La Colombe
| Type | Coffee roaster and cafe chain |
|---|---|
| Address | Headquarters: 1335 Frankford Avenue (Fishtown) |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Fishtown (headquarters) |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1994 |
| Founder | Todd Carmichael, JP Iberti |
| Owner | La Colombe Torrefaction |
| Hours | Varies by location |
| Products | Coffee, espresso, Draft Latte |
| Status | Active |
La Colombe Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee company founded in 1994 in Philadelphia by Todd Carmichael and JP Iberti. From a single small roaster, La Colombe has grown into a nationally recognized coffee brand with cafes across the United States while maintaining its Philadelphia headquarters in Fishtown. The company is known for its commitment to ethical sourcing, innovative products like the Draft Latte, and for helping establish Philadelphia as a serious coffee city. La Colombe represents one of Philadelphia's most successful homegrown food and beverage companies.[1]
History
Founding (1994)
Todd Carmichael and JP Iberti founded La Colombe in 1994:
Origins:
- Started with a small coffee roaster
- Rittenhouse Square area original cafe
- Focus on quality from the beginning
- French-inspired approach
The name:
- "La Colombe" means "The Dove" in French
- Reflects founders' appreciation for French cafe culture
- Distinctive branding from the start
Early Growth
La Colombe built its reputation through quality:
1990s-2000s:
- Wholesale business developed
- Supplied top Philadelphia restaurants
- Zahav, Vetri, and other fine dining chose La Colombe
- Retail cafes added
Fishtown Headquarters
La Colombe established its roastery and headquarters in Fishtown:
The facility:
- 1335 Frankford Avenue
- Massive industrial space
- Production, roasting, offices
- Flagship cafe
- The heart of La Colombe operations
The Fishtown headquarters became a destination itself.
National Expansion
La Colombe expanded beyond Philadelphia:
Cities:
- New York City: Major presence
- Chicago
- Washington, D.C.
- Boston
- Los Angeles
Despite growth, Philadelphia remains home base.
Todd Carmichael
The Founder
Todd Carmichael became La Colombe's public face:
Background:
- Coffee sourcing expert
- World traveler
- Direct relationships with farmers
- Passionate advocate for ethical coffee
Television
Carmichael hosted Dangerous Grounds on the Travel Channel:
- Documented coffee sourcing journeys
- Visited remote growing regions
- Explored challenging terrain
- Brought attention to coffee's origins
Speed Records
Carmichael set adventure records:
- 2008: First American to cross Antarctica solo on foot
- Extreme endurance athlete
- Applied determination to coffee business
His adventurous spirit defines La Colombe's culture.
The Coffee
Sourcing Philosophy
La Colombe emphasizes ethical direct sourcing:
Approach:
- Direct trade: Relationships with farmers
- Fair compensation: Above market prices
- Quality focus: Selecting best beans
- Sustainability: Environmental consciousness
Signature Blends
Popular options:
- Nizza: Medium roast, everyday coffee
- Corsica: Dark roast, bold
- Monaco: Light-medium, complex
- Single origins: Rotating selections
Roasting
Philadelphia roasting:
- Roasted at Fishtown headquarters
- Careful attention to each batch
- Shipped fresh
- Quality control centralized
The Cafes
Philadelphia Locations
La Colombe operates multiple Philadelphia cafes:
Fishtown:
- Flagship at the roastery
- Massive industrial space
- Coffee production visible
Center City:
- Multiple locations
- Rittenhouse Square area
- Office district presence
Other neighborhoods:
- South Philadelphia
- University City
- Suburban locations
The Cafe Experience
What to expect:
- High-quality espresso drinks
- Brewed coffee
- Pastries and light food
- Industrial-chic design
- Serious coffee culture
Design Aesthetic
La Colombe cafes share design elements:
- Industrial spaces: Exposed brick, high ceilings
- Minimalist: Clean lines
- Coffee-focused: Equipment on display
- European influence: Cafe culture feel
Draft Latte
The Innovation
La Colombe invented the Draft Latte in 2016:
What it is:
- Cold latte on tap
- Nitro-infused for creamy texture
- No added sugar in original
- Canned for retail
How It Works
The technology:
- Cold-brewed espresso
- Infused with nitrogen
- Served from tap or can
- Creamy without dairy cream
Impact
The Draft Latte became:
- National retail product
- Available in grocery stores
- Mainstream reach
- Revenue driver for expansion
Wholesale Business
Restaurant Partners
La Colombe supplies top restaurants:
Philadelphia clients:
- Zahav
- Vetri Cucina
- Fine dining establishments
- Hotels
National reach:
- Major restaurant groups
- Hotel chains
- Corporate clients
Brand Positioning
Being the coffee at great restaurants:
- Builds reputation
- Demonstrates quality
- Creates consumer awareness
- Premium positioning
Competition and Influence
Third Wave Coffee
La Colombe helped bring third wave coffee to Philadelphia:
What third wave means:
- Coffee as artisanal product
- Single origin focus
- Lighter roasts
- Quality obsession
Impact on Philadelphia:
- Raised coffee expectations
- Inspired other roasters
- Created serious coffee culture
- Changed what people accept
Local Competition
Other Philadelphia roasters followed:
- ReAnimator Coffee
- Elixr Coffee
- Rival Bros
- Ultimo Coffee
La Colombe helped create the market they compete in.
Economic Impact
Jobs
La Colombe employs hundreds in Philadelphia:
- Roasting operations
- Cafe staff
- Corporate offices
- Distribution
Fishtown Development
The Fishtown headquarters contributed to:
- Neighborhood revitalization
- Employment base
- Destination traffic
- Industrial-to-creative transition
National Brand
La Colombe represents:
- Philadelphia business success
- National recognition
- Export of Philadelphia quality
- Homegrown company that scaled
Tips for Visitors
Recommendations:
- Visit Fishtown flagship for the full experience
- Try the Draft Latte*** on tap
- Watch roasting*** through the windows
- Espresso drinks*** showcase quality
What to order:
- Draft Latte (signature)
- Espresso (straight)
- Pour-over (for single origins)
- Whatever the barista recommends
Best locations:
- Fishtown headquarters for experience
- Rittenhouse for convenience
- Any location for quality
See Also
References
- ↑ "La Colombe Coffee Roasters". La Colombe. Retrieved December 31, 2025