Meet Richard Giorla

Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Giorla.

Hi Richard, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am the current owner of “Cardio Barre”. Ballet-inspired fitness program. I opened the first “Barre” fitness class in California in 2001. After 20 years of a very successful run, opening 30 franchises, covid, economy and other factors have made things more challenging and so I began brainstorming on a new venture. It has been said that motivation comes from “desperation” or “inspiration”. Led by a little of both, I thought what are my passions? What is my experience? What is recession and covid proof? Coffee! In the early nineties, I opened my first coffee house which was very successful. So this time, I wanted to create my own coffee brand with the highest quality beans and roasts. Hence I opened Giorlas Coffee Roaster and Cafe. A euro-style cafe with fresh small bites and classic quality coffee blends. Sparing no expense. To me, coffee profiles are subjective, and I wanted to bring back the classic, rich, smooth coffee profiles that I prefer. To share all of this with the community and the world. So 2/27/23, I opened Giorlas caffe. Simple, classic and no politics, no labels…just those who love their coffee as much as I do. So many great moments were shared over a cup of delicious coffee.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The decision was easy, the rest was not. The entire project went well over what was budget due to rising costs, new codes and regulations. Timelines on others such as architects, contractors, city, etc. is typically take longer than you may want to move. Getting through the new city codes and restaurant requirements was challenging and prolonging and costly, but perseverance got me open! Stressful yes, costly yes, just don’t give up and make sure you have plenty of resources to get you through the challenging times.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I began as an artist, a professional dancer. I had a passion-filled and amazing career performing around the world in film, stage and television. But the dancer’s life is relatively short-lived. So at 30 years old, I opened a coffee house, a place to bring all my friends and enjoy each other’s company. Sold the coffee house and in 2001, I open a dance /fitness-based fitness studio inspired by my passion for both called Cardio Barre. It was a huge success for over 20 years, but now it was time for a change. I went back to my coffee experience and passion and opened my new business “Giorlas Coffee”.

What’s next?
After consulting and researching on brand building, I need to open several more cafes to serve as brand builders and a launch pad for my coffee. The ultimate goal is to create a national and international coffee brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: giorlascoffee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giorlascoffee/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/giorla-s-coffee-los-angeles-3