⏱ 2 min read
The Short Version
Stumptown is reclaiming its Los Angeles footprint by transforming the historic 1913 Starland Theatre into a dual-purpose flagship. This Lincoln Heights landmark blends preserved architectural textures with a high-tech training lab, serving as both a high-traffic cafe and a regional educational hub.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters has officially reopened its doors in Los Angeles, occupying the surviving front portion of the historic Starland Theatre in Lincoln Heights. Following the January 2024 closure of their Arts District roastery cafe, this new flagship serves a dual purpose as both a high-traffic cafe and a regional training center. The space preserves the architectural legacy of the building, which originally opened in 1913 as Globe Theatre No. 7.
We wanted the cafe to feel bright, airy and warm, with a balance of historic architectural details and contemporary elements that make the space feel inviting and lived-in.
Preserving Architectural Character
The design blends Stumptown’s Portland aesthetic with the preserved textures of the Lincoln Heights landmark. Architect George B. Campbell’s original relief facade, large arched entrance, and terrazzo tile remain intact. To complement these elements, Jon and Masa Kleinhample of Klein Agency designed custom stereo speakers and benches, utilizing a palette of warm colors and natural materials like exposed brick and wood. We wanted the cafe to feel bright, airy and warm, with a balance of historic architectural details and contemporary elements that make the space feel inviting and lived-in. Retail Director Julianne Pike noted that even the furniture leans into locality, featuring stools crafted from fallen trees collected around Los Angeles.
Training and Technical Precision
Beyond the service counter, the facility functions as an educational hub for staff and wholesale partners. While Cafe Manager Adrian Luna oversees a bar equipped with a cream-colored two-group La Marzocco Linea PB, a Mazzer Robur S, and two Mazzer Kony S grinders, a separate onsite lab handles specialized instruction. Led by area manager Anna Bouchard and educator Nicole Gharghoury, this training wing features two additional Linea PBs to facilitate technical development.
This launch marks a strategic return to the city after a period of contraction; Stumptown previously expanded to LA in 2013, but saw its Fashion District cafe close during the 2020 pandemic and its Arts District roastery shut in January 2024. The menu maintains core identity, offering the Hair Bender blend, Trapper Creek decaf, and rotating single-origin espressos. This expansion comes following the April 1 acquisition of parent company JDE Peet’s by Keurig Dr Pepper. With nine cafes currently operating outside Portland airport locations—spanning New York, Kyoto, and various California sites—the Starland Theatre marks a significant step in re-establishing the brand’s footprint in Southern California.
How does the integration of historic architecture shape your perception of modern coffee spaces?
Questions & Answers
Where is the new Stumptown Coffee Roasters location in Los Angeles?
The new Stumptown Coffee Roasters flagship is located in the historic Starland Theatre in Lincoln Heights. This location occupies the surviving front portion of the landmark building, which originally opened in 1913 as Globe Theatre No. 7. The space serves a dual purpose by operating as both a high-traffic retail cafe for the public and a regional training center for staff and wholesale partners.
What features of the Starland Theatre were preserved in the new cafe design?
The cafe design preserves the original architectural textures of the building, including the relief facade designed by George B. Campbell. Customers can still see the large arched entrance and the original terrazzo tile work throughout the space. To complement these historic elements, the interior design incorporates natural materials like exposed brick and wood, alongside custom furniture such as stools crafted from fallen trees collected around Los Angeles.
How does Stumptown use the Lincoln Heights location for staff training?
Stumptown utilizes a dedicated onsite lab and training wing to provide specialized instruction for employees and wholesale partners. This educational hub is led by an area manager and an educator to facilitate technical development and precision. The training facility is equipped with specialized machinery, including two Linea PBs, to ensure staff can master the technical skills required for high-quality coffee service and espresso preparation.
What coffee blends and equipment can customers expect at the new cafe?
Customers can enjoy core Stumptown offerings including the Hair Bender blend, Trapper Creek decaf, and various rotating single-origin espressos. The service bar is outfitted with high-end professional equipment to ensure technical precision. Specifically, the cafe features a cream-colored two-group La Marzocco Linea PB espresso machine, a Mazzer Robur S grinder, and two Mazzer Kony S grinders to maintain consistent quality for every drink served.
Originally reported by Daily Coffee News.
