Indaba - The Perfect Blend of Coffee and Community
Coffee Connection
There’s a moment that happens every day inside Indaba Coffee. It might be two strangers striking up a conversation at the bar, a regular introducing an old friend to their favorite drink, or someone finding a sense of belonging and connection in a new city.
Whatever form it takes, co-founders Bobby and Sheena Enslow have a name for it. They call it an “Indaba moment.”
Named after a South African word meaning a gathering around an important discussion or meeting, Indaba was built on the idea that coffee can bring people together.
More than 15 years after opening their first location on Broadway, that simple belief has grown into one of Spokane’s most beloved local brands, with four cafés, a roasting facility, and a reputation for creating vibrant spaces where community comes first.
“Indaba’s mission at the end of the day is to cultivate connection,” Bobby says, “because we believe that radical hospitality will change the world.”
From a Neighborhood Coffee Shop to a Spokane Institution
In the early days, Bobby was focused on building the business, roasting coffee and tinkering with recipes in their kitchen while Sheena supported the family. “I started roasting coffee out of our kitchen,” Bobby laughs. “And quickly got kicked out because I kept setting off the alarms.”
From their humble roots roasting in the kitchen to their first Broadway shop, the Enslow’s extended family saw their vision and helped them purchase their first professional roaster and open a small second location. That downtown shop quickly captured regional attention, built a devoted following, and eventually led to the now iconic Riverside Avenue café, known for its soaring windows, natural light, and welcoming atmosphere.
Today, Indaba operates locations in Downtown Spokane, West Central, Kendall Yards, and North Monroe, where its headquarters and roasting facility are located.
“We genuinely wanted to create something for Spokane,” Bobby says. “To do good in our community while crafting something of high quality.”
That balance, exceptional coffee and meaningful community impact continues to define the business.
Coffee Crafted in Spokane
Over the years, Bobby’s curiosity for distinct flavors and quality evolved into a deep passion for the craft. Today, Indaba roasts coffees from around the world on a custom Dietrich roaster, carefully tailoring each roast to highlight what makes it unique.
“I want to find the personality of that coffee and make the best parts of that personality shine.”
Visitors can taste that passion in every cup, whether they order the house espresso blend, High Drive, or one of Indaba’s inventive seasonal drinks.
The shop’s famous house-made butterscotch latte has become a local favorite, while flavors like lemon vanilla, lavender, black sesame, and even miso reflect the creativity of Indaba’s barista team.
In fact, these days many seasonal drinks aren’t created by the Enslows at all.
“The baristas bring all of their ideas together, and we vote on what makes the menu,” Sheena says. “What you’re tasting and experiencing is the creation of our baristas.”
It’s People That Set Indaba Apart
Ask Bobby and Sheena what sets Indaba apart, and neither talks about coffee. Instead, they talk about people. Coffee may bring someone through the door, but connection is what keeps them coming back.
That philosophy shows up in small moments every day. Indaba’s baristas are encouraged to learn customers’ stories. Bobby and Sheena regularly spend time working at different café locations to connect with regulars. Staff members are empowered to create meaningful experiences, including giving away drinks through a program called The Love People Drink.
Every barista has the authority to offer a free beverage to someone who might simply need a little encouragement that day.
“It’s just a cup of coffee,” Sheena says, “but it speaks volumes.”
Those moments have led to friendships, job opportunities, second chances, and countless stories that have become part of Indaba’s lore and helped define their space in Spokane. Over time, the cafés have become what many call a third space, a place that's neither home nor work, but somewhere visitors from all walks of life can gather, belong, and build community, and in a city known for its welcoming spirit, that matters.
A Business Invested in Spokane
Indaba’s commitment to community extends well beyond its café walls. Through a partnership with Second Harvest, every bag of coffee purchased helps provide a meal for someone facing food insecurity. The same commitment extends through its wholesale coffee program.
“Doing good is good business,” says Bobby.
That mindset has made Indaba an active participant in Spokane’s maker and creative community. Like many of Spokane’s craftspeople, artists, and makers, Bobby and Sheena see their work as part of something larger: a city investing in itself.
As Sheena and Bobby prepare for the opening of their next location at Spokane International Airport, they recognize they’re a part of something big: “Spokane is the place to be right now,” Bobby says. “The coffee culture, the food, the art, the creative economy, everything is coming together.”
Whether you're exploring Riverfront Park, strolling through Kendall Yards, paddleboarding the Little Spokane River, or wandering Spokane’s historic downtown, Indaba provides a window into the city itself. And if you’re wondering where to start experiencing it all, there’s a good chance the answer begins with a cup of coffee, and maybe, an Indaba moment.