Developer Jim Pieri has grand plans for H Street in western Chula Vista. Included is the launching of Agave Coffee Café, which held its grand opening ribbon-cutting Wednesday at the Gateway Chula Vista I Center.
“This is the 13th year for Gateway,” Pieri said. “We had Starbucks in here for four or five years before the company went on a purge and closed 600 stores. Chula Vista was No. 599 out of 600. It sat empty for a while. Finally, I said what the heck and decided to start my own coffee (chain).
“We’ve had a great response so far.”
Pieri and partner Sal Ercolano envision the Gateway I coffee shop as the parent of five eventual stores throughout the county. Each will have its own distinct “flavor.”
“The hardest part was getting the right coffee blends,” Pieri explained. “We talked to different roasters and started blending with some over an eight-month period. We are encouraged with what we came up with. We have our own brand — we package and sell it — and we’ll continue to keep updating it.”
Agave currently is selling four coffee blends: its own house variety, plus French roast, Guatemala and Mexico blends. Pieri expects the latter two should appeal to Hispanic coffee drinkers.
“As we open other locations, we’ll add more blends,” Pieri said.
Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox had the honor of cutting the ceremonial ribbon. She lauded Pieri’s dream in opening the coffee shop.
“It’s a sense of renewal,” she said. “This shop will serve people and also put people to work.”
Besides coffees, Agave also serves gourmet sandwiches, wraps, soups and chili, salads, baked goods and fruit smoothies. There are nine specialty espresso drinks, including two local organic varieties. The coffee shop bakes its own ciabatta bread.
“We have a broad menu,” Pieri said. “We have breakfast items, lunch items and brunch on weekends.”
Business hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, call (619) 427-2250 or visit the website at www.agavecoffeeandcafe.com.
