Ralph Lauren was one of the first fashion designers to develop his clothing line into a full-blown lifestyle brand and is now one of the most well-known designers. Therefore, what better way to compliment his Fifth Avenue flagship store than with a coffee shop. Opened in 2014, this coffee shop had a Ralph Lauren signature look. There was a quiet and relaxed atmosphere and the baristas were models, possibly for RL. Most importantly, the shop had excellent coffee. Ralph teamed with La Colombe to develop a fruity, caramel blend.
Sadly though, two years later, the store was no more, with the coffee shop leaving too. Not only could New Yorkers no longer buy their favorite logoed polo shirts, but they were also unable to sip on their designer coffee at the same time. But you can smile again, as this month Ralph Lauren has decided to bring back Ralph’s Coffee in honor of the brand’s 50th anniversary and for New York Fashion Week.
Although the coffee shop has not been completely reborn, this time around we have been blessed with a coffee truck. From now through early November, a Ralph’s Coffee truck (a hunter green 1943 Citroen) will be placed in the Rockefeller Center. The truck will serve custom blends of coffee, espresso, and tea from 8 A.M. through 8 P.M. every day. This particular vehicle was also used back in 2014 around the streets of New York to pump up the city for the coffee shop’s original opening.
For those familiar, there will also be a pop-up at Bergdorf Goodman until the end of September, located on the sixth floor next to the RL collection, where you can try the drip and iced coffees. For those unable to make either of these, check out the flights to London instead where there is a permanent Ralph’s Coffee and Bar where you can enjoy coffee, bar snacks, and sharing plates. If you are feeling more exotic, Ralph also serves cocktails with polo mallet-shaped swizzle sticks!
