Encinitas' Lofty Coffee Co. Announces Expansion Plans in Little Italy

Little Italy's craft coffee options will soon be even richer; Encinitas' popular Lofty Coffee Co. will open a branch at the corner of Cedar and Columbia that's slated to debut by Fall 2016. The North County transplant currently operates three other locations — the Encinitas Roasting Works, which houses its roastery, and two coffee bar/cafes, one on Coast Highway in Encinitas and a newer outpost on South Cedros in Solana Beach.

Given Little Italy's scorching-hot status, interest in the space, a former union hall, was high; owners and local developers, Brendan Foote (Fabric Investments) and Douglas Hamm (Creative House) were dedicated to choosing a tenant that would add value to the neighborhood. Foote says, "Doug and I were willing to be patient for the right fit. We had to turn down a dozen or so offers because for whatever reason, it didn’t feel right. We live and work in Little Italy, so this had a personal element to it. We really wanted to work with a local operator and Lofty Coffee Co. was high on the list."

Lofty Coffee Co. owner Eric Meyers will be renovating the 750-square-foot building, which sits on a 2,500-square-foot lot, to include an in-house bakery that will fuel the coffee bar and cafe's breakfast and lunch menu. The Little Italy output will also have a large outdoor patio.