Case Study: Beber Café – Brewing Passion, Culture, and Community
Client Overview
Beber Café is the brainchild of a longtime friend and seasoned coffee professional from the Harbor Area of Los Angeles. With years of experience in the corporate coffee world, he made the courageous leap to break free from the corporate grind and create something truly personal and authentic—a coffee brand rooted in the urban culture of LA. From humble beginnings as a pop-up coffee cart to a vision of a full-fledged business, Beber Café has blossomed into a passion project that seeks to blend the art of coffee with the vibrant, gritty spirit of the city.
The Challenge
When my friend reached out for help in bringing his vision to life, I was eager to dive in. He didn’t just want to create another coffee shop; he wanted to craft a brand that spoke to his roots—an homage to the iconic culture of LA, with its mix of classic cars, urban art, and skateboarding. His vision was to create a coffee experience that wasn’t just about the drink, but about celebrating a lifestyle—a fusion of art, music, street culture, and coffee. As a skateboarder myself, I could immediately connect with the passion and energy behind the concept.
But there was a challenge: How do we bring this bold idea to life in a way that resonates with the local community, while building a brand that’s fresh, authentic, and future-proof?
The Solution
Brand Identity: Crafting the Urban Vibe
Our first priority was to create an identity that spoke to the heart of the brand. Beber Café needed to represent more than just great coffee—it had to embody the culture of LA’s Harbor Area: its laid-back yet edgy vibe, the spirit of rebellion, and a love for craftsmanship. The brand needed to evoke a sense of place, while tapping into the emotions of those who identify with urban subcultures like skateboarding, street art, and custom car culture.
We worked on a logo that felt modern and street-smart, while paying homage to the classic aesthetics of LA’s urban roots. The typography was bold and playful, evoking the free-spirited attitude of a skateboarder, and the color palette reflected the vibrancy and grit of city life—deep oranges and blacks, reminiscent of sunsets and street art.
Product Line: Coffee Meets Culture
From the beginning, my friend envisioned Beber Café as more than just a coffee vendor. He wanted to offer limited-edition products alongside his core coffee offerings—apparel, custom mugs, prints, and gear that reflected the unique intersection of skateboarding, cars, and coffee. It wasn’t just about selling a beverage; it was about creating an entire lifestyle that could be worn, shared, and celebrated.
To reinforce this, we designed a line of merchandise that included sleek coffee mugs, hoodies, and hats featuring custom art inspired by the streets, the decks, and the cars that influenced the brand. These products would serve as a tangible extension of the community Beber Café was building—products that people not only used but also wore proudly, signaling their affiliation with the culture.
Pop-Ups & Community Engagement: Building a Loyal Following
The original business model was based on pop-up events—bringing the coffee directly to the people at car shows, private parties, and community gatherings. These events were not only about serving coffee, but also about being present in the community. My friend became known for bringing high-quality coffee to spaces where people already felt connected to the urban culture—events where the cars, skateboards, and street art were already the stars.
We worked together to design a pop-up booth that was as much a piece of art as it was a coffee station—sleek, stylish, and packed with personality. The mobile cart became an extension of the brand, with bold graphics and a design that invited people to stop, chat, and, of course, enjoy a great cup of coffee.
Looking Ahead: The Permanent Location
One of the most exciting steps in Beber Beber Café’s journey is the upcoming opening of its first brick-and-mortar location in the Harbor Area. The cafe will serve as a hub for coffee lovers and community members alike, offering a physical space where customers can connect, create, and celebrate the urban culture that inspired the brand.
In addition to coffee, the cafe will continue its focus on lifestyle products, with limited-edition collections of streetwear, skate decks, and custom artwork. The permanent location will also host events, local artist showcases, and skateboarding sessions, ensuring that Beber Café remains a cultural destination, not just a place to grab a cup of coffee.
The Impact
Beber Café has quickly grown from a passion project into a full-blown movement. By blending quality coffee with urban culture, my friend has created a space for like-minded individuals to connect over shared passions. The brand has already gained significant traction within the local community, drawing a loyal following who appreciate the authenticity and creativity behind the cafe.
What started as a pop-up cart is now an evolving business that aims to not only redefine what a coffee brand can be but also celebrate the culture that inspired it. It’s an exciting journey, and I’m proud to have been part of bringing this unique vision to life.
Conclusion
Beber Café is more than just a coffee brand; it’s a cultural statement. Through creativity, community engagement, and a deep connection to the streets of LA, Beber Café has become a symbol of the urban spirit. It’s a perfect example of how passion, culture, and business can come together to create something truly special. And with its permanent location on the horizon, the future is looking even brighter for Beber Café and the community it’s building
My Role
Creative Direction