Beloved Philadelphia-based La Colombe Coffee Roasters is now providing coffee to Chipotle Mexican Grill, part of a pilot program. Todd Carmichael, the charismatic founder of the coffee roastery and retail company, broke the news when he posted a Twitter pic of a sign at a Washington D.C.-area Chipotle:
Twitter pic by Todd Carmichael of La Colombe.
Among its fast-food competitors, the restaurant chain has maintained a respectable stance toward serving what it calls “food with integrity.” For example, 40 percent of its beans come from USDA Organic-certified farms; its pork and chicken are produced antibiotic-free (although not altogether pen- or cage-free); and its beef is naturally produced (depending on local availability). The deal with La Colombe comes as Chipotle is testing a new breakfast program in a handful of East coast stores.
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After posting the picture, Carmichael told Eater Philadelphia that Chipotle took an interest in working with La Colombe because, “They, like us, believe in the value of direct sourcing.” Here’s more from that report:
Carmichael said that they’re going to continue to flesh out the program, adding espresso drinks, and the cold-brewed Pure Black. Once all of the wrinkles have been ironed out at the point of service and sourcing is consistent, the rest of the universe will start to see La Colombe in their local Chipotle storefronts.
Nick Brown
Nick Brown is the editor of Daily Coffee News by Roast Magazine.
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