La Prima Espresso Company has added a new specialty and retail space to its roster.
Last weekend, the independently-owned company opened Crępes Napoleon and Josephine at 2107 Penn Ave. in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Specializing in sweet and savory crępes like turkey and Asiago, Nutella and banana and even guava and cream cheese—along with La Prima’s signature Italiano-style espressos and cappuccinos--the 800-square-foot shop is named for the parents of proprietor Sam Patti, and features seating for 35.
“It’s an asset that I wanted to do something with—a chance for me to own my own space,” says Patti, who purchased the property in 2006. “In many ways, crępes reflect what we do with espresso—they’re made to order in front of customers.”
Patti worked with architect
David Roth and Bart and Meda Rago of Renaissance Remodeling to transform the former Subway. “We wanted to do a better job educating people about buying beans,” adds
Patti, who plans to offer fresh squeezed orange juice and vegetarian
crępes. “It was important for us to open in time for
Christmas. There’s no limit to what you can do with crępes.”
Currently Pittsburgh’s only fair trade and organically certified roaster, La Prima also operates a 3,000-square-foot facility at 20th and Smallman, an espresso bar at 205 21st St. and a kiosk at Carnegie Mellon. Patti, who founded La Prima in 1988, says the company has experienced a 10% annual growth rate. From Sept. through April, La Prima—which sells beans to about 100 regional businesses—offers First Saturday roaster tours.
Writer:
Jennifer BaronSource: Sam Patti, La Prima Espresso Company
Photograph copyright Brian Cohen