La Colombe workers got raises and perks after Chobani bought the company. But will the iconic Philly coffee brand stay the same?
They’re also trying to secure a new product-testing space in Philadelphia, in addition to more office space beyond La Colombe’s corporate offices in Fishtown. And the company plans to invest $10 million in La Colombe facilities, including in a Michigan manufacturing plant and cafés across the country.
“La Colombe is not … becoming Chobani,” Ulukaya said. “It stays what it is. It’s got the Philadelphia edge. It’s got the grit. It’s got the personality.”gives a peek at that “edge” under new ownership. The canned draft latte has two more ounces per can thansport La Colombe’s new logo. The dove now faces right for a sense of “forward momentum,” O’Connor said.La Colombe — French for “the dove”— launched in Philadelphia in 1994 with a café in Rittenhouse Square.
“We were pretty stoked,” said another Philly barista. He has worked at La Colombe for around five years and asked to remain anonymous for fear of jeopardizing future work. But shortly after getting a raise, his weekly hours got cut from around 17 to 12, and some colleagues at his cafe noticed the same.
Despite the changes, both baristas plan to stick around for now. “They pay awesome … the place is still a great place to work,” said the barista with five years experience.In the company’s corporate structure, too, changes have taken place. Departures in La Colombe’s business functions included president Chuck Chupein and chief financial officer Brent Chu.