De Fer Coffee thrives Downtown
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De Fer Coffee & Tea's location on Penn Avenue in the Cultural District. Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios
Business at one of local coffee chain De Fer Coffee & Tea's newest spots is booming.
The big picture: The coffee shop, which opened in January 2025, is one of 28 small businesses, pop-ups and art installations that have joined the neighborhood since last year, with help from the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
By the numbers: De Fer president Matt Marietti told Axios the Downtown location's sales are up about 60% compared with this time last year.
What they're saying: He said that's a testament to Downtown activity continuing to rebound.
- "I don't think we would be 60% if Downtown was stagnant."
Case in point: The shop was full during my last two visits, with a steady stream of customers filing in and out.
- Marietti said the shop's clientele the first year was mostly Downtown residents, but it now includes more tourists and visitors.
Between the lines: The location used a rent abatement program that paid 50% of the rent for the shop's first year.
- Marietti said he plans to stay in Downtown long term.
Zoom in: Try De Fer's rotating list of seasonal syrups, suggested Marietti.
- The vanilla lavender was delicious.
If you go: 725 Penn Ave., Downtown.
- Monday-Friday 7am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-4pm.