1. Tell us about your journey to Portugal and your career path.
I moved to Portugal at age 10, so most of my life—26 years—has been spent here. My family left a small Eastern European country in search of better opportunities, with Portugal being a place we’d only ever seen on travel shows. The beginning was challenging, but I completed both primary and secondary school here before moving to Barcelona for university.
In Barcelona, I landed my first serious job with a German company and, as fate would have it, met my future wife while almost literally crossing paths the at Plaça de la Universitat. The company eventually transferred me to their headquarters in Nuremberg, where I discovered the art of specialty coffee and roasting. I was captivated by the process, the craftsmanship, and the unique flavors. I even applied to volunteer with a local roastery, though they didn’t respond at the time.
A few years later, I decided to return to Portugal to put down roots and launch my own business. Ironically, that same roastery ended up supporting me with my initial batches, and we’ve been great friends ever since.
From that first step, we expanded, opening one coffee shop per year to share this coffee culture across Portugal. Now, after a decade, we can proudly say it’s been a success!
2. Next steps for you?
Reflection, appreciation, and growth. Next year marks our tenth anniversary, and it’s been a period of fast-paced growth and hard work. We’ve faced countless challenges, and this anniversary is a time for us to reflect, appreciate, and prepare for new goals.
Fábrica has become a semi-national brand, something we’re incredibly proud of, and we want to continue building a strong, transparent reputation. We’ve learned that a sustainable approach is essential for long-term success.
We’re also excited to be launching a new brand, which has taken time and dedication to create—it feels like a new “baby” for us.
In the meantime, we also started a micro sourdough bakery to supply our coffee shops. We struggled to find the right quality and quantity, so we decided to do it ourselves. Using organic flours and sourdough starters, our bakery goods perfectly complement our coffee, and their success has us considering further small-scale, local projects focused on naturally prepared baked goods.
3. Best spot in Portugal?
Alentejo and Costa Vicentina.
4. What does style mean to you?
Style is timeless—something that fits no matter the era. It’s powerful and evokes self-confidence. When it feels right, you just know.
5. What motivated you to get started with your business?
I’m inspired by the quality of daily routines—coffee, bread, and the simple moments. I love creating and transforming raw ingredients into something people enjoy every day. It’s about doing something good.
6. What's the Band / Music Style / Music Artist that inspires you?
Fleetwood Mac.
As a dad of four, I hear everything from Queen, Linkin Park, and AC/DC with my 9- and 7-year-old sons to Disney soundtracks with my 4-year-old daughter and lullabies for my 8-month-old. We even start each day at home with a bit of classical music in the background. And with my coworkers, you will often find us singing George Michael in the car!
7. Any guilty pleasures worth mentioning?
I ask for one of each pastry and bread we produce to be set aside for me daily so I can try it with my coffee. It’s part quality control, but not always guilty free!
Thank you for your kind attention and meeting us here in Sintra!
