Gretchen Williams, the founder of Heartbreak Coffee, had a dream of opening up a coffee shop. She saw the sense of community a coffee shop shared during her previous experience as a barista in a small coffee shop. She witnessed first dates, reunited friends and family outings. She fell in love with that kind of space that has human interactions and relationships. In 2012, she began roasting her own beans on her stove-top burner and after several setbacks, she teamed up with designer Michelle Bandach (co-owner) to launch and start up their business. Since then, they have perfected their roasting technique, started an online store, and now, working towards a brick and mortar, Heartbreak Coffee.
Heartbreak Coffee, is expanding to a brick and mortar coffee shop in Downtown Long Beach. They, along with several other businesses, are part of a restoration and movement for artisanship/small businesses. They have turned to Kickstarter to raise $55,000. They have already hosted several pop-ups and participated in local community fundraisers in the Long Beach and Seal Beach area; their brick and mortar will allow them to expand their reach and support for the community.
