Our Story

Urth Caffe was founded in 1989 by Jilla and Shallom Berkman as a small mail order company selling non-toxic and natural products for the home. In 1989, they met an organic coffee farmer named Jorge, who represented a farm in Peru producing organic, heirloom coffee which was very special – coffee, in general is the heaviest chemically treated food commodity in the world.  Heirloom coffee trees are very rare and have never been genetically modified. They discovered there were many destructive practices in the coffee industry and decided to become pioneers in health conscious coffee. After spending several years learning how to roast and brew great coffee – they launched the nation’s first exclusively organic, heirloom coffee company. The name chosen was “Urth Caffe”, “Urth” is an old Welsh root spelling of Earth and “Caffe” is Italian for coffee. To us, “Urth Caffe” means ancient, earthly, natural coffee beans, or organic, heirloom coffee. In 1991, the first Urth Caffe was opened in Manhattan Beach, then in 1994 another was opened in West Hollywood, on Melrose Ave., and in 1997 an Executive Chef was hired to add healthy light meals and desserts to the menu. In 2002, a café was opened in Beverly Hills, followed by Santa Monica in 2004. In 2008, Urth opened its’ Downtown LA cafe and headquarters – the home of our coffee roasting, tea blending, baking, cooking, and offices.  Finally, in 2012 the latest and most beautiful branch opened in Pasadena. We are set to open another café in early 2015 in Laguna Beach at a historic property with ocean views. We currently employ more than 400 team members with a main kitchen, corporate offices, and 5 cafes.

Agriculture & Farming

Food & Beverage

Retail

Urth Caffe

The Los Angeles office focuses on financial operations and client engagement, with an emphasis on marketing and event sales.

Los Angeles

Urth Caffe's headquarters in West Hollywood, CA, United States

The Santa Monica office focuses on IT support and analysis to enhance operational efficiency and technology initiatives.

Santa Monica

Michael Artechi

This department oversees the planning, preparation, and presentation of food in various dining settings.

Culinary Operations

This department focuses on providing high-quality coffee and beverage services.

Coffee Services

This department oversees the coordination and execution of business operations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

Operations Management

This department oversees the daily operations and management of restaurant facilities, ensuring smooth service and customer satisfaction.

Restaurant Operations

This department oversees all baking operations, ensuring the preparation and quality of baked goods.

Baking Department

This department manages employee relations, recruitment, training, and organizational development.

Urth Caffe

Org chart

Teams

Culinary Operations

Coffee Services

Operations Management

Restaurant Operations

Baking Department

Human Resources

Offices

Urth Caffe

Org chart

Teams

Culinary Operations

Coffee Services

Operations Management

Restaurant Operations

Baking Department

Human Resources

Offices

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