FAME: A Stylish Mile End Café Built Around Coffee and Music

Open since January 2025, FAME (pronounced “Famé”) is the brainchild of Francis Cucuzzella, Stephen Robusto (Francesco’s) and Zack Bourdain, also known as Forrest. Together, they set out to create in Mile End a space where music, creativity, good taste and caffeine all live under one roof. Italian culture runs deep here, and it shows up everywhere: in the coffee, in the design and, soon, in a menu of Italian-inspired dishes landing later this year.

Stephen and Francis, also the founders of the record label House Of Youth and the agency de la maison (where they collaborate with Zack too), wanted music at the very core of the project. So expect recurring events with DJs ready to set the mood on your next visit. Daytime DJ sets, far from the traditional club scene, are very much having a moment, and FAME is leaning right into it.

The design, meticulously thought out by the team and constantly evolving, leans retro-chic with Italian influences. You’ll find a clever mix of warm materials like wood, leather and metal, along with plenty of vinyl records used as décor. The atmosphere is cozy and, at times, festive, the kind of place that invites you to linger over your coffee. A large room at the back will soon be set up as a coworking space and a spot for pop-ups.

On the drinks side, the menu is short but sharp. You’ll find all the classics, espresso, cortado, cappuccino, latte, alongside specialties like the caffè zabaglione and the cioccolato. Prices range from $3 to $5.50.

FAME makes a strong case as the ideal spot for a coffee in a setting that’s both refined and lively. Keep an eye on what’s next by following them on Instagram!

All the best to the whole team!

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery

Updated on June 01, 2026

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