The new coffee house Cappucho, located in a Redwood City shipping container, takes inspiration from the friendly coffee kiosks of Italian Switzerland, emphasizing quality coffee and human connection. Cappucho’s quaint charm and delicious menu make it a great spot for commuters and coffee enthusiasts alike.
Cappucho owner Joe Witherspoon, who opened the shop at 111 Elm Street last Friday, said he was inspired by coffee houses in the Italian part of Switzerland — this influence is even seen in the cafe’s name, “Cappucho.”
“Cappucho is an [Italian] dialect word for a cappuccino,” Witherspoon said. “It’s a term of endearment.”
Witherspoon said he is specifically inspired by Europe’s independent street corner coffee stands, known as kiosks, and that he intends to channel this influence by keeping his menu small and coffee-centered.
“Focusing on something simple [coffee] has integrity,” Witherspoon said. “Here, the point is that you don’t need all that [added sweetener]. The coffee’s got flavor, it’s not even that strong.”
According to Witherspoon, Cappucho’s outdoor location could allow it to become a community hub, since customers are free to take their coffee to go, to sip their drinks at the window, or to relax on a park bench.
“Some cafes are just an ocean of laptops and headphones,” Witherspoon said. “People really want to come to a spot to interact.”
Witherspoon said he hopes employees of the nearby Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative, a philanthropic organization, can be part of his customer base.
Cassey Gatchalian, a Chan-Zuckerberg employee who stopped by for a latte, hopes to see the coffee shop become a community space, fostering connection.
“I’m hopeful that since the people in the neighborhood have easily accessible, high-quality coffee available to them, that this is an easier way for people to connect over some great coffee,” Gatchalian said.
The simplicity and richness of the coffee alone, without additives or sweeteners, were surprisingly refreshing and allowed us to savor the pure essence of quality espresso. The homemade atmosphere and Witherspoon’s clear passion for his work differentiate Cappucho from the average chain coffee shop, and made our experience memorable and unique.
Cappucho — $5.00 — (9/10)
The cappucho, a cappuccino served in a warm glass, was topped with light foam and cocoa powder. The drink was creamy and smooth. Though it lacked the usual sweetness American cappuccinos often have, the drink’s coffee flavor was not unpleasantly overpowering and was well balanced with the milk and foam. We were able to appreciate the subtle flavors of the espresso as the star of this drink without additional sweeteners.
Mocha — $6 — (9/10)
The mocha blended the same house-roasted espresso with rich chocolate and milk. This drink was served warm in a stemmed glass and was creamy with a clear coffee flavor. Because this drink was not overly sweet, the espresso was the star player. This drink was decadent without being bitter.
Fresh Baked Gipfel — $3 — (7/10)
The Gipfels, Swiss croissants, were baked in-store and served warm, which made them pleasantly crispy on the outside. This pastry was buttery with a flaky exterior, though we found the centers a little doughy. We especially enjoyed eating this pastry as Witherspoon recommended — dipped in coffee, which elevated the experience.
Roasted Biscotti Gondola (2 cookies) — $2 — (7/10)
The cocoa biscotti, a crunchy Italian cookie made for dipping, had a delicate chocolate flavor but were a bit dry on their own. The biscotti tasted best saturated with coffee, which softened them and let the flavor of the drink shine. Although store-bought, we enjoyed that these cookies were a light addition.
Joe Witherspoon • Nov 9, 2025 at 6:56 pm
It was a pleasure to introduce you both to our little Cappucho roastery and cafe. Please come again for a long-term review and see what we have added since you last returned. You’ll love some of the signature drinks we created!
Joe Witherspoon, Owner