Growing up during the 90s, my experience with coffee was much like many others'—limited to the familiar taste of Folgers. But my journey with coffee took a dramatic turn far from Simi Valley, amidst the serene beauty of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii while I served in the Navy. There, I discovered Kona coffee. It was so different from anything I'd known, and it immediately changed my view on drip coffee by setting an incredibly high bar.

After my service, I found myself navigating a very different coffee landscape. From the often uninspiring instant coffee or drip in hospital break rooms to the familiar but less distinguished offerings from large coffee chains, I didn’t realize how easily one could lose touch with truly exceptional coffee.

My own coffee journey reignited powerfully after a trip to Japan in 2017. There, I witnessed firsthand the meticulous craft and wonderful ritual of pour-over coffee, which truly captivated me. Conversations with my cousin about the intricacies of cold brew versus pour-over further fueled my desire to delve deeper into the art of coffee. This exploration led me from the smooth world of cold brew to the precision and complexity of espresso. Once I made that switch, I became truly particular, consuming everything I could to learn more about the science and art behind a perfect shot. I like to obsess over every little detail espresso can offer me, and I found myself diving into coffee shops that roasted their own beans, had a story to tell, or served coffee that I felt would truly expand my palate. I looked forward to doing caffeine crawls while on vacation and happily accepted exotic coffee beans as gifts. It was during COVID when a friend—after finding out how much I was spending at coffee shops—convinced me it was time to get my own espresso machine, truly cementing my hands-on passion.

For the past 16 years, my wife and I have been deeply rooted in the wedding industry, owning a popular flower shop. This experience has given us an intimate understanding of what it takes to create truly memorable events. We've poured our passion into helping couples celebrate their most important day, and in doing so, we've also observed various event services. It became clear that there was a significant gap: a need for a coffee experience that matched the elegance and sophistication of the events themselves. There was an opportunity to explore different avenues of sharing coffee.

It was this renewed appreciation for precision and quality in espresso, combined with our extensive background in upscale events, that sparked the vision for Black Tie Espresso Bar. We founded Black Tie Espresso Bar to fill that void. Our mission is to provide an unparalleled, elegant espresso service that elevates any occasion, ensuring your guests enjoy a coffee experience as refined and memorable as the event itself. We believe that every detail counts, especially when it comes to the perfect cup. More than just a beverage, we see coffee as an expression of service, a moment for you and your guests to be present with each other, where they can cement the bond of a shared experience and feel truly present and connected.