Since 2013, Mostra Coffee has expanded from a garage in 4S Ranch to locations in Carmel Mountain Ranch, 4S Ranch, Bankers Hill, and Hillcrest. But co-founder and chief marketing officer Jelynn Malone says they have their eyes on more locations across the county, starting with Torrey Pines at the end of September and Mira Mesa by the end of the year.
“It’s our goal to really expand around the city,” says Malone, adding they’ve had their eye on North County coastal communities and South Bay. Torrey Pines was the next logical step, thanks to their roasting facility’s location off the 56 and their partnership with San Diego Wave FC, whose offices and training pitch are in nearby Del Mar.
After Torrey Pines and Mira Mesa, Malone says Mostra’s next stop is Terminal 1 at the San Diego airport. That timeline is a little fuzzier due to construction, but “that one is really exciting,” she adds. Expanding access to their collection of coffee curated from the Philippines and around the world to locals and visitors alike will allow Mostra to introduce more people to their award-winning drinks as well as their global vision. “I can’t wait to actually have that open and travel, and go to my own store while I’m at the airport,” says Malone. “So cool.”
Speaking of awards, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s long list grew a little longer earlier this year when it named Mostra one of the Top 100 Small Businesses in the country in the “Disruptor” category. That means “businesses that have boldly ventured into uncharted territory by introducing groundbreaking products or services, or by redefining traditional business structures. These businesses embody innovation and creativity, challenging the status quo and setting new industry benchmarks,” according to the Chamber’s website.
Mostra Coffee launched with the mantra “be the reason people see the goodness in humanity,” and Malone says continuing to expand across San Diego will not only help their business, but the farmers they support around the world. She hinted at a few other developments they aren’t ready to share quite yet, but we’ll be keeping an eye on them during October (Filipino American History Month) and well beyond.
San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events
Mama G’s Kitchen & Sauces Now Open in Mission Valley
After three years of farmers markets and pop-ups, Mama G’s finally has its own brick-and-mortar at 407 Camino del Rio South. Owner Gloria Tietjen says they’re still making a few changes to the space, but plan to have a grand opening in the very near future. Formerly known as Mama G’s Special Sauce, Tietjen’s collection of Peruvian condiments helped launch her menu of traditional Peruvian favorites at the new restaurant, which include “classic seafood, beef, and chicken dishes most popular to Peru, as well as some desserts like our famous lucuma ice cream and others,” explains Tietjen. “Our concept is authentic Peruvian cuisine with a homemade plate and cozy vibe.” She says they hope to continue expanding in the future. I say, the more Peruvian food in San Diego, the better.
Beth’s Bites
- When it rains, it pours, and there are a whole slew of new restaurants that have recently opened: Bober Tea & Coffee (Grantville), Starvin’ Marvin’s sandwiches (Pacific Beach), Dumpling Bar (Encinitas), and Taqueria Tijuanazo (Hillcrest).
- But wait! There are even more coming: Ayumi Sushi and Chinese Cuisine (Spring Valley), Ultreya Coffee with Aroma Lee Shop (Ocean Beach), The Avenue Fish & Oyster Company (Coronado), and Tus Chefs Favoritas (Chula Vista).
- Need something to occupy your time before the next round of new restaurants opens? You’re in luck—it’s Negroni Week and Roma Norte is revamping the Rosita, a 1970s cocktail with tequila, Campari, vermouth, and Mommenpop’s Ruby Grapefruit Aperitif. I also recommend seeing what the Negroni buffs at J & Tony’s are whipping up this week…
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