Intelligentsia

Intelligentsia Coffee is a Chicago-based specialty coffee company founded in 1995 by Doug Zell and Emily Mange. It is renowned for its pioneering role in the third-wave coffee movement. Intelligentsia emphasizes direct trade relationships with coffee producers, ensuring high-quality beans and fair compensation for farmers.

Roasting Facility

The company operates a state-of-the-art roasting facility in Bedford Park, Illinois. The facility spans 45,000 square feet and houses a refurbished 300-kilo-capacity Probat R1500R roaster.

This setup allows Intelligentsia to roast batches ranging from 25 to 550 pounds, accommodating both small microlots and large-scale production efficiently.

Product Offerings

Intelligentsia's product range includes a variety of single-origin coffees and rotating blends. These are available through their coffeebars, online store, and select grocery retailers.

In 2021, the company expanded into the ready-to-drink market with beverages such as Cold Coffee, Oat Latte, and Spiced Oat Latte. All are made with high-quality beans and packaged in recyclable cartons.

Locations

Intelligentsia operates 14 coffeebars across the United States. Key locations include major cities such as:

• Chicago, IL
• Los Angeles, CA
• New York, NY
• Boston, MA
• Austin, TX
• Seoul, South Korea

The Seoul store, opened in February 2024, marked Intelligentsia's first international expansion.

Commitment and Reputation

Intelligentsia Coffee's commitment to quality and sustainability has earned it a reputation as a leader in the specialty coffee industry. The company continually innovates and expands its reach to coffee enthusiasts worldwide.