The historic Starland Theatre in Los Angeles’ Lincoln Heights neighborhood has been revitalized with the grand opening of Stumptown Coffee Roasters’ new flagship cafe and regional training center on August 29th. This significant expansion marks a new chapter for the iconic Portland-born coffee company in the Southern California market, blending its signature Portland aesthetic with the preserved architectural grandeur of a century-old cinematic landmark. The new establishment occupies the front portion of the building, which originally opened its doors in 1913 as a Globe Theatre No. 7, designed by the notable architect George B. Campbell.
The choice of the Starland Theatre is particularly poignant, given its rich history and the need for adaptive reuse of such cultural spaces. Stumptown’s commitment to preserving the building’s original features, including its striking relief facade, grand arched entrance, and intricate terrazzo tile flooring at the entry, speaks to a thoughtful approach to integrating a modern business within a historical context. This preservation strategy aims to honor the building’s past while welcoming a new generation of patrons.
A Symbiotic Design: Honoring History, Embracing Modernity
Julianne Pike, Stumptown’s Director of Retail, articulated the design philosophy behind the new flagship, stating, "We were immediately drawn to those details and wanted the new cafe to preserve their presence rather than obscure them. 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." This sentiment is evident in the collaborative work with the Klein Agency, led by Jon and Masa Kleinhample, who were instrumental in shaping the cafe’s aesthetic.
The Klein Agency’s contribution extends to custom-designed elements such as stereo speakers and benches, all conceived to complement the cafe’s palette of warm colors and natural materials. The interior design strategically incorporates elements like wood and exposed original brick to add tactile depth and character. These contemporary additions are carefully balanced with the enduring presence of the building’s original architectural details and the preserved terrazzo tile, creating a dialogue between the past and the present. Further underscoring the commitment to local sourcing and sustainability, stools crafted from fallen trees collected around Los Angeles have been integrated into the seating arrangements, adding another layer of organic, community-rooted appeal.
Operational Excellence and Educational Hub
The layout of the new Stumptown flagship is meticulously designed to cater to a diverse range of customer needs, accommodating both swift grab-and-go service and patrons who wish to linger and enjoy the ambiance. At the heart of the cafe’s beverage program is Cafe Manager Adrian Luna, who oversees a bar dedicated to crafting Stumptown’s renowned coffees. Offerings include the signature Hair Bender blend, the Trapper Creek decaf, and a rotating selection of single-origin espressos. The bar is equipped with a striking cream-colored two-group La Marzocco Linea PB, complemented by a Mazzer Robur S espresso grinder and two Mazzer Kony S grinders, ensuring precision and quality in every pour.
Beyond its role as a retail cafe, the Lincoln Heights location is poised to serve as a vital regional training center. Stumptown’s Los Angeles Area Manager, Anna Bouchard, and Area Educator, Nicole Gharghoury, will spearhead comprehensive training programs for both in-house staff and wholesale partners. This dedicated lab space is outfitted with an additional two La Marzocco Linea PB espresso machines and more grinders, signifying Stumptown’s investment in elevating coffee education and expertise across the region. The presence of this training facility highlights the company’s commitment to not only serving exceptional coffee but also to cultivating a skilled and knowledgeable coffee community.
A Strategic Reconfiguration of Stumptown’s Los Angeles Presence
The opening of the Starland Theatre flagship represents a significant strategic shift for Stumptown in the Los Angeles market. This move follows the closure of the company’s former Los Angeles flagship roastery cafe in the Arts District in January 2024. That establishment, which opened in September 2013, was a cornerstone of Stumptown’s initial expansion into Southern California. The company also previously operated a cafe in the Fashion District, which opened in May 2019 but ceased operations during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The recent opening of a Pasadena cafe in February 2024, alongside the new Lincoln Heights flagship, signals a targeted re-establishment and strengthening of Stumptown’s footprint in the greater Los Angeles area.
Stumptown, founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1999, has cultivated a global reputation for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and direct trade relationships with coffee farmers. Its expansion into Los Angeles in 2013 was a key milestone, reflecting the city’s growing coffee culture and discerning consumer base. The company’s current operational network outside of its Portland airport locations includes nine cafes: three in Portland, two in the Los Angeles area (Lincoln Heights and Pasadena), three in New York City, and one in Kyoto, Japan. All Southern California cafes are supplied by Stumptown’s central roastery in Portland, ensuring consistent quality and adherence to the company’s rigorous standards.
The development of the Starland Theatre project was a lengthy undertaking, spanning over a year prior to its opening. This extended planning period underscores the meticulous attention to detail and the significant investment required to transform such a historically rich and complex space into a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and operationally sound cafe and training facility. The acquisition of control of Stumptown’s parent company, JDE Peet’s, by Keurig Dr Pepper in April 2026, adds another layer of corporate context to this strategic expansion, potentially influencing future growth and operational decisions within the Stumptown brand.
Broader Implications for Lincoln Heights and the Coffee Industry
The arrival of Stumptown Coffee Roasters in Lincoln Heights is more than just the opening of a new coffee shop; it signifies a significant investment in a neighborhood rich with history and cultural heritage. The adaptive reuse of the Starland Theatre not only preserves a piece of local architectural legacy but also injects new life and economic activity into the community. As a renowned brand with a loyal following, Stumptown’s presence is likely to draw increased foot traffic and attention to the area, potentially benefiting other local businesses and contributing to the neighborhood’s revitalization.
The emphasis on historical preservation and thoughtful design in the Starland Theatre project sets a precedent for future commercial developments in historic districts. It demonstrates that contemporary businesses can thrive by integrating seamlessly with their surroundings, respecting and celebrating the existing urban fabric. This approach can foster a stronger sense of place and community pride, making the area more attractive to residents and visitors alike.
Furthermore, the establishment of a dedicated training center within the flagship cafe underscores a commitment to advancing coffee knowledge and skills within the Los Angeles region. By providing advanced training for staff and wholesale partners, Stumptown is contributing to the overall elevation of coffee quality and service standards across the local industry. This investment in human capital is crucial for the continued growth and sophistication of the specialty coffee market.
The strategic repositioning of Stumptown’s Los Angeles operations, moving from the Arts District to the culturally vibrant Lincoln Heights, suggests a deliberate effort to connect with a broader and perhaps more diverse customer base. Lincoln Heights, known for its rich Latino heritage and a growing appreciation for independent businesses, offers a unique demographic that can further fuel Stumptown’s growth. The success of this flagship and training center will undoubtedly be closely watched as an indicator of Stumptown’s ongoing strategy in key urban markets.
The integration of local materials, such as the reclaimed wood for stools, and the preservation of original architectural elements are not merely aesthetic choices; they represent a deeper engagement with the community and its history. This nuanced approach to retail space design can foster a stronger emotional connection with customers, differentiating Stumptown from competitors and solidifying its brand identity as a company that values both quality and cultural resonance. The Starland Theatre’s new role as a bustling coffee hub is a testament to the enduring power of historical spaces to be reimagined and re-energized for the modern era, offering a warm and inviting space for the community to gather, connect, and savor exceptional coffee.
