The End of an Era: 5 Years at Los Alamitos

As the chapter at our Los Alamitos location draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve had over the past five years. When I signed the lease on December 19, 2019, I envisioned a cool, cozy coffee shop nestled in the corner plaza across from Los Alamitos. Back then, I was fueled by ambition and a dream to showcase the beauty of Filipino coffee. What I didn’t realize was just how important location truly is—a lesson that became clearer with every step of this journey.

Despite the challenges we faced, especially during the pandemic, this space became so much more than a coffee shop. It turned into a hub of creativity, collaboration, and community—a place where people could gather, share, and connect. Every event, partnership, and shared experience became a lesson that shaped who we are today.

We didn’t just sell coffee; we cultivated experiences. From art gallery showings to coffee tastings, and from cakes, pies, and vegan pop-ups to shared kitchen ventures with San & Wolves Bakeshop and EatBaryo, this space thrived with ideas and innovation. It hosted podcasts, movie screenings, open mics, and even multiple food concepts running side by side. We celebrated milestones with book signings, engagement parties, and events that brought people together to celebrate culture and creativity. Every single moment taught us something new—about the business, about community, and about ourselves.

The journey hasn’t been without its trials. My landlord graciously offered me an exit two years ago, in the aftermath of the pandemic. But walking away didn’t feel right. Instead, we leaned into the challenge, determined to keep going and to honor our commitment to the Philippines and the farmers who cultivate the incredible coffee we proudly serve. Their hard work and dedication are at the heart of everything we do.

What I cherish most about these past five years is the learning—the constant evolution of what Teofilo Coffee Company could be. Every collaboration, every event, and every conversation taught us to be better, to push boundaries, and to hold steadfast to our mission.

While the Los Alamitos location is coming to an end, this isn’t goodbye. It’s a new beginning. The lessons we’ve learned here will guide us as we grow and create new spaces to share the richness of Filipino coffee. More than a coffee shop, we’ve become a movement—one that celebrates culture, supports our farmers, and fosters a community that believes in the power of connection.

Thank you to everyone who walked through our doors, attended an event, or shared a moment with us. Your support and belief in what we stand for are the reasons we’ve made it this far. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to giving back to the Philippines, uplifting our farmers, and showing the world just how special Filipino coffee is.

Here’s to the memories we’ve made, the lessons we’ve learned, and the future we’re building. The story of Teofilo Coffee Company continues as we move to Long Beach and Carson.