In Waco, Texas city bustling with college coffee shops, Azzurro, a newly opened Italian café, aims to provide students with a distinctive coffee experience. Located on Bosque Boulevard, owner Dan Moroso encourages Baylor University students to step outside their usual haunts for a taste of authentic Italian coffee.
Upon entering Azzurro, visitors are greeted by a serene ambiance defined by calming blue hues adorning the walls and decor. The name “Azzurro,” which means “sky blue” in Italian, was chosen to reflect the café’s connection to Italy and its unique character. “This was an old travel agency that had been here for over 30 years,” Moroso explained. “It was very dank-looking with green carpet, and we came in and just gutted everything, transformed the place.”
The idea for the café sparked two years ago, motivated by Moroso’s desire to introduce the first genuine Italian coffee shop to Waco. Having lived in cities like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Paris, he felt it was essential for the café’s decor to resonate with the authentic atmosphere found in European coffee shops.
Azzurro’s Italian identity extends beyond its aesthetic. The café features a hand-crafted “La Marzocco” espresso machine and sources its coffee beans from Italy. Moroso himself carries a familial legacy connected to Italian immigration; his grandfather arrived in the U.S. through Ellis Island seeking a better life. “I consider myself lucky to still have my last name, as immigration officers often changed names they couldn’t pronounce,” he said, recounting his family’s history.
Moroso was drawn to Waco due to the community spirit, particularly within the Baylor community. Initially, he opened a restaurant named Moroso next door to Azzurro, but he quickly recognized the vital role Baylor would play in his business. “After the second year, we realized that Baylor was no longer just some icing on the cake, but part of our family and a big part of the community,” he remarked.
To ensure the quality of the coffee served, Moroso chose to use “Illy,” a premium brand from Trieste, Italy. The coffee beans come from Fruili, the same province as his family. “This is the coffee my family grew up with, generation after generation,” he shared. “I drink it every day.”
Illy is recognized as one of the most ethical coffee companies globally, sourcing the top 1% of Arabica beans from South and Central America. Moroso emphasized the importance of sustainable practices, noting that Illy deals directly with farmers, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work.
“A lot of upstart coffee shops are serving beans that have a somewhat astringent or bitter taste,” Moroso said. “We wanted to introduce what we believe is a really good cup of coffee to the community.”
Barista Rosie Garcia echoed Moroso’s sentiments, praising the café’s espresso quality. “The Italian coffee gives us stronger coffee. It’s a taste that you won’t forget,” she said. In preparation for Azzurro’s grand opening on October 16, Garcia and her colleagues trained for about a month to master drink recipes and techniques.
While espresso is the café’s highlight, Garcia noted that her personal favorite to make is the matcha latte. “One customer ordered a matcha with vanilla, and he said it was one of the best matchas he’s had,” she recalled.
Beyond the drinks and pastries, Garcia finds joy in her interactions with both coworkers and customers. “It pays you more than your check—just for someone to remember you and acknowledge you … it means you’re doing something good,” she stated.
As Azzurro settles into the Waco community, it hopes to become a beloved destination for those seeking an authentic Italian coffee experience.
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