A Bastion of Specialty Coffee in Red Hook: Red Hook Coffee Shop
Shop Details:
Red Hook Coffee Shop: 327 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
As part of our Café of the Week series, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Olav Christensen, the manager of Red Hook Coffee Shop, on a crisp fall afternoon. With his warm smile and soft Danish accent, Olav immediately made me feel like we could talk for hours. It quickly becomes clear that he wears many hats—not only as a café manager but also as a full-time musician and sound engineer. But his true passion? People and specialty coffee.
"We’re in this little enclave of Brooklyn," Olav shares. "More and more people are discovering Red Hook, and having a great coffee shop here is pivotal."
At Abbotsford Road, we share a passion with Red Hook Coffee Shop. They aren’t just our partners—they're our neighbors, and together we’re committed to delivering quality coffee to this vibrant community. What sets this partnership apart is our shared values of quality, consistency, and understanding what makes a café thrive.
When I ask Olav what makes Red Hook Coffee Shop special, he paints a picture of a cozy, welcoming spot. "It’s like a living room—comfortable, inviting, and full of creative energy," he explains. Red Hook Coffee Shop is a place where people come together to relax, work, and connect. "It's about making people feel at home, and that’s the experience we offer with every cup."
A Hub for Connection and Community: As we talk about the café’s regulars, Olav beams with pride. Teachers from the nearby PS 15 school stop by for their well-earned coffee breaks, enjoying a 10% discount as a small token of appreciation. "It’s not just about the coffee; it’s about the people," Olav says. "I love seeing strangers meet and form connections here—it’s what makes Red Hook Coffee Shop special."
But it’s not just Olav making these connections happen; the whole team embodies this spirit of community. "If I see two people waiting at the counter, I’ll ask if they know each other, and if they don’t, I’ll introduce them," Olav adds. This sense of connection is what makes Red Hook Coffee Shop more than just a café; it’s a neighborhood hub where relationships grow as naturally as the coffee is brewed.
A Passionate Team Culture: What truly shines at Red Hook Coffee Shop is the team’s shared sense of ownership. "We act like owners because we’re passionate about what we do," Olav says. The camaraderie among the staff is palpable—everyone goes above and beyond for the café and its customers. "If someone needs help, we’ve got each other’s backs, even if it’s not our shift," Olav shares proudly. This strong team culture is what makes Red Hook Coffee Shop not just a place to get coffee, but a place that feels like home.
Fanatic About Quality and Consistency: Olav’s dedication to quality is unmistakable. "I’m a stickler for consistency," he says with a smile. "Every cup has to be perfect, whether it’s a cappuccino, an espresso, or a cold brew." His attention to detail shows in the training he gives his baristas, ensuring that every customer, no matter the day, gets the same high-quality experience.
This relentless pursuit of perfection is mirrored by Abbotsford Road. "What sets Abbotsford Road apart is their commitment to delivering the same incredible product every time," Olav shares. "Not every roastery can do that. Their understanding of quality control and the tools they provide us with make a huge difference." Whether it’s the precise grind of their beans or the equipment they supply, Abbotsford Road ensures that Red Hook Coffee Shop can meet the high standards Olav and his team demand.
Building a Partnership for Growth: I ask Olav about the start of his partnership with Abbotsford Road, and he fondly recalls that first meeting. "Martin and Logan came prepared," he remembers. "They didn’t just offer coffee—they brought a custom label designed for us, showing how serious they were about helping us grow."
This partnership has allowed Red Hook Coffee Shop to expand its offerings, including selling custom 12oz retail bags of their coffee. "What sets Abbotsford Road apart is their commitment to quality and understanding the tools we need to grow," Olav says. "Thanks to them, we’ve been able to develop a retail presence and bring a taste of Red Hook home to our customers."
With our Forza blend as their go-to coffee, Red Hook Coffee Shop ensures consistent quality with every espresso, cold brew, and drip coffee. This consistency builds trust, which keeps customers coming back.
Looking Ahead: Even with his packed schedule as a café manager, musician, and sound engineer, Olav remains deeply involved in the day-to-day operations. His love for the craft shines through, and Red Hook Coffee Shop plays an active role in the neighborhood’s cultural scene. Growing Red Hook's Second Sundays series is passion, the café hosts live music, matinees, and even coffee tastings. "It's about being part of the community and celebrating Red Hook," Olav adds.
As we look to the future, both Abbotsford Road and Red Hook Coffee Shop are excited for what’s to come. "We’ve only scratched the surface of what we can do together," Olav says. "There’s so much potential, and we’re looking forward to continuing to grow with Abbotsford Road."
At its heart, Red Hook Coffee Shop isn’t just about serving great coffee—it’s about creating a space where people feel connected, welcomed, and inspired. And that’s something we’re proud to be a part of.
As we wrap I must thank Olav with a special shout out to the entire Red Hook Coffee Shop team for their dedication to quality and community.