Matt and Vanessa Marietti
De Fer Coffee & Tea | Pittsburgh, PA
July 2025
Matt and Vanessa Marietti have bonded over food since the very start. Matt, a brand marketer, and Vanessa, a graphic designer, first met while working at an ad agency, and the couple spent their free time hanging out in local cafes and going out to eat. Eventually, they got married, started a family, and moved to London. There, Vanessa slowed down her work as a graphic designer and began exploring—and falling in love with—cafe and pub culture, and the exciting opportunities for connection it offered. Eager to be closer to family and ready for a new adventure, Matt and Vanessa moved back to Pittsburgh and decided to open their own cafe.
They bought a roaster and sold their coffees at farmers markets until they were ready to launch their brand and build a brick-and-mortar space. In 2017, they opened the first De Fer Coffee & Tea in the Strip District. Four years later, they opened their second and third locations. Now, with five locations across Pittsburgh, the Mariettis have curated comfortable, inviting third spaces for guests with thoughtfully roasted coffees and a small selection of sandwiches and pastries.
Community is at the heart of De Fer, from the local artwork displayed on the walls to the packed events schedule. De Fer also works closely with the Pittsburgh non-profit, Angels' Place, which provides child care and family support to those in need. Matt and Vanessa prioritize the growth of their team and promote internally, with several baristas eventually becoming partners in the business—a trend they hope continues. With community as a guiding light, Matt and Vanessa are continuing to build their business and share the love with Pittsburgh and beyond
