Caffe in Coffee Founders Chris (left) and Jay Lee show available pastries and specialty coffee drinks from their newly opened shop. “When customers describe our coffee as addictive and unlike anything they’ve tasted elsewhere, all of our hard work feels worthwhile,” says Chris.
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Caffe in Coffee
Behind every cup at Caffe in Coffee is a years-long journey of self-taught roasting and a married couple’s determination to craft something distinctly their own. The specialty coffee shop opened in the Plaza in December as the second location for owners Chris and Jay Lee, joining their existing shop in Tustin.
“We have a warm and welcoming atmosphere that focuses on quality, comfort and community,” says Jay. “Consistency is also very important to us, so our brand identity is that we have house-roasted beans.”
The couple’s path to specialty coffee took several turns. They operated The Brunch Café in Anaheim for seven years, sourcing beans from suppliers rather than roasting their own. But over time, Chris wanted to enhance the flavor.
“Even after requesting adjustments, I was never fully satisfied,” he says. “That was when I developed a strong desire to roast coffee myself.”
Chris began teaching himself roasting techniques using books and a small electric roaster in his home garage. The couple eventually sold The Brunch Café, and both traveled to South Korea for professional coffee training, where they studied at roasting schools and received certificates from the Specialty Coffee Association.
The couple also visited well-known cafes, studied flavors and menus, and went through extensive trial and error before landing on the coffee they offer now.
“The result of that journey is the coffee and menu we proudly serve today,” says Chris.
Caffe in Coffee’s menu centers on a signature cream-topped line made with house-made syrups and a special technique that keeps the cream fluffy without being overly sweet. Customers can choose from classic espresso drinks like a cappuccino or a regular latte, or opt for lattes with flavorings like hazelnut or honey lavender. The cafe also serves a variety of matcha drinks, as well as pastries and bagels.
“Rather than serving only conventional dark roasts, we specialize in medium-light roasts that allow customers to experience complex flavor profiles,” says Chris. “We want our guests to discover that coffee can express delicate characteristics and a refined richness that goes beyond simple bitterness.”
For the Lees, the coffee-making process is personal, but so is the connection they build with their clientele.
“I think it’s my mission and purpose to run this business,” says Jay. “I love building connections with the customers and serving great coffee to the community, and it makes my day when someone says, ‘This is my favorite coffee shop.’”
Caffe in Coffee
162 North Glassell St. #A, Old Towne Orange, CA 92866 / 714-363-3066
