Four Letter Word is a project brought forth by childhood friendship, a love for good coffee, good design and good people.

A trip from Chicago to visit with friends from the city on the Bosphorus, in Istanbul, Turkey developed into a collaboration of ideas regarding a mutual interest in coffee. In 2013, a coffee roastery and cafe was born on the island of Burgaz, off the coast of Istanbul.

The Fall of 2015 brought its sister location to Chicago's Back of the Yards at The Plant, a research and production facility comprising a collaborative community of small food businesses.

On September of 2018, our first retail location in the US opened in Chicago's Logan Square/Avondale neighborhood.

June 2023 brought our residency to Estereo FM in Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood.

How we work:
1) We source our coffees responsibly with experienced partners in the industry. This allows for traceability and transparency during coffee buying, the roots that allow us to define our vision.
2) Roasting should allow the coffee to speak for itself, and indulge the subtle nuances that make up their natural expression.
3) Proper Intermission: we value a leisurely approach to daily life; enjoy a well-made cup of coffee. Take a break, life is sweet.

we are

Eylem Ozkaya / Shlumper / Ria Neri