Lofty Coffee Co. Building All-Day Eatery in Little Italy

Neighborhood folks may have noticed movement on the corner lot at Cedar and Columbia; it's where Lofty Coffee Co. has started the buildout of its new location in Little Italy. Founded in Encinitas by owner Eric Myers, the craft coffee company currently operates three outposts in North County — its main production facility, Encinitas Roasting Works, which also houses a coffee bar, and satellite cafes on Coast Highway in Encinitas and South Cedros in Solana Beach. 

Lofty's expansion to Little Italy was facilitated by property co-developers Brendan Foote of Fabric Investments and Creative House's Douglas Hamm, who are overseeing the complete renovation of the former union hall, which sits on a 2,500-square-foot space; the indoor/outdoor cafe will feature an 1,100-square-foot dining patio.

Though it will offer a thoughtful third wave coffee program, including a "brew bar" for pour overs and more in-depth barista interaction and seasonal cold brews on tap made via Kyoto-style slow-drip, Lofty Coffee Co. will also provide an all-day eating option for the surrounding community. Its on-site, scratch-based kitchen will cook up everything from breakfast sandwiches on house baked croissants to gluten-free and vegan pastries, salads, and more. And there will be beverages beyond coffee, including fresh-pressed juices and drinks made with housemade nut milks. Aiming to open by the end of the year, the Little Italy location will stay open until 9 p.m. with an evening menu of snacks and tapas.