Barista Parlor at The Stutz

Indianapolis is home to many beloved coffee shops—but none are quite like entrepreneur Andy Mumma’s Barista Parlor. Previously taking up residence exclusively in Nashville, Tennessee, this artisanal coffee house found the iconic Stutz building an intriguing new home. The challenge: to create an experience of the brand that was unique to Indianapolis; one our team welcomed.

Barista Parlor is more than a coffee shop; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, precision, and the art of brewing. With an elliptical shape and glossy white automotive paint finish, the central bar offers a subtle nod to the city’s and Stutz’s legacy ties to racing; setting the stage for the barista and customer interaction. Equipment and machinery were carefully choreographed for efficiency, then put on full display as if it were an exhibition itself; inviting customers to be a part of the coffee-making journey. Overhead doors with high-top bar ledges were designed to infuse the space with fresh air and establish a direct connection to the energy of the adjacent alley and offer a peek inside to the neighborhood passersby on Capitol Avenue.

Clean, crisp whites paired with warm wood finishes provide the right backdrop for coffee-making artistry, the cult-favorite Barista Parlor merchandise, and the historic character of the architecture to be appreciated. A wall-to-wall banquette, open tables, and a variety of bar-top seating helps maximize space for coffee dates or getting into a workflow for remote patrons. Thoughtfully curated merchandise creates the link from one Barista Parlor location to another, while touches of greenery throughout add an organic element; softening a space full of hard surfaces. The building’s historic character was preserved through sealing the original raw concrete floors, keeping ceilings exposed and celebrating the exterior industrial-style windows.

Design: DELV Design
Photography: Adam Reynolds Photography, The Addison Group Photography