Bold, fearless adventures - A conversation with coffee pioneer Todd Carmichael

06/10/24 • 46 min

5THWAVE - The Business of Coffee and Hospitality

In today’s episode, we’re speaking with a true industry legend - Todd Carmichael, specialty coffee pioneer and Co-founder of La Colombe Coffee Roasters.

From humble beginnings, Todd founded La Colombe with his business partner JP Iberti in Philadelphia in 1994 and together, they grew the business into one of the most influential coffee brands in North America. In 2023 La Colombe was fully acquired by yoghurt giant Chobani for an incredible $900m.

In addition to being a successful entrepreneur, Todd is an inventor, philanthropist, TV personality and fearless adventurer. His latest project Loftiwater is a ground-breaking non-carbon gas sparkling beverage that infuses water, natural flavourings and blended gasses into a refreshing beverage.

In this candid conversation, Todd shares how relentless creativity, innovation and risk-taking drove La Colombe to success. He also reflects on his childhood and the profound impact coffee has had in shaping his resilient and creative mindset.

Credits music: "If I Fall" by Christie Huff in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

Subscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

In today’s episode, we’re speaking with a true industry legend - Todd Carmichael, specialty coffee pioneer and Co-founder of La Colombe Coffee Roasters.

Credits music: "If I Fall" by Christie Huff in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

Subscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Previous Episode

Antipodean influence and the thriving London brunch scene

In today's episode we're exploring the Antipodean influence on London's brunch culture and finding out how this unique style of hospitality made its mark in the UK capital’s fiercely competitive casual dining scene.

We'll be speaking with the founders behind three of London’s iconic Antipodean-inspired all-day restaurants to find out how brunch culture has evolved across the city, and how they design and develop their mouth-watering menus.

We'll hear from Miles Kirby, Co-founder and Chef Director, Caravan Restaurants and Caravan Coffee Roasters, Shelagh Ryan, Co-founder and Food Director, Lantana, and Elliot Milne, Founder, Milk Beach.

Credits music: "Hold on to Us" by The Dunwells, Daisy Chute and Hollie Rogers in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

Subscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear

Next Episode

The incredible rise of plant-based beverages

In today's episode, we're diving into the world of plant-based beverages to explore the rapid rise of non-dairy options in coffee shops and what's next for this dynamic category.

We'll first speak with Sam Henderson, Group Beverage Development Manager at Starbucks EMEA and Mia Hartwell, Head of Food, Hubbub to find out how the dairy alternative category has developed in recent years and why more consumers are choosing plant-based options.

We'll also speak with Declan Mackle, Global Head of Coffee, Alpro / Silk and Pip O’Neill, Brand Manager and Nicole Chan, Coffee Community Manager at MOMA Foods, to understand the different waves of plant-based adoption around the world and unpack the phenomenal success of oat.

Credits music: "Carolina Gold" by Dani in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

Subscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear