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La Colombe

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La Colombe Coffee Roasters
TypeCoffee roaster and cafe chain
AddressHeadquarters: 1335 Frankford Avenue (Fishtown)
MapView on Google Maps
NeighborhoodFishtown (headquarters)
WebsiteOfficial site
Established1994
FounderTodd Carmichael, JP Iberti
OwnerLa Colombe Torrefaction
HoursVaries by location
ProductsCoffee, espresso, Draft Latte
StatusActive
La Colombe Coffee RoastersHeadquarters: 1335 Frankford Avenue (Fishtown)PhiladelphiaPAUS

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

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Founding (1994)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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The Founder

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Todd Carmichael became La Colombe's public face:

Background:

  • Coffee sourcing expert
  • World traveler
  • Direct relationships with farmers
  • Passionate advocate for ethical coffee

Television

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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

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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

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Sourcing Philosophy

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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

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Popular options:

  • Nizza: Medium roast, everyday coffee
  • Corsica: Dark roast, bold
  • Monaco: Light-medium, complex
  • Single origins: Rotating selections

Roasting

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Philadelphia roasting:

  • Roasted at Fishtown headquarters
  • Careful attention to each batch
  • Shipped fresh
  • Quality control centralized

The Cafes

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Philadelphia Locations

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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

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What to expect:

  • High-quality espresso drinks
  • Brewed coffee
  • Pastries and light food
  • Industrial-chic design
  • Serious coffee culture

Design Aesthetic

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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

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The Innovation

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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

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The technology:

  • Cold-brewed espresso
  • Infused with nitrogen
  • Served from tap or can
  • Creamy without dairy cream

Impact

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The Draft Latte became:

  • National retail product
  • Available in grocery stores
  • Mainstream reach
  • Revenue driver for expansion

Wholesale Business

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Restaurant Partners

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La Colombe supplies top restaurants:

Philadelphia clients:

National reach:

  • Major restaurant groups
  • Hotel chains
  • Corporate clients

Brand Positioning

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Being the coffee at great restaurants:

  • Builds reputation
  • Demonstrates quality
  • Creates consumer awareness
  • Premium positioning

Competition and Influence

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Third Wave Coffee

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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

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Other Philadelphia roasters followed:

  • ReAnimator Coffee
  • Elixr Coffee
  • Rival Bros
  • Ultimo Coffee

La Colombe helped create the market they compete in.

Economic Impact

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Jobs

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La Colombe employs hundreds in Philadelphia:

  • Roasting operations
  • Cafe staff
  • Corporate offices
  • Distribution

Fishtown Development

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The Fishtown headquarters contributed to:

  • Neighborhood revitalization
  • Employment base
  • Destination traffic
  • Industrial-to-creative transition

National Brand

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La Colombe represents:

  • Philadelphia business success
  • National recognition
  • Export of Philadelphia quality
  • Homegrown company that scaled

Tips for Visitors

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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

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References

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  1. ↑ "La Colombe Coffee Roasters". La Colombe. Retrieved December 31, 2025
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