Rival Bros. Coffee Fuels Growth with New Coffee Pro at the Helm
PHILADELPHIA, PA - Philadelphia's beloved coffee roaster, Rival Bros. Coffee, is making waves with the addition of Chris Miller as Senior Vice President of Coffee. Miller brings over two decades of hands-on experience in the city's thriving culinary and coffee scene, setting the stage for exciting things to come for the local brand.
From Fine Dining to Fine Coffee
Miller's journey in the food and beverage world began far from the roasting rooms and cupping labs. As a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, he cut his teeth in the kitchens of acclaimed Philadelphia restaurants. One of those kitchens was the now-closed Brasserie Perrier, where a chance encounter forged a long-lasting friendship with Rival Bros. co-founders Damien Pileggi and Jonathan Adams.
The allure of coffee eventually drew Miller away from the savory world. He honed his skills at renowned Philadelphia coffee institution La Colombe and, in 2019, achieved the distinction of Q Grader, a certification that marks deep expertise in coffee evaluation.
"Having known Chris for so long, we've witnessed his unwavering passion for coffee and his dedication to understanding it from every angle," Pileggi commented. "He embodies our commitment to quality alongside a genuine desire to strengthen our ties to the wider coffee community."
Now in his key leadership role at Rival Bros., Miller will oversee the entire coffee operation, from sourcing extraordinary beans to shaping the customer experience across all retail channels. He envisions an enhanced educational focus for both staff and coffee enthusiasts, as well as venturing into exciting new coffee origins.
"Rival Bros. has always aimed to make exceptional coffee approachable," explains Miller. "I'm here to build on that philosophy – to expand our offerings with vibrant new blends and single-origins, while also sharing the stories and hard work behind each delicious cup."
Since its humble start as a single coffee truck in 2011, Rival Bros. has become a Philadelphia mainstay. Two bustling cafes (with a third underway), a robust wholesale program, nationwide direct-to-consumer shipping, ready-to-drink options, and the recent addition of the cocktail-focused Enswell bar illustrate the brand's impressive expansion.
With Miller now joining the ranks, Rival Bros. seems poised for even greater impact. "This is about more than just serving coffee. It's about nurturing a vibrant community, a deepened appreciation for the craft, and most importantly – sharing genuinely great coffee with as many people as possible," Miller says.
Philadelphia coffee lovers have plenty to anticipate as Chris Miller takes the reins and guides Rival Bros. into a new era of exceptional coffee and dynamic growth.
