BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Downtown Birmingham's Whitmire Lofts will be one of three initial locations for a New Orleans coffee shop chain making its debut this summer.

Revelator Coffee Co. will open in 1,877 square feet in the newly renovated Whitmire Lofts at 1820 Third Ave. North. Lochrane Smith with Red Rock Realty Group represented Revelator and John Tally, also with Red Rock, represented Whitmire Lofts in the lease.

The lease leaves an identical 1,877-square-foot commercial space available in Whitmire Lofts, which is named for the late Cecil Whitmire.



The Birmingham location will be one of three the Southern craft coffee retailer has announced throughout the South with its first location in New Orleans.

In addition to Birmingham and New Orleans, Revelator is opening in Chattanooga and plans to announce other cities soon.

Revelator’s branded line of coffee will be roasted locally in New Orleans. Only specialty and boutique green coffees will be purchased, and all coffees will be roasted in small, profiled batches.

“Revelator simply desires to provide great coffee, genuine service and beautiful spaces,” Emma Chevalier, director of coffee for Revelator, said in a release. “Our menu is seasonal and small, and we choose each coffee to exhibit the nuance and variety coffee has to offer. A simple menu, warm spaces and genuine hospitality makes Revelator approachable and accessible to every patron.”

Revelator’s baristas will also be a big part of the Revelator experience.

“Our team of baristas plays a huge role in the customer’s experience,” Elizabeth Pogue, Revelator’s director of operations, said in a release. “We’re committed to extensive barista training, which we believe to be vital to our success. We fully expect our staff to be among the best baristas in the industry.”

Fischer Architecture of Berkeley, Calif., is designing Revelator's coffee shops, with each café designed with reverence for its unique location.

“We’re very passionate about historic revitalization and redevelopment in cities throughout the South,” Josh Owen, president of Revelator, said in a statement. “We choose cities, neighborhoods and spaces that not only retain heritage, but also embody an air of revival and rejuvenation. We’re excited to be a part what’s happening in the South.”

Each café will have a wide variety of coffees and teas.

“Overall, we believe that a great coffee experience is about more than just great coffee. We put as much energy into building inviting spaces, training friendly baristas and becoming a part of every community we enter, as we put into our coffee,” Owen said.

Revelator is now hiring for its cafés in Birmingham, New Orleans and Chattanooga. The company plans to open six to eight locations this year, and another 10 to 15 in 2015. By the end of 2016, the company plans to have 30 to 40 locations across the South.

Those interested in learning more about hiring opportunities are asked to contact Emma Chevalier at emma@revelatorcoffee.com.