Remember internet cafes? They’re still around, but their heyday has kind of come and gone. But in 2017, the next evolution of the internet cafe came to fruition: virtual reality cafes. As previously reported on ye olde Sprudge Wire, the newest tech-meets-coffee spot comes from the folks behind Tool, an art/film/interactive/VR studio in Santa Monica, California.
And the new SoCal cafe isn’t just relying on a techy gimmick, completely forgetting about coffee in the process. As mentioned in the Wire, Goodboybob has enlisted the help of coffee consultant Tyler Wells to help create the coffee program and Commonwealth Coffee Roasters co-founder and perennial US Barista Championship and Brewers Cup competitor Ryan Fisher to run it. Which is to say, there is some serious firepower behind the coffee program. So grab a pair of VR goggles and enjoy a beautiful espresso IN SPACE at Goodboybob.
As told to Sprudge by Diana Bianchini.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
Goodboybob provides a delightful reprieve from long production hours and a new ritual. It is a secret escape from the bustling city streets, a creative connection in the making, and serves the best coffee in Santa Monica.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
Dunsmuir Institute Architects and fullBRANCH led the interior and exterior design and construction for Goodboybob, showcasing the shared space by using a “temple of material senses” including old factory brick, marble mosaic, a hand-painted menu by the shop’s brand designer Madeleine Ignon, and old railroad wood trestle. In front of the VR theater is a private lounge space reserved for Tool employees separated by glass panels and a blackened steel screen. Goodboybob welcomes guests with a large walk up L-shaped marble finished bar and includes an outside multiple tier design seating for patrons to take a load off and enjoy their conversations. Though the new coffee spot is housed on a creative campus with over 20 production offices and 500+ employees, Goodboybob is open to the public as well. Monday–Friday 7AM-3PM.
What’s your approach to coffee?
Sourcing rare coffees, limited amount, consistent rotation—opening with Colombia Valentia de los Pijaos (espresso), Kenya Nyeri Gatuyaini (filtered) and Cauca Maria Magnolia Acosta (filtered).
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
Custom La Marzocco Strada.
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
Opened June 19, 2017.
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
Dunsmuir Institute Architects, fullBRANCH.
Thank you!
Thank you.
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