About Us

History of Old City Coffee

Old City Coffee, Inc. was founded in 1984 as a one-person operation, by Ruth Isaac. The original location at 221 Church Street in Philadelphia offered freshly-roasted, Arabican coffee beans, brewed coffee, espresso drinks and brewing accessories. Old City Coffee's original mission to supply the public with the freshest, highest-grade coffees, combined with excellent service and competitive pricing has not changed since the store's opening. This simple but successful formula has been the framework for our continued growth.

Shortly after opening, we added our own home style baking to our offerings. By 1988, Old City Coffee at the Reading Terminal Market was in operation. This was an immediate success in the bustling landmark market by complimenting the other merchants' fresh, high-quality foodstuffs. All roasting is now done on site at the Terminal location. In 1990, the Church Street location was expanded to include a full service, European-style cafe.

In addition, we offer office and retail mail order services and specialty coffee catering. Old City Coffee at the Pennsylvania Convention Center began operation in November, 1993 as a certified participant in the City of Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Council program supporting women-owned businesses.

Old City Coffee has won local distinction from Philadelphia Magazine and the Philadelphia City Paper for offering the "Best Coffee Beans" in the city. In addition, we placed first in the 1998 Zagat survey's "The Best Bang for the Buck." We have also been noted in several national publications, including New York Magazine and Conde Nast Traveler, as well as the book Espresso from Bean to Cup.

Old City Coffee has been an active member of the Specialty Coffee Association of America since its inception, and is the recipient of their 1999 TOPS Award for Specialty Coffee Excellence. Old City Coffee is constantly striving to provide the best available coffee products at market prices. We are always looking to expand our offerings so that we can provide new and unusual products to meet the changing tastes of our customers. As the company has matured to a high quality/quantity operator, Old City Coffee is dedicated to growth within the City of Philadelphia.

Employment Opportunities

Are you interested in working in the coffee industry? Old City Coffee, one of Philadelphia's first micro-roasters, is looking for serious coffee lovers for specialty coffee services. We are a family owned and operated company with two locations in Center City Philadelphia. In addition to retail and mail order services, Old City Coffee offers on-site catering at many local venues.

Send your resume and cover letter to:

Old City Coffee

221 Church Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106

or e-mail your resume to:

jack@oldcitycoffee.com

Directions to Old City Coffee

We are located in the heart of Old City Philadelphia, near the intersection of 3rd and Market Streets. If traveling North on 3rd, cross Market Street, then take the first right onto Church Street (1/4 block North). This is a small cobblestoned street. Look for our coffee cup sign, 1/2 block up on left.

From New Jersey: Cross over the Ben Franklin Bridge to Philadelphia. Stay in right hand lane and take 5th Street exit. Instead of going straight onto 5th street, continue to turn (this is a U-turn). You will pass Lawrence Street, and at the bottom of the ramp you will come to 4th Street. Take a right onto 4th (you will be going South). Cross Race and Arch and make a left onto Market Street. Go one block and make a left on 3rd. Follow directions above to coffee shop.

From 95 North: Exit at Callowhill St./Independence Hall (be careful not to get on 676, which shares this exit). The ramp puts you on 2nd Street (South). Travel 3 blocks to Market Street (past Vine, Race, and Arch). At Market, turn right, go one block and turn right again onto 3rd. Follow direction above to coffee shop.

From 676 East: Exit at 8th Street and go straight. Stay in right lane and follow to 6th Street. Turn right on 6th (South). Cross Race and Arch, make a left on Market. Follow to 3rd Street and make a left onto 3rd. Follow Directions above to coffee shop.

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