The Tampered Press

Owner Caitlin Zannoni wanted to create a community space that not only offered quality products but also excellent customer service. With more than 10 years of experience working in the restaurant industry—including a stint behind the counter at a major coffee chain in university—opening a coffee shop felt like the most logical next step.

Not knowing the first thing about starting a business, she enrolled with Canadian Youth Business (now Futurpreneur Canada) to learn more about applying for a loan, writing a business plan and what actually went in to make a business work in Canada. After six months of planning, she opened up The Tampered Press in March of 2010 in an unassuming storefront just across the street from Trinity Bellwoods park in Toronto’s west end. “Coffee shops are a slow growth business,” Caitlin says. “It took some time to build up a solid clientele of regulars.”

Over the years, both Caitlin and the business have grown and adapted to the needs of the community. “I had no idea how much I was going to enjoy coffee culture,” says Caitlin. “It’s more than just a job, it’s a lifestyle.”