Compass Coffee founders Michael Haft and Harrison Suarez received the DC Chamber of Commerce’s Community Impact Award at the 2017 Chamber’s Choice Gala on Oct. 20 at the Marriot Marquis Hotel in Shaw.
The award is presented annually to an entity or individual that enhances community by bringing people together in a positive manner, creates jobs and economic opportunity. Suarez and Haft have been major proponents of the Made in DC movement. Made in DC has adopted the logo the two created, which appears on the walls of all their cafes and coffee cans. Suarez and Haft, US Marine veterans of the conflict in Afghanistan, have written an e-book on coffee. In 2014, the two opened their first café and roastery on Seventh Street NW. They have since expanded to five locations with 125 employees. They have a 40, 000 square foot roasting facility under construction in Ivy City. Compass Coffee is also available at specialty food retailers, Whole Foods and at area restaurants and coffee shops. Their signature blends were served at the White House during the Obama administration.
