This small roaster, soon to be turning into a full cafe, is located on La Jolla Blvd. just north of Pacific Beach. Chuck, who started the business in 2001 after leaving his job as a college English professor, imports only organic or socially responsible beans from the major coffee-growing regions of the world- Africa and South America mostly. Most of the bean are certified organically grown, sustainably farmed, and fair trade certified.

I found San Diego Coffee, Tea & Spice this afternoon online. And what a nice surprise to find out that they are at 5026 Cass Street down the street from my place. This happy coincidence led to a short bike ride and a tour of their roasting facility. Steve May runs the company which has been around since 1979. The front of their location is a cafe and the back is a warehouse and roasting area.