We intend to elevate your coffee experience

Pauline Ménard

HEAD ROASTER + BARISTA

Pauline's passion for specialty coffee blossomed in New Zealand, where she first developed her barista skills. Since then, she has refined her craft around the world in major cities like Melbourne, Paris, and Montreal, where the people she meets inspire her every day.

Even as the Head Roaster at Even Coffee, Pauline continues to enjoy being a barista behind the counter at Cafe Even, where she connects with customers and ensures a seamless experience. She was drawn to Even Coffee due to its unique combination of cafe and roastery, as well as its clear intention to showcase the best in each coffee. She feels incredibly fortunate to work alongside individuals who share her passion for coffee and is excited to help cultivate a sense of community in a new cafe and neighborhood in Montreal.

At Even Coffee, Pauline aims to cultivate a shared reverence for coffee and help others understand and appreciate what they drink. For Pauline, coffee is all about sharing: a cup with friends, memories that arise with each sip, and her passion and knowledge of coffee.

Jair Garduño Vazquez

CAFE MANAGER + LEAD BARISTA

Jair’s journey in the coffee world began over a decade ago in Mexico, where a close friend introduced him to the specialty coffee scene. His passion for coffee grew when he moved to Montreal six years ago, at the height of the third-wave coffee movement. As a manager at the notable Cafe Eclair, Jair discovered that specialty coffee is more than just quality beans—it’s about building relationships that foster the exchange of ideas, projects, and experiences.

Jair joined Even Coffee to have the chance to shape Cafe Even from its opening and connect more deeply with the entire coffee creation process. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and creating an inclusive space where the finest coffee is accessible to everyone. He aims to help Even Coffee become a standout name in Canada’s coffee scene and beyond.

Kassandra Lara Picazo

BARISTA

Kass was introduced to coffee by her father, who taught her the art of coffee cultivation and instilled in her a deep respect for nature. Together, they built a small coffee brand, where Kass handled marketing, sales, and customer interactions. Later, Kass gained barista experience by running a mobile coffee shop with her mom. After moving to Montreal, Kass worked in several different cafes, learning diverse approaches to coffee service and constantly refining her skills with each new role.

Kass was drawn to Even Coffee for its unique vision and the chance to collaborate with a skilled team of passionate coffee experts. Inspired by Cafe Even’s dedication to quality, she aims to connect people to the culture and stories behind every cup, creating meaningful experiences with every pour.

Andrew Werbowyj

FOUNDER

Even began with the vision of its founder, Andrew Werbowyj. His life experiences and passions converged to create a project that seamlessly blends community, creativity, coffee, and design.

While studying philosophy at university, Andrew worked in a cafe in Toronto. During this time, he had a transformative experience tasting a shot of Ethiopian natural espresso while visiting a cafe. The flavor was so distinct, expressive, and delicious that it left a lasting impression on him. This pivotal experience sparked the journey that would lead to the creation of Even Coffee and Cafe Even.

Andrew’s career in coffee spans a wide range of experiences. He worked in cafes and led quality control and production roasting in roasteries, honing his craft. Before moving to Montreal, Andrew ran his own roastery in Toronto.

Even Coffee and Cafe Even represent the fusion of Andrew’s inspirations: the vibrant tasting experiences of coffee, wine, and food; the thoughtful design of cafes and spaces from around the world; a deep foundation of knowledge; and a strong sense of community that feels like family.

When Andrew isn’t at the roastery or cafe, he indulges in his other passions: traveling, music, photography, and fitness.