. It is also noted that the coffee is produced with respect for nature and plantation workers. The described supply chain runs from Boquete through the mentioned farms to Boot Koffie as the importer and roaster.

According to available information, the coffee has a Specialty Coffee Association score of 85. Boot Koffie describes Ricardo Koyner's approach as a quality concept built on three pillars: coffee, interaction with the environment, and care for people.

It is also noted that the Kotowa plantation is situated amidst natural forest and boasts high biodiversity. Furthermore, Kotowa is mentioned as having won Panama's National Environmental Award in 2012 and 2018. Wages on the plantations are reported to range from 120 to 140 percent of Panama's minimum wage, plus housing valued at approximately 20 percent of that minimum wage.

Beyond this information, no additional certifications for Café del Primo itself are publicly documented. As a result, the public image remains primarily based on origin data, producer information, and statements from the involved coffee partner.

In addition to coffee, the café has a clear connection to salsa. Live music by the duo Brisa was announced during the official opening. There was also an official opening moment at 12:00, salsa throughout the day, and the opportunity to dance outside if the weather permitted.

The Descarga Salsa agenda lists the “Salsa! del Primo Social – Liberation Day Edition” at Café del Primo. This event took place on Tuesday, May 5, from 14:00 to 17:00, with free entry. A “Salsa! del Primo Dancing Drink” is also mentioned, with a new date yet to be announced.

Another public mention refers to a salsa event on Wednesday, March 25. This included a salsa basics workshop from 17:00 to 18:00, followed by drinks and dancing from 18:00 to 19:00. No public data was found regarding coffee-focused workshops, tastings, or exhibitions.

Café del Primo is listed in several public coffee and hospitality directories. These include the address, opening hours, online channels, and facilities. Mentioned features include espresso, filter coffee, decaf, breakfast, plant-based milk, wifi, child-friendliness, vegan options, card payments, wheelchair access, and a dog-friendly setting.

The establishment was also mentioned in news about new hospitality venues in Zwolle and in articles about food and drink in the city. In March 2026, the municipality of Zwolle published a decision regarding a terrace permit for Roggenstraat 37. No awards or distinctions for Café del Primo itself are publicly documented.