Prestogeorge was founded in 1958 by John “J.P.” Prestogeorge (1926–2010). Originally named the “Olde Fashioned Coffee Shoppe” and located in the Miracle Mile Shopping Center in Monroeville, PA, the shop specialized in gourmet foods and goods from around the world, including imported teas and freshly roasted coffee. In 1965, John and his wife, Christine (1936–2020), expanded their business to Greensburg with the opening of the Greengate Mall, where they operated successfully for over two decades.
In 1981, their son Stan, having worked in his father’s business for years, mastering the art of coffee roasting and developing a passion for gourmet and specialty foods, opened a storefront in the Strip District. Fresh out of college, Stan built Prestogeorge Fine Foods into a hub for premium meats and cheeses, homemade pastas, imported teas, and, most notably, an extensive selection of fresh-roasted coffee beans. True to tradition, much of the roasting and preparation was done in-store, often right in front of customers, continuing the family’s legacy of quality and craftsmanship.
It was in these formative years that Prestogeorge’s philosophy was forged—a relentless pursuit of the finest products from around the world while also continuously improving our craft. Our goal is to provide our community with an accessible and superior alternative to other options available. This philosophy is reflected in our two slogans: “The World’s Finest Coffee & Tea” and “Seriously Devoted to Better Coffee & Tea.”
We emphasize the word “better” because we believe there is always room for growth. Each day, we strive to create a finished product that surpasses the previous one. It would be disingenuous to claim titles such as “the best coffee in Pittsburgh,” as that would suggest we, as masters of our craft, have nothing left to learn. On the contrary, we embrace the journey of continuous improvement, knowing that true mastery lies in the pursuit of excellence.
After more than 20 years renting a beautiful space in the heart of the Strip District, Prestogeorge had established itself as a premier coffee roaster and tea importer in Pittsburgh. However, Stan faced a challenge when the building’s owner was unwilling to sell the property. Determined to secure the future of Prestogeorge in the neighborhood that had been so vital to its success, Stan purchased his own building in 2004, right across the street!
The new space had much potential, but was smaller, which required significant downsizing. Stan carefully considered which aspects of the business to retain in this more modest location. His passion for coffee roasting and tea importing led him to scale back on prepared foods, allowing him to focus fully on the core elements of what made Prestogeorge successful. This pivotal shift inspired a rebranding, and Prestogeorge Coffee & Tea was born, emphasizing the heart of the business: exceptional coffee and tea.
For two decades we have proudly operated out of our very own building, establishing ourselves as one of the largest coffee roasters in Pittsburgh. We offer an extensive selection of origins, roasts, blends, and flavors to suit every palate, along with the city’s most comprehensive collection of loose-leaf teas and herbs. Depending on the season, we roast between 500 to over 1,000 pounds of green coffee daily, ensuring freshness and quality for our customers
True to our mission, we never stop honing our craft. In addition to our Strip District retail store and coffee bar, we expanded in 2022 by opening a secondary roast house and distribution center to support wholesale customers and online orders. Our website is designed to bring the in-store experience to customers nationwide.
Continuing the family tradition, A.J. Prestogeorge, the third generation, joined his father’s business in 2022, working alongside Stan to learn the principles of coffee, tea, and entrepreneurship passed down from his grandfather. When you drink Prestogeorge Coffee & Tea, you’re supporting a legacy that spans three generations, two centuries, and one family deeply devoted to its community of customers.
