A year ago, UCLA engineering grad Broc Chavez and some family members opted to go into business for themselves opening a coffee boutique in Pacific Beach named 99 Cups of Coffee.
Things have gone so well that Chavez has acquired the retail space next door for expansion.
Formerly a smoke shop, that space is in the process of being renovated by Chavez to add to the coffee shop.
“We’re going to have a full kitchen and prep sink over there, which will allow us to bake our own bread and wash our own produce, which we get pre-washed now,” said Chavez of his establishment at 4680 Cass St. He added he’d like do more things from scratch, like “making our own marshmallows.”
A self-professed coffee “nerd,” Chavez tried engineering work for a while but “got tired of that and decided it was time to open a coffee shop.”
Chavez said acquiring the retail space next door will allow him to go from nine to 30 seats indoors plus add more patio seating. The new expansion will also help Chavez develop a cleaner, newer look to his shop as he adds stainless-steel countertops and the like.
Something of a conversation piece at 99 Cups is a giant clock on the wall that points out it’s always time to drink coffee.
Chavez said his location is great, gets lots of foot traffic and is squarely in the heart of town near Pacific Beach Post Office. It’s all part of the growing, ever-changing mix of commercial retail in the area.
Ninety-Nine Cups offers locally roasted, fair trade and organic coffee as well as sandwiches and pastries. Eventually, Chavez intends to have a full-service deli.
The boutique continues to have a daily meal deal for a sandwich, chips and a drink. The business also has a soda fountain and serves daiquiri-style smoothies to go along with its array of coffees.
Ninety-Nine Cups is also a family affair. Chavez’s sister works as his manager. His mom, Donna, is doing some marketing and promotions to help him out.
“Right now,” Chavez said, “we’re open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., but we intend to go from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.”
Asked who his customers were, Chavez replied, “All of the community.”
For more information, visit ninetyninecups.com or call (858) 859-0467. 99 Cups of Coffee
Where: 4680 Cass St.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Info: ninetyninecups.com or call (858) 859-0467.