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. What started as a single small roaster has become a nationally recognized coffee brand with cafes scattered across the United States, yet the company's heart remains in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood. They've built their reputation on ethical sourcing, innovative products like the Draft Latte, and on making Philadelphia a genuine player in the specialty coffee world. La Colombe stands as one of the city'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
Quality was their ticket. La Colombe built wholesale business by supplying top Philadelphia restaurants. 1990s-2000s saw steady expansion:
- Wholesale operations ramped up
- Zahav, Vetri, and other fine dining establishments became clients
- Retail cafes followed
- Reputation grew with every good cup
Fishtown Headquarters
La Colombe found a home in Fishtown. The 1335 Frankford Avenue location became everything: massive industrial space that houses production, roasting, offices, and the flagship cafe. It's the beating heart of La Colombe operations now. The building itself turned into a destination.
National Expansion
They didn't stay local for long:
Cities:
- New York City: Major presence
- Chicago
- Washington, D.C.
- Boston
- Los Angeles
Philadelphia remained home base, though. Growth never meant abandoning roots.
Todd Carmichael
The Founder
Todd Carmichael became the face of La Colombe. He's a coffee sourcing expert, world traveler, and someone who built direct relationships with farmers across continents. His passion for ethical coffee runs deep.
Television
He hosted Dangerous Grounds on the Travel Channel. The show documented coffee sourcing journeys through remote growing regions and challenging terrain. It wasn't just entertainment. Viewers learned where coffee actually comes from.
Speed Records
Carmichael's résumé is wild. In 2008, he became the first American to cross Antarctica solo on foot. Extreme endurance athlete doesn't begin to cover it. That same determination and drive shaped how La Colombe approaches coffee.
His adventurous spirit defines the company's culture.
The Coffee
Sourcing Philosophy
Ethical direct sourcing matters at La Colombe:
Approach:
- Direct trade: Real relationships with farmers
- Fair compensation: Prices above market rates
- Quality focus: Selecting the best beans available
- Sustainability: Environmental consciousness throughout
Signature Blends
They've got a range:
- Nizza: Medium roast, everyday coffee
- Corsica: Dark roast, bold profile
- Monaco: Light-medium, complex notes
- Single origins: Rotating selections throughout the year
Roasting
Everything gets roasted in Fishtown. They pay careful attention to each batch. Coffee ships fresh. Quality control happens right here in Philadelphia, not outsourced to some facility miles away.
The Cafes
Philadelphia Locations
La Colombe operates multiple cafes across the city:
Fishtown:
- Flagship at the roastery
- Massive industrial space
- You can watch roasting through the windows
Center City:
- Multiple locations scattered throughout
- Rittenhouse Square area presence
- Office district accessibility
Beyond downtown:
- South Philadelphia
- University City
- Suburban locations too
The Cafe Experience
Walk into any La Colombe and you'll find high-quality espresso drinks. Brewed coffee done right. Pastries and light food. Industrial-chic design everywhere. It's serious coffee culture, not Instagram coffee culture.
Design Aesthetic
They've got a consistent look. Exposed brick, high ceilings, minimalist clean lines. Coffee equipment sits on display rather than hidden away. There's European cafe culture influence throughout. It's intentional.
Draft Latte
The Innovation
La Colombe invented the Draft Latte in 2016. Cold latte on tap, infused with nitrogen for that creamy texture. No added sugar in the original version. Later they canned it for retail distribution.
How It Works
The technology's straightforward:
- Cold-brewed espresso
- Infused with nitrogen
- Served from tap or can
- Creamy texture without dairy cream
Impact
The Draft Latte became huge. National retail product. You'll find it in grocery stores now. It drove revenue and helped fund expansion.
Wholesale Business
Restaurant Partners
La Colombe supplies serious restaurants. In Philadelphia, that means Zahav, Vetri Cucina, and other fine dining establishments. Hotels too. Nationally, they've partnered with major restaurant groups and hotel chains.
Brand Positioning
Being the coffee at great restaurants matters. It builds reputation. It demonstrates quality without saying a word. Diners try La Colombe and remember the name. Premium positioning follows naturally.
Competition and Influence
Third Wave Coffee
La Colombe helped bring third wave coffee to Philadelphia. What's third wave? Coffee treated as an artisanal product. Single origin focus. Lighter roasts that respect the beans. Obsession with quality over everything.
Impact on the city:
- Raised what people expected from coffee
- Inspired other roasters to start up
- Created serious coffee culture where there wasn't any
- Changed standards permanently
Local Competition
Other roasters emerged:
- ReAnimator Coffee
- Elixr Coffee
- Rival Bros
- Ultimo Coffee
But La Colombe created the market they all now compete in. That matters.
Economic Impact
Jobs
Hundreds of people work for La Colombe in Philadelphia. Roasting operations. Cafe staff. Corporate offices. Distribution networks. It's real employment in the city.
Fishtown Development
The Fishtown headquarters contributed to neighborhood revitalization. Employment base expanded. Traffic increased as a destination. That industrial-to-creative transition? La Colombe was part of it.
National Brand
What La Colombe represents runs deeper than coffee. Philadelphia business success story. National recognition. Export of Philadelphia quality to markets across the country. Homegrown company that actually 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 what they do
What to order:
- Draft Latte (signature)
- Espresso (straight)
- Pour-over (for single origins)
- Whatever the barista recommends
Best locations:
- Fishtown headquarters for the complete experience
- Rittenhouse for convenience
- Any location delivers quality
See Also
References
- ↑ "La Colombe Coffee Roasters". La Colombe. Retrieved December 31, 2025