We sat down with Jerson, owner of Caffe Sole to learn more about their business and partnership with Full City & Supply.
Tell us more about you and Caffe Sole…
We specialize in espresso drinks and have a wide selection of signature drinks you won't find anywhere else in town such as our Mexican mocha and our spiced americano. We also have our own line of high-end teas, artisanal handmade chocolate, pre-Hispanic corn based drinks and coffee for you to purchase by the bag.
How did you get started in business?
Inspired by a lack of espresso bars in my hometown, I opened my first cafe in 1993. It was the first espresso bar in Tijuana, Mexico and it soon became a huge success.
What did you do before Caffe Sole?
I was in University studying to be a CA. This was my first foodservice business.
Did you feel that you had the skills to start this business?
I made sure I had the skills by running a test café for several months before opening my actual storefront and risk ruining my customers experience by testing products with them.
How did you start working with Full City & Supply?
I was referred to them by a National distributor.
What are your favourite products they supply for your customers?
I like to work with Full City & Supply because they carry the best quality products for baristas.
What is your favourite beverage on your menu?
My treat is the Mexican mocha. It’s very rich with a hint of cinnamon and it brings back memories of Mexico and family gatherings.
What is unique about your business?
I would have to say that the Mexican touch in some of our items such as the chocolate and our spiced americano.
What do you like best about owning Caffe Sole?
Meeting new and interesting people every day.
What is a fun fact about you that many people may not know?
I’ve been in the industry for over 25 years.
How important do you think community is in your cafe?
Very. We strive to create relationships and not just treat our customers as cash dispensing machines.
Can you describe your customers?
They are for the most part coffee connoisseurs, with very high quality expectations that appreciate what we serve and go out of their way to come and have what they like.
Do you have a favourite customer?
I have several, they are all unique.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out with a coffee shop, what would it be?
Love it or leave it.
What do you think the future is for community coffee shops?
I think that if you actually offer a sense of community to your customers they will keep coming, looking for the interactions that are less and less common.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Yes, come visit us and try what our customers and Avenue magazine say is the best mocha in town!