In August 2022, Maks Isakov arrived in the U.S. with his family as Ukrainian refugees under the United for Ukraine program. Initially, his plan was to establish his family here and eventually return to Ukraine to continue helping its people. After exploring the market, Maks decided to rebuild the coffee business he had in Ukraine, brand that would share the Ukrainian story with Americans through a unique and excellent cup of coffee. This endeavor also aims to generate funds to support those in great need in Ukraine, with $1 from each bag sold going towards providing essential aid.
Maks Isakov was pursuing his passion for the coffee business in Vinnytsya, Ukraine, when the Russian invasion put an end to it. With no income, and fearing for his family’s safety, he left his businesses behind and fled the country with his wife and kids, returning to a familiar small town in the United States that he’d once visited as a young man, with hopes of rebuilding his dream.
After collaborating with a nearby coffee roaster, Isakov has created Kavka Coffee, headquartered in Camden, Maine. Kavka is the diminutive form of the word coffee in Ukraine. It’s what Isakov’s great-grandmother used to call it when offering an ordinary cup of coffee to her loved ones, and that he describes as “the best cup of coffee I ever had, because she always put a piece of her soul and love into every cup.” Isakov’s passion for coffee is an outgrowth of this particular feeling, and he intends to bring that same heart and soul to Kavka.
Having run several successful coffee shops in Ukraine, Isakov is well-versed in the business, and feels that his exclusive coffee blends will be a perfect match for Americans who appreciate hard work, quality goods, and authentic character. For those who may not be able to tell one cup of coffee from another, he explains, “Kavka will use the finest coffee beans and roast them with care and love. That’s what makes our coffee more than just a coffee. It’s nourishment for your body and soul, and will make your day special from the first sip.” His initial collaboration has yielded a unique blend with “complex depth ,low acidity and superior drinkability,” that Isakov says matches up well with the coffee he served in his home country.
In 2023, Maks accepted the generous offer of John Ostrand to use his roaster at the beginning of their business, allowing him to test the market and demand for the product. The response was incredible, with support pouring in from all over the U.S. Kavka has shipped coffee to all 50 states, the UK, and Canada. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Kavka established its own roasting shop at 5 Colcord Ave, Camden, Maine, 04843, using a Diedrich IR-7 roaster, which is perfect for bringing its European profile to the coffee beans.
As of 2024, Kavka is retailed and wholesaled in 40 stores across 6 states. Generating thousands of dollars each month to support people in Ukraine, Maks is incredibly grateful and happy that his European vision for coffee has been so well appreciated in the U.S. market. Kavka plans to establish retail relationships with stores in all 50 states, with a primary focus on selling directly to consumers. This ensures that the beans are always freshly roasted and shipped quickly. As one customer noted, 'Kavka is trying to set a record in shipping; my beans arrived in PA just two days after placing the order.'
Learn more about the Ukraine humanitarian aid fund we use.
The Zhytomyr Humanitarian Hub, “aims to meet the needs of the citizens of war-affected regions. The organization’s activities are based on cooperation with foreign organizations, municipalities and businesses to collect and send humanitarian aid to Ukraine.