Derby City EspressoBy: Sherry Daws
posted on December 22, 2007
If you haven’t been to Derby City Espresso, then you are missing out. It’s truly one of the neatest places in Louisville to kick back and take a moment for yourself. Owner Matthew Landan, can normally be found behind the bar, ready to make you a drink, converse about the interesting happenings in the world and maybe educate you a bit on coffee, tea and beer. He took a few moments from his busy day to answer some questions for me:
You've visited 18 countries and lived in numerous cities, what made you chose Louisville to open your business?
Matthew: Louisville is an anachronism of an American city, it has that pre-developed feel. Downtown specifically is coming out of a 40-year funk and I wanted to ride the wave as it rises.
What are your goals? Why did you feel like opening a coffee house was the thing for you to do at this point in your life?
Opening Derby City Espresso is a dream come true for me. We're more than just a coffee shop, it combines several of my passions: espresso, art, beer and community space. My long term goals are to open a second DCE in Museum Plaza and build a fully equipped mobile espresso bar.
What do you like best about being a business owner?
Being my own boss. Not having to answer to anyone. Bringing my creativity to bear down on an idea and watch the seeds I plant grow.
Do you feel like the people here have embraced your ideas and realize how unique your place is?
I do. It's been very rewarding watching people discover the place and enjoy it. I think there is a niche I'm filling that has a lot of potential. The espresso/tea/beer bar has a lot of room to swim around in and explore.
Speaking of that, what do you think makes your place unique?
An open urban, European, espresso bar. Add in the beer, art and live entertainment and you have a very different formula than all other Louisville coffee houses are operating on. By being on E. Market before it develops it gives me a great opportunity to influence the development as it occurs. It also gives me a chance to be a core constituent of the neighborhood due to my having been here first before most of the residents.
What are your top 3 favorite drinks?
Espresso Afogato - shot of espresso over a scoop of french vanilla ice cream.
Espresso Cubano - espresso with sugar brewed directly into the coffee.
Delirium Tremens - belgian ale.
Derby City Espresso currently has about 40 beers and long leaf teas to choose from along with 20 espresso drinks and several different kinds of locally roasted coffee beans available for French press or vacuum pot brewing. How’s that for variety?
Check out the Mod 60’s Dance Party every Wednesday starting at 10pm. They also feature select artist’s work almost every month and have lots of other special events, be sure to bookmark the link bc so you’ll always know what’s brewing.
