The Legacy of Nicholas Coffee, Bistro’s Premium Roaster

Jordan Nicholas knows good coffee, and he wants to share it with you.

Founded in 1919, Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co. is a family business that has been part of Downtown Pittsburgh for more than a century. Originally founded as Nicholas Brothers, the company is the product of Jordan’s great-grandfather, Nicholas Constantine Nicholas, who stopped in Pittsburgh while traveling from Delaware to Chicago. He never made it to Chicago. He fell in love with Pittsburgh, instead. 

Four generations later, Jordan is at the helm of the business that he’s been part of his whole life. 

“My dad would bring me when I was a little kid, scooping peanuts when I was three,” Nicholas says. Middle-school years brought him to the shop on a more regular basis.  

Perhaps it’s those early experiences that shaped his philosophy for running a business. 

“Without good employees, you do not have a successful business,” Nicholas says. 

The shop has been located at 23 Market Square — yes, Market Square is still open despite the ongoing construction to prepare for the NFL Draft — since 1957 after a fire closed the business’s original location closer to PPG Plaza, Jordan says. 

Inside, the shop retains a turn-of-the-century feel, with original coffee bins dating back to 1919 and a roaster from 1934. The space functions as a standing, European-style coffee bar, partly due to size constraints, but also to support a quick, social coffee experience.

“The goal is to make yourself feel like you’re not in Pittsburgh when you walk in,” Jordan says. 

Beyond the storefront, the business ships coffee nationwide, maintains a significant online presence and works wholesale with other local businesses. 

“We like forming long-term relationships with our customers,” Jordan says. 

Even after more than 100 years, the business is still focused on good coffee — and relationships. 

“We like forming long-term relationships with our customers,” Jordan says.