The espresso business as we know it today in Western Canada began with the efforts of the Bresciani brothers, Tom and Remo.

Tom opened the first espresso bar in Vancouver on Commercial Drive, in the heart of “Little Italy" in 1969. It was a popular gathering spot for those in search of soccer scores, foosball and great espresso. Tom soon realized that there was a demand for more espresso machines in British Columbia. By 1971 he was traveling to Italy to bring back more of these rarely seen machines which would be sold from the café and the “mobile showroom" (the back of a van). At this time his market was European restaurants throughout B.C.

Meanwhile, Remo was running the first espresso bar & billiards club in Edmonton, attracting those looking for the atmosphere and taste of home. Noticing the same necessity for espresso machines in Alberta, Remo sold them at his café as well.

On one of Tom’s trips to Italy in 1975, he fell in love with Nuova Simonelli espresso machines. It was the combination of quality, elegant looks and hand-crafted assembly that impressed Tom so much that he began importing Nuova Simonelli exclusively for his rapidly growing customer base. This was the beginning of a very successful relationship.

By 1980, the demand for espresso machines compelled the Bresciani brothers to open Espresso Coffee Machines Company. Remo moved to Vancouver to run the day-to-day operations and ECM quickly made a name for itself as a sales and service leader. The espresso business was steadily increasing until 1986 when a major explosion rocked the BC market. At Expo ’86, ECM had no fewer than 10 machines at various restaurants and pavilions and by the time the World Exposition was finished, espresso had become an expression of culture and taste no longer reserved for Italians. It seemed as though everybody wanted these machines in their homes, offices and restaurants. Soon, Nuova Simonelli began sending shipping containers full of machines to meet the increasing demand for this taste of European culture. ECM was the first company that Nuova Simonelli exported to outside of Italy and today they have worldwide distribution.

In 1995, the company moved to its present location and officially changed the name to ECM Espresso Coffee Machines Co. The company continues to grow and prosper under the leadership of Tom and Remo with the help of the new generation of Brescianis and their dedicated staff. With their extensive knowledge, unmatched experience, exceptional customer service and top technical support, ECM is guaranteed to remain at the forefront of the industry.

Today, Nuova Simonelli is a world industry leader and ECM continues to be Western Canada’s largest distributor of espresso machines and other Italian food equipment.