Joe The Art Of Coffee To Open Shops In Philadelphia

With artisan-quality coffee gaining a following around the country, it was only a matter of time before the popular New York café Joe the art of coffee expanded their empire to other American cities. Joe owners Jonathon and Gabrielle Rubenstein just announced their plans to open two locations in Philadelphia, slated to start serving the city coffee in 2013. About this decision Mr. Rubenstein said, "We wanted to try another city that was close enough that we could be hands on as owner... It's not that different than getting from Brooklyn to the Joe at Columbia University."

The first location in Philly will be on Rittenhouse Square and should open its doors in February or March 2013. The café will be the largest branch they've opened yet: 1,200 square feet inside with a 400 square foot patio. Though the other café location has yet to be officially announced, it should be close to both the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University campuses.

Joe also plans to start roasting a small quantity of beans to be sold and brewed in their New York shops. This decision might have to do with coffee roaster Ed Kauffman, former roaster for Stumptown, joining the Joe team. The beans will be roasted in small batches at a roasting facility in Queens. so the café can test-drive which single-origin varieties they like best. Those interested in learning about coffee will be pleased to know that you can know take coffee roasting classes from Joe, so you can create your own gourmet cup.

If you're interested in Joe but can't make it to Philadelphia or New York, never fear. Check your local bookstore, or favorite online bookseller, for Joe's book, Joe: The Coffee Book released in June. You'll be able to learn about coffee tasting, brewing, roasting and get an inside view into the world of Joe.