Become a Pressed Post

Operator Spotlight with Brewja Coffee

 Operator since December 2021  

When did you open your business?

October 5, 2019.

What was your motivation in creating your company?

July 2019, I quit my full time marketing job to start my own business in my hometown San Lorenzo, CA. I dedicated my time to training and learning all things coffee and business before grand opening in October 2019. My motivation came from wanting to bring my community a place to enjoy delicious third wave coffee and pastries.

Any good stories about challenges you’ve faced in running or starting your business?

Starting a new business right before the pandemic has been a huge challenge. I have had to get creative and pivot my way of doing business several times. In March 2020 as small businesses were closing down their stores, I created an online e-commerce site for customers to pre-order our coffee varieties in 1/2 gallon jugs, this service was available to customers up to 20 miles between March 2020 - June 2020. This helped us bring joy to our community as well as provide income to pay employees and keep our business open.

What product or service are you most proud of?

In our small town, we do not get all of the luxuries of having many options like you might find in a large city. We are proud to serve our community beautiful pastries and unique drinks. My family has lived in San Lorenzo,CA for 4 generations and we are so proud to provide a safe place that welcomes everyone.

Are you involved in the community? What do you love most about having a business in your community?

Our favorite community event is one that we host every December called "Cookies n Cocoa''. We welcome our community to enjoy complimentary sugar cookies & hot cocoa while the children write letters to Santa, take holiday photos in our photobooth, decorate cookies, sing along to classic holiday music and collect toys to donate to the "Toys for Tots" charity. This year we had over 200 RSVPs and collected many toys to donate. We are proud to host this event for our community at no cost, as it is a time of giving and spreading cheer.

Did Covid change how you operate or alter your plans in any way?

Yes, I have experienced many challenges during the pandemic including, closing our store front several times due to Covid-19 positive tests, supply shortages, staffing issues and overall fear, sadness and uncertainty that fills the air everyday. Overall, my priority is to keep our staff, family and customers safe, even if that means closing our store and losing sales.

Where do you hope to take your company in the future?

Eventually expanding our brand into other cities and states is a future goal, as well as expanding our menu and evolving into a seated indoor/outdoor cafe that serves a unique menu, ability to have live music, community events and a place for the community to gather and feel welcomed.

How do you think being a Pressed Post Operator will improve your business?

I have been a Pressed customer for years and have enjoyed many cleanses while living in San Francisco for 10 years. I am happy to bring Pressed to our small community that doesn't have many fresh, healthy options easily available. This is such a great addition and will additionally allow us to welcome new customers from the Pressed community.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of Pressed and bringing this to our community.

Cheers!

Brianna Vasquez

Owner, Brewja Coffee

 brewjacoffee