The Cala Coffee Company will be distributing free coffee when they visit Ben Brown Plaza on April 4 from 10-11:15 a.m.
In the summer of 2016, company founders Josh and Melanie Cosio originally planned to stay in Birmingham for a year due to an internship, but after Melanie Cosio got accepted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, they decided to stay in the city for a few more years.
Today, with Melanie Cosio being a full-time physical therapist, Josh Cosio handles the majority of tasks associated with the business such as roasting the coffee, marketing, sales, managing construction for their shop, etc.
According to their website, they offer coffee beans and grinds from different parts of the world, such as Ethiopia, Guatemala, El Salvador and Brazil. They also offer other merchandise such as a spice rub, a cold brew kit, tank tops, shirts and gift cards.
They serve coffee drinks at The Fig Tree in Cahaba Heights on Tuesday-Friday from 7:30-11:30 a.m. Customers can also buy their bags of coffee on their website, at local Piggly Wiggly stores and at Local Source in Five Points.
One piece of advice that Josh Cosio shared that applies to young entrepreneurs is the importance of seeking advice from those more experienced than them.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from other business owners. Most of the time, people are willing to help you,” Josh Cosio said.
The couple is currently having their own coffee shop built in the Cahaba Heights area, which will be ready later this year. Once their shop is up and running, customers will be able to purchase lattes, espressos, cold brews, mochas, breakfast items and much more.
As far as long-term goals, the Cosios want to focus on building their first shop in Cahaba Heights. However, they also desire to form relationships with other coffee shops, sell their products in restaurants, and spread awareness of their company in the city of Birmingham.
Josh Cosio said that even after they open up their shop in Cahaba Heights, they plan to utilize their Coffee Cart for different events.
Anyone seeking more information about the Cosio’s business or who is interested in booking their Coffee Cart for an event, can email info@calacoffeeco.com.
Staff Writer
