Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea

20070707 Intelligentsia

Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea is a coffee roasting company and retailer headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It was founded in 1995 by Doug Zell and Emily Mange with the aim of offering high-quality, specialty coffee with a focus on direct trade with growers, sustainable practices, and advanced brewing methods. Intelligentsia has been influential in the third wave of coffee, a movement that emphasizes high-quality coffee, transparency in trade, and artisanal brewing techniques.

History

Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea started its journey in October 1995, opening its first coffeehouse in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. The founders, Doug Zell and Emily Mange, were motivated by a desire to offer a superior coffee experience, focusing on quality, freshness, and direct relationships with coffee growers. The company quickly distinguished itself by roasting its own coffee on-site, a rarity at the time, which allowed for greater control over the flavor and quality of its products.

As the company grew, it expanded beyond Chicago, opening locations in Los Angeles, California, and later in New York City. Intelligentsia has also been a pioneer in the direct trade movement, establishing close relationships with coffee growers around the world to ensure ethical sourcing and to pay above-market prices for their beans, reflecting the quality and sustainability of the practices involved.

Philosophy and Practices

Intelligentsia's philosophy centers around a commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. The company is known for its direct trade purchasing model, which involves working directly with coffee growers and paying them a premium for their coffee. This model supports sustainable farming practices and aims to improve the livelihoods of coffee farmers.

The company also places a strong emphasis on education, both for its staff and customers. Baristas and staff undergo rigorous training to ensure expertise in coffee brewing and customer service. Intelligentsia offers classes and tours at its roasting facilities to educate the public about coffee sourcing, roasting, and brewing techniques.

Products and Services

Intelligentsia offers a wide range of coffee products, including single-origin coffees, blends, and limited editions. The company roasts coffee in small batches to maintain freshness and quality. In addition to coffee, Intelligentsia also offers a selection of teas and related products.

Coffeehouses operated by Intelligentsia are designed to provide a premium experience, with a focus on the art and science of coffee brewing. The company has been a leader in introducing innovative brewing methods and equipment to the market.

Impact

Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea has played a significant role in the third wave coffee movement, influencing the industry's focus on quality, transparency, and ethics. The company's commitment to direct trade has inspired other coffee companies to adopt similar practices. Intelligentsia has also contributed to the elevation of coffee brewing as a craft, through its emphasis on education and innovation in brewing techniques.

Locations

Intelligentsia has expanded its presence with multiple coffee bars in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. Each location is uniquely designed, reflecting the company's commitment to quality and the local culture of the area it serves.

See Also

• Coffee culture
• Specialty coffee
• Third wave of coffee
• Direct trade

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