ABOUT US
Our story
Welcome to Cafe Tolia, a coffee shop located in the heart of Old City, Philadelphia. Our store name is inspired by the etymology of the Greek word Anatolia, which means "the land of the sunrise." It is a nod to our love for travel and exploring different cultures, as well as our passion for coffee and baking.
Located close to the most historic sites of the USA, we are proud to be part of the rich and vibrant culture and traditions of freedom, brotherhood, and tolerance that Old City is known for. Our coffee shop is a place where people from all walks of life can come together, share a cup of coffee, and connect with one another.
We are a couple with two young sons and one female dog who recently moved from Dusseldorf, Germany, to start a new adventure in Philadelphia. Before that, we lived in Turkey and fell in love with the country's rich history and vibrant food scene. Our passion for cooking and baking led us to attend Cordon Bleu Istanbul and MSA Istanbul Culinary Schools, where we honed our skills in making the most delicious pastries and cakes.
Our love for coffee culture began when we discovered the Third Wave movement, which focuses on sourcing and roasting high-quality beans and preparing them with precision and care. We received barista training and completed Coffee House Owner Certificate Program and we knew we wanted to create a space that celebrates the art of coffee-making.
In addition to running Cafe Tolia, we also have a business in the premium leather trade for top fashion brands. It is another passion of ours, and we bring the same attention to detail and dedication to our coffee shop.
We love spending our summers at our summer house along the Aegean Sea, where we draw inspiration for our menu and decor. We want our customers to feel like they are stepping into our living room with a European&Mediterranean flair, where they can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of cake.
At Cafe Tolia, we believe that coffee is more than just a beverage; it is a culture and a way of life. We invite you to join us on this journey and experience the magic of coffee-making and baking.
Thank you for choosing Cafe Tolia, and we look forward to sharing more with you in the future.
Our ingredients
We pride ourselves on providing our customers with the freshest and most delicious sandwiches and pastries. At our establishment, we believe that the key to creating exceptional food is to use only the highest quality, freshest ingredients. That's why we prepare all of our sandwiches and pastries daily, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor and quality. Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat or a satisfying meal, you can trust that our sandwiches and pastries will leave you feeling full and satisfied. So come on in and taste the difference that freshness makes!
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