NESTled away on Third

The Nest has planted itself in downtown Chula Vista.

As Third Avenue awaits its revitalization with the completion of three craft breweries, a new pop up art gallery and coffee shop is bringing an artistic flavor to the neighborhood.

The Nest on Third at 260 ½ Third Ave. opened during Christmas week and is bringing a new concept to the Third Avenue Village away from the typical quinceñera shop or watch repair business.

“This is an art gallery first that has a coffee shop inside,” said co-owner Alan Cassell.

The Nest offers a Mexican mocha, espresso, hot cocoa and a variety of other drinks ranging from $2 to $3 depending on cup size. Cassell said there are plans to expand their menu as the business grows.  He said the business is committed to remaining local as the shop gets its baked goods from the best bakers and from local roasters.
Cassell, a commercial real estate developer and a board member on the Third Avenue Village Association, said the

Nest is not a big chain coffee shop but rather one that the citizens of Chula Vista can relate to.

“We wanted to get creative and simple with the build out so folks do not feel like it is a formula like a Starbucks or a Coffee Bean, which I don’t think this area needs,” he said.  “We’re just trying to create something that’s good for the neighborhood without being a corporate outlet or something without a personality.”

Cassell said he anticipates three craft breweries on Third Avenue to bring a lot of foot traffic to downtown Chula Vista, but said the art gallery and coffee shop provides a different choice for the non-beer drinker.

“When the beer businesses open up there is an alternative with The Nest for those who do not like beer,” Cassell said.

“I found with where Third Avenue is going with beer and bar related businesses that this would make a good fit.”
The walls of The Nest are decorated with artistic paintings by artist Jorge Mendoza, many of them hand crafted.

Cassell said he wants the gallery to be the main focus of the business.  The Nest will hold its first art show on March 2.

The Nest is closed on Sundays and Mondays and opened Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.