Founded in 2014 by musician-turned-roaster David Kennedy, James Coffee Co. is known for its dedication to traditional small-batch roasting and a focus on ethically sourced beans. The company has built a cult following around its carefully crafted espresso drinks, minimalist aesthetic, and inviting neighborhood cafes. What began as a warehouse roasting project has since grown into a multi-location operation with cafes in Bankers Hill, North Park, and soon Carmel Mountain Ranch.
Public records from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control confirm that James Coffee Company LLC has filed for a license at 170 Main Street in Vista, in the space currently occupied by Archer's Arrow Coffee House. The Vista location would mark James Coffee’s fifth brick-and-mortar shop, joining its original retail presence in Little Italy (currently listed as temporarily closed), a Bankers Hill storefront that opened in 2018, and the North Park cafe launched in 2019. The company also maintains a roasting facility in Escondido and will soon open a cafe within Rancho Carmel Plaza in Carmel Mountain Ranch.
The new Vista shop is set to join the city’s growing lineup of independent businesses transforming its historic downtown corridor into a bustling hub for locals and visitors alike. The space, which has housed Archer's Arrow Coffee House since 2022, is located in the heart of Vista Village, an area surrounded by breweries, boutiques, and restaurants. This seems like a natural fit for the James Coffee brand, which thrives in walkable, community-centered neighborhoods.
While few details have been officially announced, it's expected that the Vista location will offer James Coffee’s signature selection of single-origin coffees, espresso drinks, cold brews, and locally sourced pastries, as well as beer and wine. In keeping with Kennedy’s DIY ethos, customers can likely expect custom-designed furnishings and a welcoming, unpretentious vibe tailored to the Vista community.
With a new shop also in development at Rancho Carmel Plaza in Carmel Mountain Ranch and signs pointing to a possible return of its Little Italy flagship later this year, 2025 is shaping up to be a major year of expansion for the independent roaster. As James Coffee Co. continues to spread its roots across San Diego County, one thing is certain - Kennedy’s vision for mindful, locally driven coffee culture is showing no signs of slowing down.
For more information, visit jamescoffeeco.com.
The new Vista shop is set to join the city’s growing lineup of independent businesses transforming its historic downtown corridor into a bustling hub for locals and visitors alike. The space, which has housed Archer's Arrow Coffee House since 2022, is located in the heart of Vista Village, an area surrounded by breweries, boutiques, and restaurants. This seems like a natural fit for the James Coffee brand, which thrives in walkable, community-centered neighborhoods.
While few details have been officially announced, it's expected that the Vista location will offer James Coffee’s signature selection of single-origin coffees, espresso drinks, cold brews, and locally sourced pastries, as well as beer and wine. In keeping with Kennedy’s DIY ethos, customers can likely expect custom-designed furnishings and a welcoming, unpretentious vibe tailored to the Vista community.
With a new shop also in development at Rancho Carmel Plaza in Carmel Mountain Ranch and signs pointing to a possible return of its Little Italy flagship later this year, 2025 is shaping up to be a major year of expansion for the independent roaster. As James Coffee Co. continues to spread its roots across San Diego County, one thing is certain - Kennedy’s vision for mindful, locally driven coffee culture is showing no signs of slowing down.
For more information, visit jamescoffeeco.com.
Originally published on June 23, 2025.