Downtown Chula Vista Third Avenue continues to evolve as a center of culture and community, with family-owned coffee houses playing a key role in that transformation. Following part one’s spotlight on Galu Cafe and Mujer Divina Coffee House, this second installment turns to two more spaces helping shape the area’s cafe corridor: Dame Más Cafeína Coffee Bar and Grind House Café.
Both businesses reflect a deeper movement of local ownership, cultural connection and community-driven spaces, reinforcing Third Avenue’s growing identity as a hub for small businesses and shared experience.
Dame Más Cafeína Coffee Bar
When Sarah Iapala moved her salon, Hidden Beauty, to a new location on Third Avenue, an awkward display-window space in the salon presented a design challenge — and an opportunity.
She had noticed that many of her clients were arriving late to appointments after stopping for coffee. That sparked the idea of turning the unused space into something more useful.
“When I had my first space, a lot of my clients would be late to their appointments because they were going to Starbucks,” she said. “When I got this space, I saw these display windows and I was trying to figure out what I could do to have something there and a coffee bar came to mind. It was perfect because who doesn’t want to have coffee and get their hair done? It’s like self-care.”
Sarah’s husband and coffee lover, Ramsey Iapala, stepped in to help build out what became Dame Más Cafeína — a corner coffee bar compactly housed in a 10 by 5 feet display case that now serves specialty drinks with a personal touch.
“The coffee speaks for itself and stands out on its own,” he said. “Also, our space is really unique. I’m making coffee on a 10 by 5 display case, so that’s also unique on its own.”
Dame Más operates with an open-front setup that blends music, conversations and quick coffee-based drinks, creating a distinct atmosphere on the block.
“It’s a vibe when you come into the coffee shop,” Ramsey said. “You hear my music, maybe like a store down, and the people that come here regularly, they are all nice people. The vibe I try to put out there is like an island vibe, chill, good energy.”
Sarah and Ramsey, together since they were 18 years old, have created a hybrid experience that combines beauty services and coffee, grounded in their shared goal of connecting with the community.
“I see her here at work; I see her at home. She’s my best friend,” Ramsey said. “The biggest thing is that she pushes me to be better and keep reaching bigger heights in the journey we’re on.”
Sarah shares a similar sentiment about what this space has come to represent for them.
“Even though we work together, we each run a whole different show. I’m in front with the hair and salon, and he’s outside with the coffee,” she said. “It’s been an adventure for us.”
Dame Más has become part of a growing coffee culture on Third Avenue that continues to attract new interests and styles.
“Everyone has their own way of doing coffee, which is awesome,” Ramsey said.
“Everyone uses different beans, and everyone has their own personal style so it’s great to see. I’m so happy to be a part of the coffee culture on Third Avenue.”
Grind House Cafe
For Ron Richie, opening Grind House was about bringing specialty coffee closer to home. He found himself having to drive out of Chula Vista just to get the kind of coffee he loved, so when the opportunity came to open a cafe on Third Avenue in 2017, he jumped on it.
“It had always been a dream of mine to have a business here in downtown Chula Vista,” Richie said. “I grew up around the area as well as my family, and it’s been amazing.”
Grind House quickly became part of the neighborhood fabric, known for its friendly, familiar atmosphere. Regulars are often greeted by name and by drink — a small but intentional touch that has helped create a strong sense of community.
The shop balances tradition with creativity. Richie and his team take pride in their espresso-based drinks while offering unique, rotating specialties that play with flavor and presentation.
Grind House weathered the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic thanks in large part to community support, something Richie said still means everything to him.
“It means the world to me,” he said. “We survived COVID and we’re still thriving on the other end, so the support hasn’t stopped, and it motivates me even more to continue to provide a great space for community and a great specialty coffee offering.”
Since opening, Richie has seen the city’s relationship with coffee evolve.
“People are a lot more aware of it now,” he said. “When we first opened eight years ago, not as many people locally in the neighborhood were into specialty coffee. We have definitely seen an increase in shops and an increase in interest, and I think that’s a great thing.”
Looking ahead, Richie wants to keep building on what he started.
“I just want to continue growing and being a community spot where everybody feels welcome and enjoys their time here.”
As Dame Más Cafeína Coffee Bar and Grind House Cafe continue to grow alongside other family-run businesses on Third Avenue, they show how creativity, culture and commitment can shape spaces that feel deeply local and loved.
