Empire Coffee

Now Open For Business

Empire Coffee sits in a 1947 Empire Builder train car on 4th and Orange Streets. Fair trade and organic, the coffee is French pressed from some of the best beans in the world. We have thirty-six different types of organic fair trade teas with quality unmatched in Chico. We have game nights (including "Donald Trump" the game), movie nights, new art from local artists hung each month, live music in the evenings, and screen printed shirts for sale. Our goal is to provide an environment that promotes a creative and relaxing atmosphere while serving the best cafe drinks in town. We offer free Wi-Fi, and would never charge extra for soy.

Where'd The Car Come From?

The 1947 Pullman railcar was purchased with an economic development/tourism grant from the City of Chico, the railcar has slowly been transformed from a time-worn coach, which had been out of service for years, to a bright and beautiful place that is now the home of a locally owned café. The purpose of this project was to create an inviting destination and interesting cultural addition to the Depot area. People who use the ground transportation services (bus and rail) as well as visitors to the Chico Art Center would benefit from this unique refreshment center. The railcar will provide a great adjunct to the Chico Art Center's gallery and education programs. Thousands of hours of volunteer labor and significant community donations have supported the renovation effort.