Ultimo coffee

**Spicoli** · 09-08-2012, 01:30 AM

There's an outside shot that the world may be out of coffee beans before Ultimo ultimately opens.

The Starbucks on 18th and Spruce was conceived as an idea, got permits, performed the renovation, opened, and served it first cup of coffee in the time it took Ultimo to put up its outdoor lighting fixtures.

**Gladys** · 09-08-2012, 09:43 AM

I thought this was the Ultimo location???

New Neighborhood Business - Counter Culture Coffee | SOSNA | South of South Neighborhood Association

**Jayfar** · 09-08-2012, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by Gladys

I thought this was the Ultimo location???

New Neighborhood Business - Counter Culture Coffee | SOSNA | South of South Neighborhood Association

It's both as explained upthread:

Originally Posted by devilspocket

Counter Culture is on the second floor of the building; Ultimo will be on the first floor. The Counter Culture space, from what I understand will be a barista school.

**torts** · 09-08-2012, 10:01 AM

I'm curious to see how the dynamics play out with the well-known drug dealers who hang out around there and Lucky Day. I don't remember what the corner was like around Sidecar before it first opened, but it/Divan/SoWe ultimately prevailed.

**cubanChris** · 09-08-2012, 12:32 PM

There are a lot of rumors circulating that Lucky Day has either been purchased or is far along in talks of being purchased. On top of the new park going in and the (seemingly) gutted and to-be-renovated Check Cashing place half a block up and the intersection may have some very forced change.

Then again, all could stall and it could be a struggle. Hope for the best!

**Spicoli** · 09-08-2012, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by cubanChris

There are a lot of rumors circulating that Lucky Day has either been purchased or is far along in talks of being purchased. On top of the new park going in and the (seemingly) gutted and to-be-renovated Check Cashing place half a block up and the intersection may have some very forced change.

Then again, all could stall and it could be a struggle. Hope for the best!

Are those Lucky Day rumors still alive? Hadn't heard anything in a couple weeks. I hope so! Lucky Day and the Check Cashing place are going to be the key. As long as they can continue to do their dealing uninhibited at those sites, I don't think they really care about Ultimo or the pocket park.

Should those two properties get turned over properly, I'm pretty sure the dealing would disappear....at least from that corner.

I'm not optimistic about the check cashing place though.....given the history of the new owner.

**Lolly** · 09-09-2012, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by devilspocket

Counter Culture is on the second floor of the building; Ultimo will be on the first floor. The Counter Culture space, from what I understand will be a barista school.

Right. As I understand it, Counter Culture brand is the coffee Ultimo sells. Also, the barista school above Ultimo is more than just that. In addition, it is Counter Culture's new corporate HQ.

**BarryG** · 09-09-2012, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by Lolly

Right. As I understand it, Counter Culture brand is the coffee Ultimo sells. Also, the barista school above Ultimo is more than just that. In addition, it is Counter Culture's new corporate HQ.

They are moving from Durham? Are they moving the roasting facility as well?

**Lolly** · 09-09-2012, 08:29 PM

Originally Posted by BarryG

They are moving from Durham? Are they moving the roasting facility as well?

Good question, I really don't know, but guess not. Maybe it's just a main office in the area? I do think there will be more than a training center there, in any event.

PS Here's what their website says about the Philly location: Counter Culture Coffee | Coffee Driven.

Philadelphia Training Center

Our regional training centers are three-dimensional spaces dedicated to cutting-edge coffee education and community engagement. Each training center serves not only as a regional focal point for professional coffee education and industry innovation, but also as a hub of taste exploration and cultural exchange.

Furnished with state-of-the-art equipment and staffed by our world-class coffee educators, our training centers make up a closely connected network of classrooms for our Counter Intelligence coffee education curriculum, which consists of a variety of focused labs, classes, seminars. Our training centers also provide the perfect environments for our ongoing series of public Friday Coffee Cuppings and community events.

**JakeL** · 09-09-2012, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by BarryG

They are moving from Durham? Are they moving the roasting facility as well?

Nah, Counter Culture sets up training centers in various cities where they have a presence, there's one in NYC, as well as D.C. It's a way for them to showcase their coffee for new accounts, as well as to support the accounts they already have. That's also where their tech work goes on when they need to repair or replace equipment at shops that they service.

**tf683** · 09-11-2012, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by JakeL

Nah, Counter Culture sets up training centers in various cities where they have a presence, there's one in NYC, as well as D.C. It's a way for them to showcase their coffee for new accounts, as well as to support the accounts they already have. That's also where their tech work goes on when they need to repair or replace equipment at shops that they service.

Thanks for the info.

So back to Ultimo, any word on when they are opening?

**sweetpea1813** · 09-16-2012, 11:12 PM

Ultimo said they plan to open around October 1st. I asked today when I stopped in the other location. Can't wait

**Jayfar** · 10-03-2012, 07:42 PM

SOSNA's site says Oct 8, but as commenter on Ultimo's facebook page says it was opening this past Monday, Oct 1. Anyone see if they are open?

**BrianL** · 10-03-2012, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by Jayfar

SOSNA's site says Oct 8, but as commenter on Ultimo's facebook page says it was opening this past Monday, Oct 1. Anyone see if they are open?

They are doing a fundraiser for the pocket park tomorrow night - stop in and talk to them

Catharine Park Fundraiser | SOSNA | South of South Neighborhood Association

**benfox** · 10-03-2012, 07:59 PM

So when is (was) it...the 1st, 4th, or 8th? Somebody needs a better publicist!

Ben

**Lolly** · 10-03-2012, 08:05 PM

Originally Posted by BrianL

They are doing a fundraiser for the pocket park tomorrow night - stop in and talk to them

Catharine Park Fundraiser | SOSNA | South of South Neighborhood Association

I can't afford it. But will you let us know?

**BrianL** · 10-03-2012, 08:21 PM

Originally Posted by Lolly

I can't afford it. But will you let us know?

will do

**Lolly** · 10-03-2012, 08:26 PM

Just got an email via the SOSNA Economic Development Google Group that says: "Just a heads up that on Monday Ultimo Coffee will officially open at 22nd and Catharine Streets. They got their health department approval today and are ready to go. The space looks fantastic. "

**benfox** · 10-08-2012, 10:41 AM

Stopped by Ultimo this morning for a cup of coffee and a mixed fruit something...delicious, and the place is bright and comfortable inside. Congratulations to us all!

Ben

**Jayfar** · 10-08-2012, 09:49 PM

Coffee's a little pricey (I paid 4.90+tip for 2 cups to go), but very rich and drip cone brewed a cup at a time after you place your order. Literally each cup is handcrafted as the barista slow pours the hot water into the filter, stirs and pours some more, stirs, etc...

I do wish they had light cream, which I prefer to half and half; next time I'll just add my own at home.