Hey guys! This time, we’re diving deep into the caffeine-fueled universe of Seven Syllables Coffee. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tim and Roscoe, the dynamic duo behind this Cerritos, CA specialty coffee shop. From online roaster to brick-and-mortar haven, their journey is one for the books. Watch the entire interview on YouTube with the link below!
Brewing Beginnings
Seven Syllables Coffee isn’t just a specialty coffee shop; it’s a story brewed to perfection. Tim works behind the bar on weekends, while Roscoe heads up the roaster and covers nearly every job title you can think of. Their store in Cerritos has been in operation for about two years, but coffee has been a part of their lives for much longer.
How It All Began
Tim’s coffee journey started thanks to Roscoe when they both worked at a local shop called “It’s a Grind.” Together, they explored specialty coffee shops, with Portola Coffee Lab in Costa Mesa being one of their first stops.
Roscoe, on the other hand, stumbled into the coffee world quite literally. A computer science student spending all his time at a local coffee shop, he was offered a job simply because he was always there. “Sure, why not?” he said, and the rest is history. He learned every job of a cafe by working at numerous shops and even worked at Bakers & Baristas when they first opened in 2015!
The Roasting Road
When you see a head roaster, you might imagine a sophisticated lab, but Roscoe’s beginnings were far from glamorous. Picture this: a wok, a lot of smoke, and an irritated family. His passion, however, didn’t waver. From cycling between jobs to learning the intricacies of roasting, Roscoe eventually mastered his craft.
Tim doesn’t roast but finds the process fascinating. He watches Roscoe and learns about every detail, admiring his partner’s relentless pursuit of the perfect cup. But both bring their own unique personality into the business that they run together.
Popping Up and Settling Down
The pandemic didn’t slow these guys down. They started with pop-ups at powerlifting gyms and Hillsong Church in LA. A coffee truck was even considered at one point. But it was the news of Roscoe’s impending fatherhood that pushed them to finally sign a lease.
Opening a coffee shop, it turns out, isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Tim reminisced about their stressful days, but sticking it through was worth it. Serving their community kept them going, and it’s heartwarming to know they grew up in Cerritos—making their coffee shop more than just a business, but a home.
Transitioning from Beans to Brews
Operating a coffee shop comes with unique challenges. “Wearing multiple hats” is an understatement. Administrative tasks now fill a large part of Tim and Roscoe’s days, and balancing quality and cost remains a tightrope walk. Still, the brick-and-mortar has allowed them to build a strong community face-to-face in a city they both grew up in.
Coffee Culture: Inclusive and Approachable
Specialty coffee can be intimidating. Terms like “acidity” and “mouthfeel” aren’t exactly user-friendly. Tim and Roscoe focus on hospitality and simplifying jargon. Instead of scoffing at people new to coffee, they welcome questions and make recommendations in plain language.
Remember the era when specialty coffee was snooty and unwelcoming? We’ve all been there (myself included), and hopefully that is mostly behind us. Today, it’s about educating customers and sharing the love, one delicious cup at a time.
For New Coffee Nerds
If you’re new to coffee, Roscoe’s advice is golden. Appreciate the journey from seed to cup and take a moment to relish the miracle of a well-brewed coffee. After all, coffee is an art form, meticulously crafted by countless hands.
Catch Seven Syllables Live
Interested in sipping some Seven Syllables yourself? Visit their shop at 13307 Artesia Blvd, Cerritos, CA 90703. They sell beans in-store and online at sevensyllablescoffee.com. Check them out and taste the passion in every cup!
Final Sip
The journey of Seven Syllables Coffee is a beautiful blend of hard work, passion, and community. Tim and Roscoe embody what it means to follow your dreams and make a mark—one brew at a time. Cheers to these coffee nerds making waves in Cerritos!
