La Prima Espresso Co. is opening its fifth location at 3400 Fifth Ave. in Oakland.
Located next door to another Oakland staple, Sciulli’s Pizza, the new cafe is set to open in mid-May.
Founded by Sam Patti in 1988, La Prima began as a showroom selling and servicing commercial espresso machines in the Strip District at 205 21st St.
The showroom evolved into a full-service espresso bar.
Other locations include 1100 Smallman St. near the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, and at Carnegie Mellon University in Wean Hall and the Gates Hillman Center.
“We’re excited to announce the return of La Prima Espresso Co. to the vibrant Oakland community, where we once proudly served our coffee in the ’90s,” said Patti, referring to a spot not far from the former Original Hot Dog Shop.
He said this new location will serve as a gathering place for students, professionals and residents.
“It will provided a cozy atmosphere to enjoy our coffee and connect with one another,” Patti said.
Patti said being located next to Sciulli’s is great because it’s an established business. He knew Oriente Sciulli, who opened the shop with his brothers Antonio and Gabriel. They purchased the store in 1980 from their cousins, the Bellisarios.
The new location for La Prima was previously an ice cream shop and juice bar. Patti had sold the business an espresso machine.
“When the space became available, we decided to go for it,” Patti said. “We are really looking forward to it.”
The location is beside a major building under construction, the 10-story Innovation Research Tower, developed by Walnut Capital. The tower is designed to serve the life sciences.
Patti said the location didn’t need any major remodeling. It will have both grab-and-go items and some seating. The shop will serve muffins and other items from Pittsburgh-based Mediterra and sandwiches from Common Plea Catering.
The new La Prima location will be open seven days a week at 5:30 a.m. to accommodate people working at nearby hospitals or students from neighboring colleges and high schools. Closing time has not been set.
La Prima Espresso Co. is based on Pittsburgh’s North Side and also serves customers across the U.S., shipping freshly roasted coffee daily.
Details: laprima.com