Brew Coffee and Beer is celebrating its 8th anniversary this week, and Ritual is super proud to have been Brew’s roasting partner from the very beginning. We chatted with owners Alisse Cottle and Jessica Borrayo to reminisce about Brew’s journey and highlight some of the reasons it has become a Santa Rosa favorite.
What is unique about Brew?
“Brew is a queer/women-owned cafe that has become a community staple in Sonoma County. We provide a welcoming place for all ages of LGBTQ folks, BIPOC folks, activists, artists, musicians, and creatives. We are unapologetically who we are, while serving the best quality coffee, craft beer, beverages, and great food too.”
What about the most crave-worthy items that Brew is known for?
“People love our Ginger Cardamom Latte. We make our syrup with fresh ginger, cardamom, and black pepper. It is spicy and sweet. The Rainbow Toast is also an all-time favorite.”
Why did you choose Ritual as your roasting partner?
“We feel Ritual has exceptional coffee quality and buying practices. We believe in supporting a more sustainable world coffee community. We are proud to represent Ritual in Sonoma County. Everyone at Ritual has become part of our Brew family. We are all coffee nerds who like to have fun too!”
What would you say is your favorite part of owning your own business?
“Knowing that we are making a difference by creating a space that people love and care so much about. As well as meeting so many people that have become good friends all because of Brew.”
What’s the most surprising task you do at your business?
“That is hard because we work every day with our team, making coffee, cleaning, cooking, sweeping up leaves outside, and fixing things. I don’t feel like anything is surprising anymore. We balance very well as business owners because we are both very different so I guess it is surprising when I can actually fix something that breaks on my own and for Jess it’s surprising when she approaches a difficult customer or staff situation on her own.”
Alisse’s Favorite Drink: an espresso with a hint of honey and a splash of cream. Jess loves iced coffee with espresso and Brew’s house-made vanilla syrup and cream.
Is there a cup of coffee that has changed your life?
“Having a cup of coffee in Guatemala at the farm it was grown on. That was a magical experience for me that I will never forget.”
What’s your favorite gadget or piece of equipment at Brew?
“Our Synesso Espresso Machine!”
And what’s the café music like?
“We change it up depending on who is working. The team plays different playlists and the main thing is that it changes every few hours so that everyone can enjoy the music.”
Is there another small business you’d like to give a shout-out to?
“We give a huge shout-out to Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie! They are a queer-owned business in Sonoma County with locations in Healdsburg and Santa Rosa, that we admire and respect very much. I would also shout out to The Bagel Mill in Petaluma, we had the pleasure of working with Glenda the owner in our past coffee careers. She is serving Ritual coffee there along with delicious bagels.”
Sonoma County is wonderful – and even more wonderful since Brew opened! Stop by for a visit soon.
Brew Coffee and Beer House is open 7:30-4
and is located at 555 Healdsburg Avenue in beautiful Santa Rosa, CA.
