La Colombe Coffee Roasters: Todd Carmichael and J.P. Iberti. A Brotherhood Built on Coffee (2020) - How I Built This with Guy Raz Recap
Podcast: How I Built This with Guy Raz
Published: 2026-01-12
Duration: 1 hr 9 min
Summary
Todd Carmichael and J.P. Iberti share their journey from part-time baristas to the founders of La Colombe, a pioneer in the specialty coffee movement in the U.S. Their story highlights the challenges they faced and the pivotal moments that shaped their brand.
What Happened
In this episode, Guy Raz dives into the inspiring story of La Colombe Coffee Roasters, founded by Todd Carmichael and J.P. Iberti. The duo, who started as part-time baristas in Seattle, moved to Philadelphia with a shared dream of creating a specialty coffee shop. Their journey began in the late 1980s when they envisioned La Colombe during a time when coffee culture was shifting from instant and diner coffee to more sophisticated brews. They eventually opened their first shop in a rundown part of Philadelphia, joining other emerging brands like Intelligentsia and Counterculture to become pioneers in the third wave coffee movement.
As they navigated the complexities of the business world, Todd and J.P. faced numerous challenges, including a rocky relationship with their initial investors who wanted them to expand aggressively. This led to a pivotal moment when they decided to buy themselves out, asserting control over their vision. Their perseverance paid off, as La Colombe grew to become a beloved brand, eventually being acquired by Chobani's Hamdi Ulakaya. Today, La Colombe's products, including coffee, cold brew, and canned lattes, are available in grocery stores nationwide, a testament to their hard work and dedication to quality coffee.
Key Insights
- The evolution of coffee culture in the U.S. reflects a shift from instant coffee to specialty brews.
- Partnerships and shared visions can be crucial for startup success.
- Navigating investor relationships can significantly impact a company's direction.
- Perseverance in the face of challenges is essential for entrepreneurs.
Key Questions Answered
What inspired Todd Carmichael and J.P. Iberti to start La Colombe?
Todd Carmichael and J.P. Iberti, both part-time baristas, shared a dream of creating a specialty coffee shop, which they eventually named La Colombe. Their vision was born during a transformative period for coffee culture in the U.S., as they aimed to elevate the coffee experience beyond the instant and diner coffee that had dominated the market. Their journey began in the late 1980s when they recognized the potential for a new kind of coffee experience.
How did La Colombe become a pioneer in the specialty coffee movement?
La Colombe emerged alongside other brands like Intelligentsia and Counterculture, becoming part of the third wave coffee movement in the U.S. This movement emphasized high-quality coffee sourced directly from farms and the artistry of coffee preparation. Their approach focused on roasting their beans and employing highly trained baristas, which differentiated them from traditional coffee shops and allowed them to cater to a more discerning clientele.
What challenges did Todd and J.P. face with their investors?
Todd and J.P.'s relationship with their investors became strained shortly after they entered into a deal, which lasted only 52 days. The investors wanted them to build 200 cafes, a vision that conflicted with Todd and J.P.'s original plan. In response to this pressure, they decided to buy themselves out, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining control over La Colombe's direction and vision.
What role did Hamdi Ulakaya play in La Colombe's story?
Hamdi Ulakaya, the founder of Chobani, played a significant role in La Colombe's evolution. After Todd and J.P. faced challenges with their investors, it was Ulakaya who stepped in to support the brand during a critical time. His involvement not only helped to stabilize La Colombe but also led to Chobani's acquisition of the company, allowing La Colombe to expand its reach and solidify its place in the coffee market.
How has La Colombe evolved since its founding?
Since its founding, La Colombe has grown from a single coffee shop in Philadelphia to a nationally recognized brand. The evolution of the company has included a broader product range, with coffee, cold brew, and canned lattes now available in grocery stores across the country. The acquisition by Chobani has further facilitated this growth, indicating a successful transition from a small specialty coffee shop to a major player in the industry.