Cat And Cloud Coffee isn’t just another coffee shop; it’s a philosophy, a community, and a testament to the joy of coffee. Originating from Santa Cruz, California, and now making waves at locations like the La Marzocco Café, Cat and Cloud has carved a unique niche in the specialty coffee world. This isn’t just about serving excellent coffee; it’s about creating an atmosphere where happiness is brewed alongside every cup. Let’s dive into what makes Cat and Cloud Coffee so special and why it’s a must-experience for any coffee enthusiast.
Meet the Minds Behind the Brew: Jared Truby and Chris Baca
The story of Cat and Cloud Coffee is intertwined with the journeys of its co-owners, Jared Truby and Chris Baca. Their paths to coffee were distinct yet converged into a shared vision for what a coffee company could be.
Dreaming of Cat & Cloud Coffee
Chris’s foray into coffee began unexpectedly. After a back injury and surgery, seeking a less “depressing” job than his previous skate shop role, he landed in a local coffee shop. As Chris puts it, he “got right into that espresso porto filter and I extracted it. Full of filters.” This humorous, almost accidental entry, quickly turned into a passion.
Jared’s connection to coffee was more familial. With a father who was trained by Dillanos Coffee Roasters, coffee was always around. After returning from college and seeking direction, Jared joined his father in the coffee business. Working alongside his dad, Jared discovered his own deep appreciation for coffee beans, particularly mentioning a fondness for “Kenya-Double-A.”
Their paths merged around 2010 when they started blogging together, sharing their coffee philosophies. This collaboration grew into a business partnership, fueled by a shared belief that they could create a coffee company that truly stood out. As Chris jokingly stated, “nobody else fucking makes good coffee, so we’re like we’re gonna be the only good coffee company out there.” This playful confidence underscores their drive for quality and uniqueness in the competitive coffee industry.
The Happy Cafe Philosophy: More Than Just Coffee
Cat and Cloud Coffee’s cafes are designed to be more than just places to grab a caffeine fix. They are intentionally crafted to be “happy places.” This philosophy is central to their brand and permeates every aspect of the customer experience.
Cat & Cloud Kenya on the Beach
Imagine a cafe with multiple doors, bathed in natural light, and staffed by friendly faces. This is the essence of a Cat and Cloud cafe. They aim to create a welcoming environment where anyone feels comfortable, whether they are seasoned coffee aficionados or simply someone seeking directions. As Jared describes, their cafe is “very light… a very open place, there’s a lot of sunlight. It’s a very friendly place. It’s a place where anybody can go and feel welcome.”
Their mission is simple yet profound: “if someone leaves happier than when they came in, we’ve done our job.” This extends beyond paying customers to anyone who walks through their doors. Whether it’s serving coffee, tea, or just offering a glass of water and directions to a lost visitor, the goal is to spread positivity.
This commitment to happiness also extends to their team. In a remarkable display of transparency and trust, Cat and Cloud shares their complete financial picture with their staff, fostering a sense of ownership and shared purpose. This open approach to business and team motivation is another element that sets them apart.
Defining the Flavor: Sweetness and Complexity
When it comes to coffee, Cat and Cloud has a distinct palate. They aren’t chasing fleeting trends but are focused on delivering a consistent flavor profile that resonates with their vision of quality coffee.
Cat & Cloud Pin
Jared and Chris emphasize their preference for “coffee that’s very sweet, which is true, we love coffee that has a great finish, which is also true. And, we like complexity.” Their coffees often exhibit fruity and juicy notes, creating a vibrant and engaging taste experience. While acknowledging that palate preferences are subjective, their commitment to sweetness, a clean finish, and complexity serves as their guiding star in coffee selection and roasting.
Interestingly, they also offer unexpected items like milkshakes, demonstrating a playful approach to their menu and a willingness to cater to diverse tastes, even in locations like Seattle, known for its serious coffee culture.
Branding with Simplicity and Playfulness
Cat and Cloud’s branding is as distinctive as their coffee philosophy. Their bag designs, while simple, are immediately recognizable and reflect their brand personality.
Cat & Cloud Bags
Ray from Unpacking Coffee noted the “playful typography and the contrasting colors” as key elements of their bag appeal. The design isn’t overly elaborate, relying on color, illustration, and typography to create a unique and memorable look. This approach proves that impactful packaging doesn’t require extravagance.
Kandace highlights the simplicity, noting it’s “a pretty simple bag, right? It is a bag with a label.” Yet, within this simplicity, they’ve managed to inject personality and brand identity effectively. Even small details, like hand-drawn elements on boxes depicting a cat and a cloud, contribute to their charming and approachable brand image.
Conclusion: Experience the Cat and Cloud Difference
Cat and Cloud Coffee offers more than just a caffeine boost; it’s an invitation to experience coffee culture built on happiness, quality, and genuine connection. From their thoughtfully designed cafes to their focus on sweet and complex coffee flavors, every detail is curated to enhance the customer experience. Whether you’re a local in Santa Cruz, visiting the La Marzocco Cafe, or seeking out their beans online, discovering Cat and Cloud Coffee is a journey into a brighter, more joyful coffee world. It’s a testament to how passion, personality, and a focus on people can create a truly exceptional coffee brand.
