With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here .
Intelligentsia Employees to Open High Concept Coffee Bar With No Paper Cups Rule
(Photo by Krista Simmons/LAist)
Former Intelli employees Charles Babinski (2nd in the 2012 U.S. Barista Championship) and Kyle Glanville (2008 U.S. Barista Champion) are about to embark on a new project on the Eastside, r eports Eater LA. They're hoping to create the most fancypants coffee shop in the city, outdoing Handsome Roasters no-sugar rule with a no paper cup rule. There's also rumor that the establishment might not offer paper napkins or coffee filters either. It's true that coffee tastes much better out of ceramic, and saving a tree or two couldn't be a bad thing, right? Still, we're sure there will be plenty of kvetching once the Yelpers figure catch wind of the yet-to-open establishment's paperless policy.
The ex-Intelligentsia employee's new rule is likely part of what third-wavers believe makes coffee bars different than grab-and-go shops: Not doing take-away service means you actually have to sit down and have a conversation. This is also why some establishments don't offer WiFi.
The partnership marks the latest exodus from the Chicago-based coffee shop. It almost seems like they're becoming the Patina of the coffee world, training up-and-comers who then blossom into running their own successful establishments.
Says Eater:
Sponsored message
"Glanville and Babinski comprise the next major dispersal of talent from Intelligentsia Champion), Tyler Wells (Intelligentsia Pasadena), and Chris Owens (Intelligentsia Venice) banded together to form Handsome Coffee Roasters, which now boasts a national wholesale distribution as well as an idealist coffee bar in Arts District. More recently former Wholesale Rep Nick Griffith joined Tony Konecny's highly-regarded Tonx, a Steve Jobs-eseque (in its ease-of-use and cool street cred), direct-shipped roasted coffee subscription that has gained the attention of the New York Times, among other outlets. Kate O'Shea left Intelligentsia Venice to become Primo Passo Coffee Co's educator."
The team is looking to open their space in the Eastside/Echo Park areas , which they feel are "underserved" in the specialty coffee department. Aside from the Susina-owned Fix and Chango, there's really not much in terms of third wave out there. Judging by how packed the Fix patio gets on the weekdays, a new shop in the Park would be a welcome addition.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
