Since 1932, Kappy’s Coffee Roasters has been a quiet icon on Compton Street, right in the heart of Adelaide. As Adelaide’s oldest coffee roaster, we've spent over 90 years perfecting our craft — not just in coffee, but in tea as well.
While our small-batch coffee roasting remains a cornerstone of what we do, tea is just as much a part of our story. We are proud to be known as Adelaide’s premiere tea supplier, offering an extensive range of premium loose-leaf teas — from traditional black and green varieties to unique herbal blends and rare imports. Each tea is carefully selected for quality, flavour, and freshness, trusted by tea lovers, cafés, and hospitality venues across Australia.
Proudly family-owned and operated, Kappy’s is more than just a coffee shop — it’s a cornerstone of South Australian café culture. From our early beginnings to today, we’ve remained committed to quality, consistency, and community.
Whether it’s a bold espresso, a delicate oolong, or a comforting chai, Kappy’s has been bringing warmth and flavour to generations of South Australians.
Come for the coffee, stay for the tea — and experience a tradition that’s been brewing since 1932.
Who are we…
The Origin of Kappys
From humble beginnings in a small coffee cart at Adelaide’s Central Market, [INSERT NAME HERE] began roasting beans at home, guided by a deep passion for flavour, ritual, and heritage. With proud German roots, his original dream was to open a traditional German-themed coffee house — a nod to the culture he carried with him.
But the outbreak of World War II, and Germany’s role in it, meant shifting public sentiment and a need to adapt. The concept evolved, and with it, a new name was born: Kappy’s.
Known for his classic German attire, particularly the traditional cap he wore each day, he quickly earned the nickname “Kappy” — a play on the German word “Kappe,” meaning hat. The name became a symbol of his identity: German at heart, but reimagined through an Australian lens.
From Markets to Manufacturing
After the war, Kappy’s transformed. The humble coffee cart gave way to a permanent roasting space within the Central Market precinct, where signature blends and rare, sought-after beans began to build a loyal following. It was here that [NAME] partnered with Mr. Wright, a Sri Lankan tea expert, and together they expanded Kappy’s into one of South Australia’s leading tea manufacturers and suppliers.
The roasting and blending happened on-site, with customers often drawn in by the warm, aromatic air drifting through the market laneways. At the heart of the operation sat their prized roaster — one of Australia’s oldest still-functioning machines — now preserved and still in use at their current Compton Street location.
A New Chapter
Today, Kappy’s Coffee Roasters is proudly located at 1/22 Compton Street, Adelaide — just a two-minute stroll from where it all began. The roaster still runs, producing the same rich blends and specialty offerings that defined the brand decades ago. Kappy’s continues to source and supply some of Australia’s finest teas, sourced from the world’s most renowned growing regions, alongside a wide selection of exclusive coffee lines — many only available in-store.
A Coat of Arms That Tells Our Story
The Kappy’s coat of arms represents the soul of our brand — two worlds brought together through flavour, tradition, and progress.
The kangaroo, a symbol of Australia, faces forward — representing momentum, community, and the bold, sun-drenched landscapes that shape our local identity. Kangaroos, by nature, never move backward — they leap only ahead.
The lion, drawn from centuries of German heraldry, symbolises strength, honour, and perseverance. Found in the coats of arms of regions such as Bavaria and Hesse, the lion reflects our founder’s heritage — one built on resilience, dignity, and excellence.
Together, the kangaroo and the lion stand side by side, just as German tradition and Australian innovation have shaped every roast, every blend, and every cup poured under the name Kappy’s.
