RETAIL STORES - SILVER LAKE

The address is 3922 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90029
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Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, renown for Direct Trade, a buying process ensuring economic and environmental sustainability for coffee farmers, announces opening of a new cafe in Los Angeles’ Silver Lake neighborhood.  The company’s first foray into the Los Angeles market, the new Intelligentsia Café marks the first step in the company’s plans to expand in Los Angeles.

“More than any other city, Los Angeles expressed the culture and commitment to sustainability that is the hallmark of what we have at Intelligentsia in Chicago.  We knew that the Los Angeles would embrace not only our commitment to making great coffee but our commitment to doing it in a responsible and progressive way, “said owner Doug Zell.

Along with introducing Los Angeles to Intelligentsia’s understanding that responsible business practices create the finest coffees, the Silver Lake store will showcase the seasonality of the fine coffees.  An agricultural product, coffee can be grown and harvested with the same care and commitment local artisanal farmers have for heirloom vegetables.  And like heirloom vegetables, coffee varietals, such as the famed Geisha bean, each have a season when they are at their peak.  The new Silver Lake store will showcase these finer, heirloom-grown coffees by offering coffees only during their specific season, when their stunning aromas and flavors elevate it from commodity crop to an elegant foodstuff to be savored.

“We want the coffee we sell to our customers to possess the same intensely flavorful fresh and clean characteristics we tasted in the field.  But coffee is an agricultural foodstuff like anything else grown in the ground and it degrades over time.  So, from the minute it lands in the States, we are in a race against time and have to monitor its flavor to make sure it still has those beautiful characteristics we tasted when we first experienced the coffee,” said Kyle Glanville, Intelligentsia Barista and Regional Trainer.

To showcase those flavors, Intelligentsia will be brewing coffee by the cup a la minute using two Clover brewers.  Clover machines brew single cups rather than a whole batch, ensuring an unprecedented level of freshness.  The store will feature three to five by-the-cup coffees per day, featuring the unique Intelligentsia coffees that have elevated this small roaster to industry leader.  Along with their Direct Trade offerings, which are grown under a rigorous set of guidelines that incorporate environmental sustainability, healthy social practices and transparent financial disclosure, the Silver Lake store will also feature single-origin coffees, Micro-Lots and international award-winners.

Baristas, most having moved to Los Angeles from around the country specifically to work with Intelligentsia, will also work with a Synesso espresso machine, custom-built in Seattle to meet Intelligentsia’s standards.  A rotating line-up of approximately 20 whole bean coffees by the bag will also be available.

Following that commitment to serving up the finest coffee available, Intelligentsia Silver Lake will offer a limited selection of European-style coffee accompaniments from Bread Bar and pastries from Delilah’s, both local companies, delivering to the store daily.  “It is really about the coffee here, so we are going to stay away from serving a lot of paninis and sandwiches and such and focus on those specific things, such as a well-made croissant or a scone, that will enhance the coffee itself,” said Glanville.

A large, airy space, designed by architect Barbara Bestor, reflects its Silver Lake neighborhood, with its casual, bright décor.  Seating 64, the retail store seats eight at a coffee bar and 56 on a large outdoor patio, as well as a standing bar reminiscent of a European wine bar.

The 500-square-foot patio is outfitted with misters for hot days and shaded by a stucco roof.  A floor of Nicaraguan blue and white tile leads from the patio into the store, lending a clean but cheerful entrance.  A white Carrera marble bar stands centerstage, featuring the area where Intelligentsia’s internationally recognized Baristas will brew up coffee made to order.

The eight barstools are custom-designed by Monte Ross with Douglas fir tops ad painted blue stainless steel legs.  The olive green and pistachio aluminum chairs are reminiscent of those in a large European park and were manufactured by Janus et Cie.  The square outdoor tables were also custom-designed, with olive green bases and cream-colored concrete tops.

Along with coffee, Intelligentsia Silver Lake will sell its private label teas, both hot and iced, as well as retail.

In addition to the 998 square foot retail coffee shop, Intelligentsia’s Los Angeles operations will include a Roasting Facility to ensure fresh coffee roasted locally.

Intelligentsia Silver Lake is located at 3922 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California. 90029.  It is wheelchair accessible.  The store accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.