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Shoptalk - Lightopia By Jenn Tanaka
The Location 13011 Newport Ave. #104, Tustin; (714) 544-2584, www.thelostbean.com
The Owners Six years ago, Bodie Berg and Zeke Covarrubias met on the trading floor. But for these two aspiring entrepreneurs, the financial market wasn’t the only thing on their minds. “We wanted to do something a little different that reflected our political beliefs,” says Berg. “We both complained about the way the world was, but we really never did anything. So we started the shop with the hopes of being as green as possible.” However, hitting their customers over the head with environmentally-conscious jargon was never in their business plan.
The Ambience At first look, The Lost Bean looks like any other coffee shop – dark woods, comfortable chairs and a clean, modern design. However, unlike the larger coffee chains, Berg and Covarrubias pay close attention to exactly what their customers want and need. “We try to get as much feedback from the community as possible,” says Covarrubias. “I think that great ideas just keep coming from every corner.” And these two owners not only listen to suggestions, but in most cases, they’ll also implement them. From free WiFi Internet access to more than 50 loose-leaf tea varieties, The Lost Bean offers a little taste of perfection for everyone – regardless of their social beliefs.
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The Product “We wanted to make it environmentally-conscious without turning away any of our customers or to have them feel the effects of it,” says Berg. This means keeping The Lost Bean’s prices relatively competitive. Although organic milk and coffee is about two-to-three times more expensive, Berg and Covarrubias try their best to ensure that their customers’ wallets don’t feel the difference. But trust us, you can taste it. “We try to get things locally and it also helps the local farmers that are around us,” says Covarrubias. Organic greens and chicken are a big part of the menu, but this coffee shop also offers its patrons organic baked goods. Even The Lost Bean’s “plastic” cups are environmentally-friendly since they’re made from petroleum derived from corn. Also, all of the shop’s energy credits are offset and 30% of the company’s profits are donated to non-political charitable foundations. “There are a lot of little things that are fairly easy changes that people can do without giving up their lifestyle,” says Covarrubias.
The Bottom Line Making the world a better place one cup at a time –Jenn Tanaka |