Arizona-based Cartel Roasting Co. celebrated the grand opening of its first Los Angeles cafe this month as it expands further into California.

The 1,370-square-foot, 40-seat shop in Beverly Grove opens to the California sun through a 12-foot stained-glass door designed by co-owner Jason Silberschlag.

Silberschlag also led the location’s ironwork and woodwork, giving the nostalgic design a handcrafted feel. Warm wood paneling lines the walls, bar and floor, while antiques throughout the cafe reinforce the vintage look. Customers can sit on green leather banquettes that match the green tile behind the bar.

“Since we opened in 2008, Cartel’s mission has been to build connection and community through our farmer relationships, company culture, cafes and online,” Cartel Roasting Co-Founder Amy Silberschlag told Daily Coffee News. “We are so excited to build our community further in Southern California.”

In the glow of a retro red neon sign, Cartel baristas use Mazzer Robur and ZM grinders to prepare coffee for a La Marzocco Linea PB ABR espresso machine and Fetco CBS-1232 batch brewer. The cafe makes its alternative milks in-house using a NuMilk system, while a kegerator chills and dispenses house-made cold brew. 

Potted plants and cacti nod to Cartel’s Southwestern roots, while the drinks menu remains consistent with other Cartel locations. The Los Angeles shop distinguishes itself with locally baked and prepared breakfast and lunch options from Larder Baking Co., Uncle Paulie’s Deli and Breakfast Dreams.

Jason and Amy Silberschlag launched Cartel Roasting Co. in Tempe, Arizona, in 2008 with a single cafe and their own small roasting operation. Today, Cartel has 13 locations in Arizona, plus the new Los Angeles shop and another cafe in Palm Springs. Roasted coffees for the company’s retail and wholesale channels come from the Tempe roastery, where Cartel now roasts on a Loring S70 Peregrine.

In an effort to expand while avoiding debt to big banks, Cartel launched a StartEngine campaign that closed in late January, selling equity shares to 684 investors to raise more than $977,000. Long-term plans call for continued retail expansion in the Southwest while pursuing national distribution for Cartel’s roasted coffee and RTD cold brew products.

“Cartel isn’t just about serving great coffee,” Cartel Roasting Co. President and COO Jesse Pangburn told DCN. “It’s about facilitating community through each cup, whether it’s enjoyed at one of our cafes or at home in your own coffee ritual.”

Cartel Roasting Co. is located at 8018 W 3rd St. in Los Angeles.

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