February 13, 2018
Founded by Jen Byard, Communal Coffee reignited a once quiet stretch of North Park when it debuted on University Avenue in Spring 2016, serving up a beautifully designed aesthetic alongside craft coffee creations and gourmet bites. Partnering with local florist Native Poppy, the hybrid café, gift shop, and floral bar has cultivated a mix of coffee connoisseurs, creatives and community members looking for a space to call their own. Lines routinely snake down the block as seasoned baristas brew up such standouts that include the Lavender Honey Latte, Rose Vanilla Latte, and toast flights, while sophisticated bouquets and seasonal stems add a visually stunning and enlightening impression to the space.
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| Communal Coffee Founder Jen Byard |
Having solidified her status as one of San Diego’s hospitality pioneers, Jen looked to replicate the ethos of Communal Coffee in a new and inventive format. Turning her attention to her own neighborhood of South Park, she secured a 2,000-square foot empty lot on the bustling thoroughfare of Fern Street and set about creating a space that was at once aspirational and accessible, with a community-centric approach to the typical cafe experience. Adapting Communal Coffee’s signature design to fit the needs and layout of the outdoor space, Jen sourced a vintage 1959 Shasta Trailer, converting it into a fully functioning espresso bar and pastry shop, adding artistic elements and upscale finishes throughout. Modern-bohemian touches will adorn the trailer and surrounding lot, with a lush, secret garden aesthetic intertwining to create an intimate, comfortable space to serve the neighborhood. Seating will be scattered about, with a stage to host live performances and movie nights, in addition to hosting community events.
Coffee aficionados will be pleased to find Bay Area roaster Sightglass Coffee served onsite, alongside Jen’s signature lattes and espresso drinks. Collaborating with local pastry shops from around the city, patrons can order from a robust selection of toasts, pasties, and granola bowls, with Nomad Donuts supplying their famed bagels and donuts. Continuing her ethos of creating multi-purpose spaces, Jen will also launch a Communal Coffee South Park retail component, where guests can peruse an assortment of branded merchandise and coffee brewing equipment and accessories.
For more information on Communal Coffee, visit communalcoffee.com.
