About Us

COLD BREW ESPRESSO. THAT'S IT.

222 Brew is a cold brew espresso beverage you can keep in your fridge at home. Its only ingredients are coffee and water. 222 Brew is perfect for your everyday hot or cold latte, cappuccino, cortado or macchiato, when combined with your favorite milk, or can be enjoyed on its own. 222 Brew is especially delightful in an espresso martini or affogato!

The brand is inspired by the story of our founder's grandfather. He is an Italian immigrant who owned and operated a Coffee Shop in the heart of downtown Albany, NY at 222 Lark Street for over 50 years. The foundation of 222 Brew draws from the values of the original coffee shop as a business and as a beverage. It's honest, strong, and simple.

For those who believe, 222 represents an angelic message of hope. It is commonly recognized as a message from your guardian angel acknowledging you are going through a difficult period, reminding you that you are not alone and your next life path is going to find you. 222 Lark Street truly was that, a sign of hope and a future life path. 

Read more about the inspiration below!

The Inspiration

by Founder Rosa Commisso

In 1946, at the age of 13 and with nothing but a photo of his father in his pocket, my grandfather, Salvatore Commisso, immigrated to the United States from Southern Italy. Like Many others, he was in pursuit of the "American Dream".

After going to high school, working as a butcher, serving in the Korean War as a chef, marrying my grandmother and having three kids of their own, he found himself making a living as a line chef at the famous Keeler's Steakhouse in Downtown Albany, popular among government officals. In 1969, the managers closed the restaurant unexpectedly, leaving my grandfather out of a job with a family to support.

As he tells it, he was walking home and stumbled upon 222 Lark Street, a building home to the Albany Coffee Shop with a "For Sale" sign out front. My grandfather purchased the building, retained the waitstaff, delivery people and tenants in the apartments above the shop. He then owned and operated the Albany Coffee Shop for over 50 years to follow.

At its height, the Albany Coffee Shop was much more than just that. It was a neighborhood staple, in the center of the "Greenwich Village" of the Capital Region. It was set between the New York State Capitol, Albany's Washington Square Park, residential neighborhoods and college campuses. My grandfather served breakfast, lunch and dinner. The place was buzzing with loyal patrons along with visitors passing through the area.

My grandfather cooked and ran the business well into his 80s; explaining that it became more of a hobby towards the end. He was once described as a "personal Italian grandfather for-hire." Locals may recall his iconic sausage and peppers sandwiches at Albany's annual Lark Fest.

Some of my fondest childhood memories are from running around behind his counters. Our family called it "Nonno's Restaurant" and will always remember him waking up at 5am, 7 days a week, rain or shine, to head to the Coffee Shop and prepare for the day. He did this while never missing an important event in his children's or grandchildren's lives.

222 Brew is my small way of honoring his big legacy. I am excited to use the entrepreneurial spirit I inherited from my grandfather to bring you an enjoyable espresso experience!

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