For many years, business broker Sylvia Reyes drove by this coffee shop in Aptos on her way to drop off her sons at school in the morning. She fantasized about listing and selling then-Surf City Coffee and what it would be like to own a coffee shop once her sons grew up and left for college.
That fantasy became reality in August when she became the proud owner of California Coffee in Redwood Village.
Reyes hopes customers will continue to enjoy the “best coffee in Aptos,” and support a single mother and a born-and-raised local businesswoman.
She’s ready for a ribbon-cutting with the Aptos Chamber of Commerce Friday, April 8, from 11 a.m. to noon, and a grand opening Saturday, April 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. She has a staff of five.
Reyes has created a grassy patio outside, complete with a waterfall as a comfortable spot to hang out. Inside there’s a tropical vibe, surfing, local art inspired by the sea, music, and Bay Area sports in the cozy sports lounge.
Reyes is committed to sustaining a welcoming diverse atmosphere. She’s hosting local musicians on the patio on Saturdays, hoping many customers will enjoy their favorite hot, iced, caffeinated, alcoholic or tropical beverages while they relax. Yes, California Coffee is licensed to sell beer and wine.
A longtime resident of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, Reyes enjoys volunteering with nonprofit organizations, local schools and helping the underserved.
Sylvia Reyes, new owner of California Coffee, hugs her dog, Pepsi. • Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz
Reyes also works for Coast Business Brokerage, which has 20+ successful years helping people buy and sell businesses in Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties. She’s assisted many buyers and sellers in untangling the complexities in business transactions.
She’s owned an agribusiness, served as executive director for two California associations and worked in human relations and risk management for large farming companies.
When she chaired the board of Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, she built strong business relationships. She’s newly back on as an associate director.
She chaired the board of SCORE of Monterey Bay and she’s been a board member for the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, Santa Cruz Volunteer Center, California Coastal Rural Development Corp. Loan Review Committee, and the Monterey County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
“But my most important role is being a single mom to my sons Marcos and R.J. Reyes,” she said. “They are my super stars!”
Both are graduates of Aptos High School, on their own in the world.
Reyes wants to plan activities for our community, our youth, and especially young women.
“I would like to empower Latinas of all ages, single moms and youth to follow their dreams and never let anyone or anything break their stride!” she said. “We are ‘guerreras,’ warriors, and anything is possible with the right mind set and manifesting techniques.”
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The grand reopening of California Coffee in Aptos will be 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at 9105 Soquel Drive, Aptos, with music by the Joint Chiefs, vendors, face painting for youth, food and raffle prizes.
Regular hours: Mon. & Tues., 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wed., 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thurs. & Fri., 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat. & Sun., 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Holidays: Close at 2 p.m.
For information, see the shop’s Facebook page at califcoffee21 or Instagram california_coffee_ or call 831-684-2750.