Dedo Coffee, a distinctive new establishment in Long Beach, California, is redefining the cafe experience by integrating exceptional high-fidelity audio with meticulously crafted coffee. This intimate space, founded by Scott and Sarah, is designed to engage all senses, moving beyond mere functionality to offer a holistic and immersive environment. With a strong emphasis on the coffee itself, complemented by a curated selection of music played on vintage equipment and the tactile beauty of handmade ceramics, Dedo Coffee invites patrons to slow down and savor each moment. The venture represents a labor of love for its first-time small business owners, who have poured their vision into creating a community hub that champions intentionality and quality in every detail.
Situated in the Wrigley neighborhood of Long Beach, Dedo Coffee emerges from a long-held vision of its founders, Scott and Sarah. Scott contributes a diverse background in hospitality, co-working industries, and high-end audio manufacturing, while Sarah brings her expertise as a coffee researcher and university professor. Their combined strengths have shaped a space that not only serves beverages but also cultivates an atmosphere centered around unique auditory and gustatory pleasure. The cafe’s design reflects a deep commitment to ambience, with custom seating, bespoke millwork, and a locally sourced record cabinet contributing to its distinctive character. Despite its compact size, the interior is acoustically treated to optimize the listening experience, ensuring that every note from the hi-fi system resonates perfectly within the cozy confines. A prominent skylight bathes the space in natural light, enhancing the warm tones chosen by their interior designer, Kellie Patry. This careful attention to environmental detail transforms the cafe from a simple coffee shop into a sanctuary for sensory appreciation.
Dedo Coffee's approach to its core product is both straightforward and quality-focused. They maintain a simple yet consistent coffee menu, featuring two distinct options on their FETCO twin brewer: a flavorful daily brew and a more specialized offering for coffee aficionados. The philosophy is clear: to highlight the coffee's inherent qualities. This commitment extends to their espresso, served using a refurbished and custom-painted La Marzocco Linea PB machine paired with a Mahlkönig E65S grind-by-weight grinder and PuqPress tamper. For batch brews, an EK43 shop grinder is utilized. Their partnership with Unity Sourcing and Roasting underscores a shared dedication to transparent sourcing, consistent roasting, and quality that caters to diverse palates. Beyond the standard fare, the cafe plans to offer seasonal beverages like a salty licorice mocha and a 'barista’s choice' drink named after their rescue dog, Wilbur, along with house-made iced tea and sparkling lemon-limeade. Emphasizing a slower, more mindful consumption, all in-house drinks are served in beautiful, custom-made ceramic vessels, encouraging patrons to linger and appreciate their surroundings.
The auditory experience at Dedo Coffee is powered by an impressive array of high-fidelity equipment, carefully selected to offer an engaging sound experience without being overly exclusive. The setup includes Tannoy Legacy Eaton loudspeakers, a Luxman L-509x integrated amplifier, a Technics SL-1200G turntable, and an Auralic Altair high-resolution streaming DAC. Room treatments from GIK Acoustics ensure optimal sound acoustics, while a custom record cabinet by R/D Record Cabinets from Los Angeles proudly displays their vinyl collection. This commitment to superior audio quality provides a unique backdrop to the coffee experience, elevating the cafe beyond the ordinary. Furthermore, Dedo Coffee places a strong emphasis on various facets of sustainability. For co-owner Sarah, sustainability is a critical concept, viewed not merely as an industry trend but as a holistic commitment. This translates into environmental responsibility through working with trusted roasters, prioritizing quality over quantity, and supporting local businesses whenever possible. They also consider community and long-term economic accountability as integral parts of their sustainability model, aiming to foster innovative practices within the industry that extend beyond simple eco-friendly measures. Their projected opening in July 2025 marks the culmination of transforming a former neglected space into a vibrant community asset.
The realization of Dedo Coffee has been a collaborative effort, involving numerous skilled craftspeople and creative professionals. Kellie Patry, a designer from Los Angeles, meticulously crafted the interior vision, translating the founders' ideas into a tangible, inviting space. ReBuilt, a local Long Beach contractor, took on the nuanced commercial project, executing the construction with expertise. R/D Record Cabinets, also from Los Angeles, created the exquisite record storage and display unit. Sasha Pace of Vida Plant Shop, based in Long Beach, handled the botanical design and installation, collaborating with Beth Bowman of Bowman Ceramics for custom planters. Additionally, Black Rabbit Service Co. provided invaluable support for water filtration and infrastructure, ensuring the coffee machines operate flawlessly and offering ongoing maintenance. These collaborations highlight a shared dedication to quality and craftsmanship, bringing to life a coffee haven that promises a distinctive and memorable visit for all who enter.