With a genuine love for coffee and connecting with their communities, co-owners Benjamin and James of And Coffee Shop are making a huge splash in the dynamic California coffee shop scene. The story behind And Coffee Shop’s journey to success is an inspiration for both coffee lovers and entrepreneurs everywhere. Let’s dive into what sets And Coffee Shop apart from the crowd…
And Coffee Shop co-owners and operators Benjamin and James are so much more than just your typical business partnership: they are also real-life brothers! Raised as first-generation immigrants, the brothers experienced first-hand the unstoppable drive of their father’s career as an auto shop body owner for almost 40 years, all the while providing for their family.
Witnessing the power of hardwork and dedication from their father’s success was enough to fire up the passion needed to bring the ideas for And Coffee Shop to life.
Not only were the brother’s born to an immigrant family with a thriving entrepreneurial spirit, but from a very early age they understood the joy that a good cup of joe could bring to their life. From as early as 6 and 7 years old, Benjamin and James recall fond memories of drinking delicious coffee with their grandfather around the porch. They found it at the center of conversation, as a way of connecting and spending quality time with one another.
It is with these memories that started the journey to And Coffee Shop’s success, as it helped in shaping their core belief that coffee is that one thing that ties people together. Benjamin notes that starting a coffee business was a means of being a part of something that he enjoyed while also bringing communities and friends together.
The humble beginnings of And Coffee Shop started in what many would call an unconventional way. Despite having some initial trouble getting a brick and mortar location up and running, nothing could stop the brothers from spreading their joy of coffee to communities across California.
Instead, they began their coffee shop endeavors with a repurposed truck after happening upon an old three wheel truckster in San Diego. By putting their background in mechanics to work, they managed to restore the rotting old truck into a stunning and retro-inspired portable coffee shop. They sold their coffee right off of the back of the truck at car shows, weddings, and countless events.
Overall, And Coffee’s truck has had a blast serving an impressive range of clientele in its years of operation!
And Coffee’s vision truly started to fall into place with the help of their friend Jason’s business, Churro Bar. Despite the fun of And Coffee’s mobile coffee shop pursuits, the brothers knew that a brick and mortar store was where their passions lied the most. Jason proposed a partnership with his brick and mortar churro business, which started with the two presenting each other’s products. The brothers highlight that everyone in the shop began trying and raving about their coffee, making the partnership a done deal.
In the end, Churro Bar reserved the entire front space of their restaurant for And Coffee, with full creative freedom for the brothers to craft the coffee shop of their dreams! What began with a simple drawing of the space turned into a hands-on building project that took their design ideas to the next level.