Founded in 1995 by Doug Zell and Emily Mange, Intelligentsia is considered a major representative of third-wave coffee in the United States.

[6] On August 17, 2007, Intelligentsia opened its first store outside of Chicago at Sunset Junction in Silver Lake, a district east of Hollywood in Los Angeles, California.

[9] The second New York City location opened in June 2014, inside the Urban Outfitters store in Herald Square.

[11] A 2008 decision to stop serving 20-ounce coffee and espresso beverages in stores was met with controversy.

"[12] In 2009 Intelligentsia acquired Ecco Caffè of Santa Rosa, California, and has retained the brand.

[2] Intelligentsia was expected to continue operating independently, with founders Zell and Mange retaining a role in the company.