Family Roasted
Since 1854

With 170 years of roasting experience, we carry a rich heritage and time-tested commitment to quality. By choosing our coffee, you become part of a customer-focused community that values both tradition and innovation.

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Ellis Throughout the Years

What do Allen Cuthbert, Frances Bond, 13-year-old John Ellis, the Strauss family, and the Kestenbaum family all have in common? They are all connected by their shared passion for a coffee roastery that has withstood the test of time. From individuals who have witnessed its evolution firsthand to the families who have passed down the tradition, watch this video to learn about the unique legacy of our remarkable coffee business.

“In addition to our coffee, the other thing we are really proud of

is our history.”

– Adam Kestenbaum

President, Ellis Coffee Company

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Where It All Started

1854

Allen Cuthbert opens his Chinese Teas & Coffees importing store located at 22 South 8th Street in Philadelphia.

2020

1871

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Passing the torch

1871

Allen Cuthbert names Francis Bond successor to his tea and coffee importing business. Francis renames the company after himself and moves his storefront to 139 S. 8th Street in Philadelphia.

1854

1908

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A boy named John

1908

Francis Bond passes away suddenly, leaving his 13-year-old employee, John Ellis, to manage the company. John purchases the 54-year-old company with a personal loan from E.B Morris, President of Girard Trust Bank.

1871

1914

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John pays off loan, becomes new owner

1914

John pays off the personal loan from E.B. Morris, President of Girard Trust Bank, and officially becomes owner of Ellis Coffee Company. This happened much sooner than anyone expected, as E.B loaned the money to John with the intention that when he reach the age of majority the loan would be taken over by the bank. However, John paid it off well in advance due to his incredible work ethic and passion for great coffee. (Pictured: A letter from E.B congratulating John for paying off the loan early).

1908

1929

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The iconic Coffee Pot Building

1929

John moves his coffee business to S. 16th Street where he constructs his iconic rooftop coffee pot which would become synonymous with the Ellis Coffee brand and a Philadelphia landmark during the 30s, 40s and 50s.

1914

1952

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The Strauss Family

1952

Harry Strauss, owner of Quaker City Coffee Mills, strikes a deal with John to purchase the institutional side of the business and renames it Ellis Importing Co. John retains the retail side of the business headquartered at his S. 16th Street storefront. (Pictured: Harry Strauss)

1929

1962

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The Second Generation

1962

Harry Strauss passes away suddenly; his son Buddy steps up to run the day-to-day operations of the company.

1952

1966

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The end of an era

1966

John retires and the iconic coffee pot building at S. 16th street closes. The Strauss family continues roasting coffee at their roastery at 126 N. Delaware Avenue in Philadelphia. The whereabouts of John’s giant coffee pot remains unknown to this day.

1952

1969

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The Third Generation

1969

Buddy’s son-in-law, Gene Kestenbaum, begins working summers at the Delaware Ave. roastery handling misc. odds and ends while working towards his degree in Law.

1966

1974

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A new home

1974

The construction of I-95 through Philadelphia's Delaware Ave. caused Buddy and his brother Bill to relocate the coffee roastery from Delaware Avenue to its current location at 2853 Bridge Street.

1969

1976

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Growth & Expansion

1976

Gene, who was previously working in the field of law, makes a career shift to join the company on a full-time basis. With Buddy at the helm, he and Gene steered the company toward a period of growth and expansion, guiding it from the mid-70s to the early 80s.

1974

1985

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Gene Takes the Reigns

1985

After over a decade of gaining comprehensive business knowledge under Buddy's guidance, Gene takes the reins, ushering in a period of sustained growth throughout the 80s and 90s for the company.

1976

1998

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The Fourth Generation

1998

Gene’s son, Adam, begins working summers at the Roastery.

1981

2010

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Like father, like son

2010

Gene’s son, Adam Kestenbaum, becomes President of Ellis Coffee. Under Adam’s new leadership, Ellis coffee continues to balance the tradition and relationships of a 4th generation, family-run business with the innovation and professionalism necessary to succeed in today's marketplace. This transition sees Gene assuming the position of board chairman.

1998

2013

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A Million Dollar Investment

2013

In 2013, a million-dollar investment in a Green Coffee Bean & Silo System transforms our operations, enhancing safety, consistency, and efficiency. This innovation makes roasting safer, improves coffee blending precision, and streamlines bean storage and cleaning. As a result, our workforce experiences a safer, more consistent, and less physically demanding environment.

2010

2018

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Ellis Launches Line of Single Serve Cups

2015

In response to overwhelming demand, Ellis Coffee makes a strategic investment in a cutting-edge, million-dollar K-Cup machine, enabling us to introduce our innovative line of single-serve coffee cups and venture into the retail market.

Ellis Launches Line of Single Serve Cups

2013

2020

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Adapting to the Pandemic

2020

Similar to countless other businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic presents numerous challenges for Ellis Coffee. It compels us to think innovatively and adapt our business strategies to navigate through the crisis. Remarkably, despite the hardships, the nation's appetite for coffee remains steadfast, and Ellis Coffee not only endures but thrives. We secure several significant accounts and revitalize our determination to propel our business to unprecedented heights.

2015

1854

Before the existence of digital signage, our giant coffee pot reigned supreme.

Embark on a journey through time and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of our iconic building once located at 9 South 16th Street in Philadelphia, USA. The iconic presence of a colossal coffee pot perched atop the roof greeted passersby, radiating an alluring aroma for blocks around. Step into the world of this remarkable building, where sight, smell, and history converged to create an unforgettable experience…

Read full article here

What was it like to be a delivery boy at the Ellis Coffee Pot Building?

Stafford K., a former Ellis delivery boy from 1944-45 shares his memories of 9 S. 16th Street after being served Ellis coffee at his local breakfast spot.

Read Blog Post

Who Was John Ellis?

John Ellis was just thirteen years old when family friend E.B Morris suggested he take out a loan to purchase the 54-year-old coffee importing company he worked for. What happens next? Read the fascinating story.

Read Blog Post

Longevity Speaks for Itself

For 168 years, we have honed our skills, refined our processes, and mastered the art of coffee roasting. We carry a legacy of passion and expertise that is unmatched in the market. When you choose Ellis Coffee, you are not just buying a product; you are becoming a part of a legacy that spans generations.

Family Roasted Since 1854

Ellis Throughout the Years

is our history.”

Before the existence of digital signage, our giant coffee pot reigned supreme.

What was it like to be a delivery boy at the Ellis Coffee Pot Building?

Who Was John Ellis?

Longevity Speaks for Itself

Family Roasted
Since 1854