Pittsburgh is a metropolis with loads of espresso historical past, and that story begins lengthy earlier than the favored introduction of third wave espresso. Italian immigrants introduced espresso tradition to Pittsburgh (together with numerous scrumptious meals and exquisite church buildings), and town has deep roots for distinctly Italian-American expressions of cafe life and espresso appreciation. A type of corporations is La Prima Espresso, which initially launched as a devoted hub for espresso tools, and as we speak has turn into one of many metropolisβs most vital nodes of espresso tradition with a distinctly Italian aptitude. Weβre honored to have the chance to share this story as we speak, targeted on La Primaβs current growth and continued important function as a Pittsburgh espresso hub.
The 2026 Construct-outs of Espresso is introduced byΒ DONA,Β Pacific Barista Collection, andΒ La Marzocco.
As advised to Sprudge by Gigi Harris.
For individuals who arenβt acquainted, will you inform us about your organization?
The muse of La Prima Espresso Co. was established in 1988 inside Pittsburghβs historic Strip District. What started as a showroom for industrial espresso tools rapidly developed right into a vacation spot for these looking for a real Italian espresso expertise. Over the many years, that unique showroom grew to become a landmark, a must-stop for locals and guests alike who respect the artwork of a wonderfully ready espresso.
Right now, La Prima stays a veteran-owned enterprise guided by a singular mission: to acquire, roast, and serve premium coffees that honor the traditions of Italy whereas respecting the worldwide group. Weβre dedicated to working in a fashion thatβs respectful to our workers, the environment, and the devoted farmers who develop our espresso.
Are you able to inform us a bit concerning the new area?
We lately added an growth to prioritize entrance workplace operations and increase our manufacturing capabilities. We now have designated workplace areas, functioning bag rooms for our manufacturing workforce that enable for faster processing time, and extra room in our warehouse. The brand new workplace area features a convention room for technique conferences and low tastings, and likewise options La Prima art work from native artists.
The extra area within the warehouse permits for us to satisfy the speed of demand higher than ever earlier than. Weβve got extra cupboard space for beans, machines, and all cafe tools. We even have room for brand spanking new expertise, together with a βweigh and fillβ for bagging beans, and even our second roaster thatβs coming round March 2027.
Whatβs your strategy to espresso?
We concentrate on genuine Italian type espresso. For us this implies prime quality espresso from direct trades and partnerships. Whereas our espresso is for everybody, we appear to attraction to the die arduous espresso lovers, as we strive arduous to have advanced taste profiles which can be consultant of the locations they have been grown. Weβve got a rotating number of single origins so there may be all the time one thing new, and one thing for everybody. Our espresso is an expertise that permits for group to come back collectively and construct upon itself.
Any machines, coffees, particular tools lined up?
We simply ordered our second roaster, a Loring S35 Kestral. That is so we are able to double our roasting capability and higher meet demand.
Our Strip District location has two Nuova Simonelli Aurelia Wave machines to satisfy the excessive quantity of shoppers.
How is your undertaking contemplating sustainability?
When trying into roasters we needed one which was eco pleasant. Lorings have minimal exhaust and produce was much less carbon than another roasters.
Our new facility has a backyard out entrance that grows greens and flowers, which has turn into a small feeding floor for bugs and small animals within the space.
A few of our coffees are βfowl pleasantβ and we hope to proceed increasing upon that.
Whatβs your hopeful goal opening date/month?
Weβre open! We do have an open home developing this August 28 to have fun the brand new growth and all different current updates. This can be a second to have fun with our wholesale companions, household, and mates.
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you simplyβd like to say?
For our constructing itself we labored with a contractor, Carl, who was there for each step of the method and was a serious assist.
We additionally function art work from a very long time buddy of our proprietor, Sam Patti. This art work is concentrated round La Prima and is even featured in a number of of our places.
Thanks!
No, thank YOU!
The 2026 Construct-outs of Espresso is introduced byΒ DONA,Β Pacific Barista Collection, andΒ La Marzocco.
