Craftsman Coffee’s iconic 1961 Citroën HY van, a familiar sight in Pacifica, California, for the past four years, has found a new home nestled within the walls of the company’s inaugural brick-and-mortar cafe. The van, complete with its arsenal of La Marzocco Linea Mini espresso machines, Mahlkönig E65S GBW grinder, PUQ Press auto tamper, and Curtis batch brewer, now serves patrons as a unique bar inside the airy 900-square-foot retail space, just blocks away from the ocean.
Situated in a vibrant commercial district boasting diverse dining options and boutique shops, Craftsman Coffee attracts visitors with a welcoming ambiance that includes leafy potted plants, contemporary furnishings, and even a vintage Pac-Man arcade game behind a welcoming garage bay door.
Judy Hayes, Co-Founder of Craftsman Coffee, shared her design philosophy with Daily Coffee News, emphasizing a blend of vibrant colors, natural light, and a serene atmosphere. “We started with a modest budget, focusing on mixing affordable IKEA furniture with elegant pieces like the Galanter & Jones heated bench,” Hayes explained. The goal was to avoid rigid layouts that might detract from the community feel. “Our seating is flexible and open, encouraging both old and new friends to gather and enjoy moments together,” she added.
Craftsman Coffee began in 2017 as a passion project of Judy and Kirk Hayes, initially operating with a coffee cart and pop-up events. Inspired by Kirk’s home roasting, the Hayeses gradually expanded into full-time business, culminating in the acquisition of the Citroën van for mobile service.
“We stumbled upon the Citroën in Europe, originally outfitted for food and beverage service. As lovers of classic vehicles, we saw its potential and couldn’t resist,” Judy Hayes recalled. The van quickly became a beloved fixture in Pacifica, passing by a now-prominent location on Francisco Boulevard.
Reflecting on the unexpected evolution of their business, Judy remarked, “Opening a coffee shop wasn’t part of our original plan. The space had been on and off the market for years until our neighbors at the wine shop alerted us to its availability. Despite initial uncertainties, Kirk’s intuition and our community’s support made it possible.”
To meet growing demand, Craftsman Coffee partners with Izzy Fraire at the 444 roastery in Oakland, ensuring continuity in their signature coffee profiles while scaling production to support online sales, subscriptions, and wholesale distribution.
“Since opening our doors three months ago, the response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Judy shared. “Our mission to elevate and share delicious, approachable coffees in our seaside community remains unchanged. We cherish the role of being the ‘coffee mom and dad’ of the town, fostering human connections and injecting kindness into the world of specialty coffee.”
Craftsman Coffee’s journey from mobile service to a permanent cafe underscores its commitment to quality, community, and the enduring allure of craftsmanship in coffee culture.