Todd Carmichael
Todd Carmichael could just as easily make our list of Best
Philadelphians who are hardly ever in Philadelphia. But when he’s off gallivanting on coffee business or his famous adventures—say, a solo trek across Antarctica—we forgive him, because he leaves behind the IV-worthy coffee from La Colombe, the roasting company he co-founded here in 1994, and his singing wife, Flyers muse Lauren Hart, to comfort us. And his journeys serve a civic purpose. He is one of the city’s best ambassadors, the reason the créme de la culinary world buys its beans here (three million pounds per year). More important, for a city that’s constantly being labeled fat and boorish, he presents an image of boldness and vitality. “I love the walkability of the city,” the 48-year-old Gladwyne explorer says, “but there’s a beautiful ring of neighborhoods around the city, too.” The guy who tests himself to extremes is challenging us to think differently about ourselves. Chef and restaurateur Marc Vetri, his friend for almost 15 years, values that fearless spirit. “Todd’s quest to do things the right way and make a difference is second to none,” he says. “Philadelphia needs more people like Todd.” —Janine White

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