In this episode of Mountain Mule Media, Tim sits down with Sai Leka, owner of Coffees & Cream Catering in Bozeman, Montana. Sia shares how a disappointing cup of coffee at his own wedding inspired him to create a business that brings authentic European-style espresso and hospitality to Montana’s events. From Albania to California to the Gallatin Valley, Sai’s story is about culture, craft, and connection — and how something as simple as a cup of coffee can bring people together.
The Story Behind Coffees & Cream Catering
The idea for Coffees & Cream Catering started with a wedding — Sai’s own. Growing up in Albania, coffee was more than a beverage; it was a way of showing respect. “When someone comes to your home, you don’t ask if they want coffee,” he says. “You make it. That’s how we welcome people.”
When Sai’s wife hired a coffee caterer for their wedding, he expected that same sense of care. Instead, he got a pot of black drip coffee. The experience stuck with him. After moving to California, Sai worked in an Italian café, where he fell in love with the art and precision of espresso. That hands-on experience — and his roots in Albanian hospitality — eventually led him to launch his own mobile coffee catering company.
Today, Coffees & Cream Catering brings that tradition to Montana weddings, corporate events, and gatherings of every kind.
Crafting Coffee with Care
Sai’s passion lies in the details. From the beans he chooses to the way milk is poured, every step matters. “If you don’t have the right bean,” he says, “everything else is wasted.”
He sources organic beans from Ghost Town Coffee Roasters in Bozeman and uses professional-grade espresso equipment that delivers consistently smooth flavor. The goal is simple: every cup should bring a smile.
For Sai, great coffee isn’t just about caffeine — it’s about connection. “Coffee is a story,” he explains. “When I pour a cup, it’s my story. It’s my background, my culture, everything that I’ve learned.”
From Albania to Montana
Sai’s journey took him from Albania to Greece, then across the Atlantic to California, before he and his wife eventually settled in Bozeman. He describes Montana as the most welcoming place he’s lived in the United States. “When we say we’ll see you in two days, we actually do,” he laughs. “People here mean it.”
That sense of authenticity and community fits naturally with Sai’s values. “Respect is not given,” he says. “It’s earned. And the people of Montana have shown me that if you respect the land and the culture, you’ll be welcomed.”
At home, his family lives much like they did back in Albania — eating local food, buying from nearby farmers, and sharing meals together. He believes that respect for food, people, and place all tie back to the same idea: being intentional.
Living and Working with Intention
Beyond coffee, Sai’s story is about passion and purpose. His approach to business mirrors his approach to life — patient, generous, and grounded in craft. Whether he’s catering a wedding or serving a single espresso, he brings the same pride to his work.
“I tell everyone who works with me, you have to smile,” he says. “Because when people come up for a coffee, they’re not just getting a drink. They’re getting an experience.”
He believes the key to great service is presence — being engaged, kind, and genuinely interested in the person in front of you. It’s the kind of care that sticks with people long after the last sip.
Lessons and Takeaways
Sai’s story offers a reminder that hospitality isn’t about formality — it’s about how we treat each other. A few lessons from his journey:
- Respect is the foundation of good business and good relationships.
- Craftsmanship takes time. From espresso to life, skill grows through patience.
- Connection matters. A smile and a story can make something simple feel unforgettable.
To learn more about Coffees & Cream Catering, visit: https://www.coffeesandcreamcatering.com/
Mountain Mule Media is a production of Mountain Mule Transportation, connecting Montana’s businesses and the people who keep them moving.
