The Rich (and Delicious) History
of Nicholas Coffee
After emigrating from Greece and settling in Pittsburgh, Nicholas C. Nicholas launched Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co. in 1919. He never could have dreamed that after two pandemics, three fires, a Depression, and even flooding, his business would still be thriving, in the hands of the fourth generation of Nicholases to live and breathe—and roast—coffee.
Or maybe he wouldn’t be surprised by the business’s longevity—the coffee’s just that good. Both our coffees and teas are carefully sourced, craft-roasted, and prepared with a passion that has sustained generations.
Here’s a highlight reel of historic moments in Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co’s past.
1919
Nicholas C. Nicholas launches Nicholas Brothers Coffee in Pittsburgh, PA, opening the original location of the coffee shop on Market Street, largely selling wholesale coffee to his fellow Greek immigrants who were restaurateurs. Over time, the business becomes a major player in the retail coffee market as well.
1950
Having survived World War II, and taken over the business, Nicholas’s son Gus introduces My Wife’s Blend, in honor of his wife, Chrysoula (Goldie). The easy-drinking blend is still one of the brand’s most popular—and the basis for all of its flavored coffees.
1957
Gus opens a new location at 23 Market Square after the original locale was destroyed in a fire. He purchases a coffee roaster and installs it in the shop, designing the schematics of the roasting facility—which still functions in the shop today.
1976
Nick Nicholas, the grandson and namesake of the founder, takes over the business, now known as Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co., and greatly expands its wholesale distribution.
1995
Our Italian-style coffee bar opens inside the shop, making Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co. the place where downtown Pittsburgh meets for a quick coffee and conversation.
2009
Jordan Nicholas, the fourth generation to run Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co., steps up to helm the operation.
2012
As the business grows, so does the store; Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co. expands its storefront, pushing out the facade 12 feet.
2017
Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co. keeps operating after a fire shuts down the roaster and shop for three months, roasting coffee at other Pittsburgh roasters to make sure our customers get their favorites.
2019
During the 100th anniversary year of the company’s founding, Theo Nicholas is born. Theo and his little brother Alex will be the fifth generation of Nicholas to give coffee- and tea-loving customers the quality they crave.
Today, if you taste our brews, you’ll see why Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co. has managed to thrive for over a century.
Better yet, stop by our Pittsburgh flagship to see how we manage to stay fresh while celebrating tradition.
Follow the scent of fresh-roasted coffee past our peanut roaster, nostalgic candy display, and tea wall, then stop at our Italian-style espresso bar for a pick-me-up. That sound you hear? It’s the roaster that the current owner’s grandfather engineered, where our expert baristas are preparing craft coffee just for you. Can’t make it into our shop? Take a virtual tour. And welcome to the family.