Shipping containers used to just be… shipping containers. Big metal bins used to transport things—probably boring stuff like packing peanuts or pet rocks—by both land and sea. But in the past few years, shipping old shipping containers have found a second life as affordable building materials and are often repurposed into new, hip business parks where smalltime local makers can have a storefront all their own. And no self-respecting, hip maker space is complete without a coffee shop.
For Bellflower, California’s SteelCraft, that coffee shop is Solid Coffee Roasters. Alongside other establishments in the urban eatery like an ice cream shop, wine bar, bagel shop, and brewery, Solid is keeping things caffeinated with this, their third location. With an abundance of picnic table seating, Solid Coffee inside SteelCraft is the perfect place to fuel up and hang out while soaking in some of that beautiful Southern California sun. So grab a bagel, a beer, and a brewed coffee, because we’re checking out the brand new Solid Coffee Roasters inside SteelCraft in Bellflower, California.
The 2019 Build-Outs of Summer is presented by Pacific Barista Series, notNeutral, KeepCup, and Mill City Roasters. Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 46)
As told to Sprudge by Mark Tigchelaar.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
SOLID Coffee Roasters was originally founded in 2014 out of the desire to provide a platform for any enterprise to raise funds by creating and selling their own coffee brand. Daniel Kam, Solid’s Founder, started brewourcoffee.com to do just that. It grew very quickly as organizations realized their supporters desired a good cup of coffee, not something that has been sitting on the store shelves for months.
After a few years, the team took an opportunity to move the roaster and open a cafe on the corner of South and Norwalk, in Artesia, CA. The cafe was immediately met with huge support and has been a staple in the neighborhood. It has become a hub for students, entrepreneurs, and families alike. You’ll often find people collaborating on projects, studying, reading, or just enjoying each other.
Now Solid Coffee Roasters is awaiting the grand opening of their third location and growing rapidly.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
The new location is at the newest Steelcraft development in Bellflower, CA. It’s a 20-foot refurbished shipping container and all but one piece of our equipment is used.
What’s your approach to coffee?
Simple, approachable, and remarkable. It’s very important for us to provide an excellent cup of coffee with focus on consistency all while giving the customer a remarkable experience. Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 46)
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
Not really, we are serving Kombucha from two local companies out of a custom wrapped kegerator but other than than, just your usual workhorses!
How is your project considering sustainability?
All the shipping containers are refurbished and we used as much used equipment as possible.
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
We just opened last week!
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
Howard CDM was the developer. Also a big thanks to the City of Bellflower and Jim Dellalonga.
Thank you!
Thank you!
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