Founded in 2014 by head roaster David Kennedy, James Coffee Co. started as a modest roasting operation in a shared warehouse off Pacific Highway alongside San Diego Customs motorcycle shop. Its first coffeehouse opened in Little Italy's The Space boutique, which is now currently listed as "temporarily closed." The Bankers Hill location debuted in 2018 at The Louie Lofts, with a North Park expansion in 2019 at 4379 30th Street. The Escondido site serves as its roasting base, while the others have become community staples, offering espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, cold brews, and a selection of pastries from local favorites like Le Parfait Paris. The Rancho Carmel Plaza location is expected to follow suit, featuring the same menu that has earned the company a loyal following.
The new site, taking over a space previously occupied by Starbucks, sits at the signalized intersection of Rancho Carmel Drive and Ted Williams Parkway. Surrounded by a vibrant mix of businesses, including All Day Pet Hospital, Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing, Quick Wok, and Nova Nail Spa, among others, the plaza offers high visibility and foot traffic, making it an ideal spot for James Coffee to attract both locals and commuters.
James Coffee Co. prides itself on traditional roasting techniques, emphasizing the journey from coffee cherry to cup. Each batch is crafted to highlight unique flavors, with a rotating lineup of single-origin beans sourced globally and proprietary blends designed in-house. Kennedy's hands-on approach extends beyond the coffee, as he custom-builds furniture for each location, adding a personal touch to the aesthetic of every shop.
The Rancho Carmel Plaza addition could be one of two projects in the works for 2025. The company's Yelp page hints at a potential reopening of its 2355 India Street location on August 1, though details are pending. For now, the focus is on bringing its artisan brews to Carmel Mountain Ranch, further cementing James Coffee Co.’s place in San Diego’s thriving coffee culture.
The new James Coffee Co. is slated to open later in 2025 at 10195 Rancho Carmel Drive in San Diego's Carmel Mountain Ranch. For more information, visit jamescoffeeco.com.
James Coffee Co. prides itself on traditional roasting techniques, emphasizing the journey from coffee cherry to cup. Each batch is crafted to highlight unique flavors, with a rotating lineup of single-origin beans sourced globally and proprietary blends designed in-house. Kennedy's hands-on approach extends beyond the coffee, as he custom-builds furniture for each location, adding a personal touch to the aesthetic of every shop.
The Rancho Carmel Plaza addition could be one of two projects in the works for 2025. The company's Yelp page hints at a potential reopening of its 2355 India Street location on August 1, though details are pending. For now, the focus is on bringing its artisan brews to Carmel Mountain Ranch, further cementing James Coffee Co.’s place in San Diego’s thriving coffee culture.
The new James Coffee Co. is slated to open later in 2025 at 10195 Rancho Carmel Drive in San Diego's Carmel Mountain Ranch. For more information, visit jamescoffeeco.com.
