We are The 86.

Coffee. Concerts. Creativity. Community.

We are committed to buying local and impacting global.

Through direct relationships with our suppliers we eliminate as many of the links in our supply chain as possible.

Whether buying from a family somewhere in Central America, or a local family owned business in our own backyard, buying direct puts more money into our partners pockets and helps to ensure they have a sustainable future for their families and community.

Through this commitment you, our 86 family, become part of our mission knowing that your hard-earned dollars are hard at work impacting families and communities locally and around the world.

Of The People.

Our shops are operated as a 501C3 non-profit organization.

Operating in this way enables us to provide quality employment and volunteer opportunities as well as give back to our global community through our sourcing methods and other philanthropic initiatives.

Our volunteers serve for many reasons; some needing service hours while others just want to serve their community. We believe that a great volunteer experience can provide a sense of accomplishment and belonging and that the ripple effects of the selfless act of volunteerism can change the world.

Our baristas are cared for and provided with stable employment, wages and benefits in an inclusive environment.

We are confident if you ask anyone from our staff about their experience at our shops you will discover that they are glad to be a part of our team.

By The People.

We are passionate about…

… Curating spaces where all feel welcome, seen and cared for like they are part of our family.

… Sourcing the best quality products in a sustainable and ethical way.

… Caring for our volunteers, employees and YOU!

Our hope is that our passions converge to create a “third place” or home away from home.

Welcome to The 86 family!

For The People.

How are you making a difference by drinking our coffee?

Direct Relationship Coffee

Every cup of coffee served and sold at Rohs Street Cafe and The 86 Coffee Bar is purchased through direct relationships. This process eliminates the “middle man”; which financially benefits the coffee producers and their community. Our local coffee roasting partner is Pneuma Coffee Roasters.

Composting

We divert about 15,000 pounds of waste from landfills annually through our local partner, Queen City Commons.

Donations to Campus Organizations

We love to help support campus organizations, students, and local businesses each year through thousands of dollars in donations of coffee and items for events. Some of the recipients include Bearcats Pantry, UC Lindner Women In Business, UC Globemed, UC Vocaholics, HoCo Cup of Joe, Good Plates Eatery, Gamma Phi Beta, Alpha Kappa Psi & more.

Student Involvement

Over 180 current and former University of Cincinnati students are employed by and volunteer with us each semester. Volunteer Café Assistants, Café Support, and Cleaning Crew members receive service hours, job skills, free beverages, appreciation parties, and opportunities to earn service awards. Baristas receive pay and benefits exceeding local market rates, including benefits.

Local Artists, Musicians, and Small Businesses

Every month, local artists are given the opportunity to display their talents on our walls and stages. Our pop-up shop program generates exposure for small businesses. We do not collect any fees or charge for these opportunities.

Local Suppliers

We proudly partner with these local suppliers:

Pneuma Coffee Roasters

We are co-located with Pneuma and use their direct trade coffees exclusively behind our bar and on our retail shelves.
Boosalis Baking & Cafe

We get our baked goods from Boosalis, an incredible local small business.
Indian Creek Creamery

All of our milk is from Indian Creek Creamery, a local farm that has only 80 cows!
The Bagelry

Delivered weekly, we love sourcing our bagels from The Bagelry!
Dean’s Mediterranean

Deans is a phenomenal local, woman-owned business that provides us with delicious nuts in a variety of flavors- find them on our bar near the baked goods!
Bee Haven

We love partnering with Bee Haven, a local woman-owned business, to bring you fresh Cincinnati honey that pairs perfectly with all of our drinks.
Queen City Commons

QCC picks up our spent coffee grounds and food scraps weekly to compost and redistribute into local farms, community gardens and more!
CorTees

All of our merch is printed here! CorTees is a mission-driven business that combines quality products with meaningful impact. Every item they make provides job opportunities and training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.