Clementine, the acclaimed Castle Hills restaurant led by chefs John and Elise Russ, is expanding its network of ethically sourced producers through a new partnership with Austin-based Wild Gift Coffee.
The collaboration reflects Clementine’s broader commitment to working with small-scale farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and makers who prioritize quality, sustainability, and responsible sourcing.
While coffee is often treated as an afterthought in restaurants, the Russes see it as the final course of the meal. An opportunity to extend the same level of care and craftsmanship found throughout Clementine’s kitchen.
Clementine’s partnership with Wild Gift Coffee began organically after sous chef Uri discovered the roaster at Theory Coffee, a local San Antonio coffee truck, and later introduced chefs John and Elise Russ. Drawn to the coffee’s balance and consistency, they soon recognized a shared philosophy centered on transparency, craftsmanship, and long-term relationships with producers.
For us, ethical sourcing means working with producers who care about their people, their product, and the impact they have on the environment. It’s about building relationships with partners who take responsibility for every step of their process. That mindset has always guided what we do at Clementine.
John and Elise Russ of Clementine / Chefs and Co-Owners
Clementine now serves Wild Gift Coffee’s Rude Boy blend, selected for its versatility and depth of flavor. Beyond the final cup, the coffee also appears throughout the kitchen, from house-made coffee ice cream to savory dishes that benefit from its rich complexity.
Founded in Austin in 2014 by longtime coffee professionals Clancy Rose, Rob Ovitt, and Jenée Ovitt, Wild Gift Coffee has built its reputation through close relationships with farmers across Latin America, working collaboratively with producers through ongoing tastings and direct feedback.
Relationships are huge in our business. When producers know they have buyers returning each year, it eases a lot of stress and allows them to focus on improving their farms and their coffee.
Clancy Rose, Rob Ovitt, and Jenée Ovitt / Founders of Wild Gift Coffee
Wild Gift pays growers well above the traditional Fair Trade minimums while prioritizing long-term partnerships that enable farmers to reinvest in their land, communities, and the future of their craft.
The partnership is part of Clementine's broader effort to highlight the producers behind its sourcing. In the coming months, the restaurant will spotlight the farmers, fishermen, and makers who contribute to its kitchen and share its commitment to responsible food systems.
Together, Clementine and Wild Gift Coffee reflect a growing movement within hospitality to prioritize transparency, sustainability, and meaningful relationships with producers.
More Information
About Wild Gift Coffee
Wild Gift Coffee is an Austin-based specialty coffee roaster founded in 2014 by Clancy Rose, Rob Ovitt, and Jenée Ovitt. Known for its commitment to direct relationships with coffee producers, the company works closely with farmers across Latin America to source high-quality beans while supporting sustainable farming practices and long-term economic stability for growers. Wild Gift operates cafés and a roasting facility in Austin, Texas.
About Clementine
Opened in 2018 in the Castle Hills community of San Antonio, Clementine is a family-owned neighborhood restaurant serving seasonal, innovative eats in a modern and lively atmosphere. Led by Chef John Russ, a 2023 James Beard Award Nominee for Best Chef: Texas, and Pastry Chef Elise Russ, the menu features bold, globally inspired flavors through a rotating selection of small plates, generous platters, produce-forward “sideboard” options, and nostalgic, imaginative desserts.
Many guests choose the signature Feed Me, a six-course, family-style dining experience where Chef Russ and team create a personalized menu for the table based on seasonal ingredients and creative pairings. In addition to dinner service Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Clementine offers lunch on the third Friday of every month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Clementine is also home to The Juice Box, a sommelier- and Chef Russ–curated monthly wine club showcasing unexpected, highly drinkable bottles to be enjoyed at home. For special occasions, the restaurant offers private buyouts, providing a warm, intimate setting for all kinds of celebrations. Clementine @Home extends the experience even further, with a fully staffed, in-home dining service that brings Clementine’s hospitality and flavor to your table.
Ranked one of the top two best restaurants in San Antonio by the San Antonio Express-News, Clementine is located at 2195 NW Military Highway, San Antonio, TX 78213. For more information, call (210) 503-5121 or visit www.clementine-sa.com. Follow on Instagram @clementine.sanantonio and like on Facebook @Clementine.SanAntonio.