COFFEE CUP CAFÉ Long Beach, California I
n the artsy, eclectic community of Long Beach, California, residents line up along Fourth Street to get their morning
coff ee and perhaps a quick breakfast as well. Cindy Atkinson started the shop in 1995 and has stuck with a philosophy of simple, bold-fl avored coff ee mixed with fl avors of the customer's choice. Many of her customers pop in just for the pick-me-up off ered in these caff eine-laden drinks, but others stay for a bit, chat with the other customers and nosh on a mashed potato omelet. Th e interior of the café invites you to come in, re-energize
and stay for a while. Th e bright yellows and reds create a crisp, clean interior, and the moss-green accents here and there add a note that makes you feel right at home. Th e walls are lined with artwork in all diff erent mediums and styles. Owner Cindy Atkinson shared, "Artwork rotates every two to three months. We feature all local artists directed by a curator. Every few months, it feels like we have a brand new look which keeps it fresh and interesting for all of our customers." Atkinson estimates that about 150,000 people, from all
walks of life, stroll through her café in any given year. "We get an eclectic mix of artists, musicians, business men and women, students, families and bookworms. We have always had a strong customer base of local area residents as well as customers who come far and wide based on reviews they've read." While there is no outside seating, the
interior can hold up to 75 people at one time with a mix of booths, tables and counter space. Th e environment encourages customers to sit
38 | December 2011 • www.specialty-coffee.com
BY LORI SOARD
down and enjoy free refi lls and the atmosphere of the café. Atkinson gets most of her business from word of mouth. "Th e Coff ee Cup is a very lively place almost always full
of interesting people who enjoy life," she says. "We love to accommodate every person's special request and pride ourselves in making our customers happy. We tend to over service our customers by not letting their coff ee cup get halfway empty." Atkinson proves that keeping the coff ee brewing business
OWNER:
Cindy Atkinson EQUIPMENT:
simple and straightforward is one of the keys to success in a tough economy. Although you may not fi nd the largest selection of coff ees, the coff ee off ered has been perfected and off ers that boldness that many coff ee connoisseurs crave. Th e daily fl avored coff ee selection is rotated and includes favorites such as White Chocolate Macadamia, Royal Kona or Hazelnut. Th ere is a self-serve coff ee bar available for no extra charge. Expect to pay between $6 to $10 for a meal to go with your coff ee. Th e Coff ee Cup is located at 3734 East Fourth Street and is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every weekday and until 3 p.m. on weekends. While you may have to wait in line to get in, most customers seem be served with a small cup of coff ee while waiting. You biggest problem will be in deciding whether you want your coff ee piping hot or over ice.
Cunill espresso grinder
Laspaziale espresso brewer Bunn coffee grinder Curtis coffee brewer Lavazza coffee blends
Coff ee Cup Café
3734 East Fourth Street Mon-Fri 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Sat-Sun 7 a.m.–3 p.m.
