Experience the Essence: La Prima's Unwavering Commitment to Coffee Excellence and Community Connection
A Fresh Chapter in Oakland: La Prima Espresso Reclaims Its Roots
La Prima Espresso, a venerable coffee institution hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has successfully inaugurated its fifth retail location, marking a significant re-entry into the Oakland neighborhood, an area it previously served more than two decades ago. This new cafe, positioned adjacent to the celebrated Sciulli's Pizza \u2014 a local icon of Italian-American cuisine for 45 years \u2014 occupies a prime corner within a charming red brick edifice. Spanning nearly 1,000 square feet, the 37-year-old coffee enterprise's latest venture welcomes patrons with its distinctive blue and white color palette, elegant wood flooring, and nostalgic espresso signage.
Revitalizing a Campus Connection: Serving the Academic Community
A substantial portion of the new cafe's clientele is anticipated to comprise students and faculty from Carlow University, conveniently located across the thoroughfare. La Prima Espresso previously catered to the Carlow community through Cafe Zio, which ceased operations in the early 2000s. During that era, the cafe was situated near another local culinary landmark, Essie\u2019s Original Hot Dog Shop, affectionately known as \u201cThe O,\u201d which has also since closed its doors. Adrianna Moyer, La Prima Espresso's Retail Director, expressed enthusiasm for welcoming students back to Oakland and sharing this rejuvenated space with the local populace. She highlighted the exceptional team at the new location, commending their passion, expertise, and dedication to fostering meaningful interactions through service.
Harmonizing Design and Comfort: A Unique Blend of La Prima's Legacy
The interior aesthetics of the Oakland coffee shop draw inspiration from various La Prima locations, featuring a tiled counter and contemporary furnishings reminiscent of its downtown Smallman Street establishment, while embracing the straightforward design ethos of the flagship cafe in the Strip district. Moyer articulated the company's desire for the new outlet to feel like a true neighborhood hub \u2014 a sanctuary where everyone feels welcome, a place for connecting with friends, and a convenient stop for colleagues on their commute. She noted that this harmonious blend of modern freshness and comforting homeliness aligns perfectly with La Prima's brand identity. With two existing locations on Carnegie Mellon University's campus, the Oakland site, nestled beside Carlow and near the University of Pittsburgh, feels like a natural and familiar expansion for the company.
Leadership, Quality, and Growth: The Pillars of La Prima's Enduring Success
Founded in 1988 by Sam Patti, La Prima Espresso initially focused on equipment sales and service, operating a \u201cworking showroom\u201d that also functioned as a public coffee bar. Patti remains actively involved in overseeing operations, which now encompass five branded cafes, a production roastery known as the \u201ctorrefazione\u201d on the North Side, and the equipment business. Across all its venues, baristas utilize Bunn machines for drip coffee, Mazzer grinders, and Nuova Simonelli espresso machines. Moyer emphasized that despite the unique character of each location, the overarching objective is to consistently deliver high-quality products \u2014 whether it's a bag of whole bean coffee, a shot of espresso, or an iced latte. She also lauded the barista team for their skill, commitment, and consistent efforts in providing exceptional customer experiences.
The Art of Roasting: Crafting Distinctive Coffee Profiles
La Prima's Head Roaster, Chuck Connors, supervises the company's Loring S35 Kestrel machine, meticulously roasting green coffees sourced from esteemed importers such as Royal New York and Mina Rica, a women-owned Colombian coffee producer. Connors articulated that the company prioritizes high-quality coffees that offer versatility, capable of serving as both blend components and standalone offerings. He further stressed the importance of sourcing partners who can reliably supply such coffees, given that many of La Prima's blends are available year-round.
Future Horizons: Expansion and Enhanced Experiences
In addition to the inauguration of its fifth coffee shop, La Prima Espresso is undertaking significant renovations at its roastery and warehouse. Moyer conveyed the company's excitement about gaining more operational space, which will also facilitate increased opportunities for barista training and customer engagement. The new La Prima Espresso Co. Oakland is conveniently situated at 3400 Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh.