Roots Café began in late 2018 when my wife, Christine, and I opened a small coffee shop in Cerritos, California. We started with limited resources but a clear purpose: to build something meaningful for our community. As the business grew, we faced our first major test in 2020 when the shutdown hit. Like many small businesses, we weren’t sure if we would survive — but we did.
During the pandemic, we made a pivotal decision to begin roasting our own coffee. What started as a practical investment to manage costs became a defining part of who we are. We wanted a roast profile that didn’t exist — smooth and balanced for drip, yet bold enough to stand up in milk. So we created it ourselves.
In May 2020, just as the world felt uncertain, our twin boys were born. It was one of the most challenging and meaningful seasons of our lives. We were navigating new parenthood while fighting to keep our business alive.
In 2025, another unexpected blow came when our landlord sold the plaza to a housing developer and every tenant was forced out. For a moment, we considered stepping away from coffee entirely. But by the grace of God, we were given an opportunity to continue roasting.
Today, we are proud to focus on what matters most: roasting high-quality coffee for our community and for our everyday local heroes. What began as a small neighborhood café has grown into something deeper — a story of resilience, family, and faith.
Thank you for your continued support and love. We hope you can feel that love in every drop.