A neighborhood cafe can change how a town feels. We sit with Steve and Embry Munsey, the husband-and-wife team behind Jedediah Coffee in Laguna Beach, to trace the journey from early roasting days to a bustling corner shop near Heisler Park. What starts as a love for people becomes a craft roastery, a community anchor, and a lesson in why coffee isn’t “just coffee.”

Steve shares how two decades in the industry taught him that hospitality is the main ingredient, and Embry explains the hands-on marketing that began on the sidelines of kids’ games. We unpack specialty coffee basics—what roasting does, how Q graders score beans, why acidity can be a good thing—and translate those ideas into simple, everyday choices at the register. If you’ve ever wondered what separates a balanced pour-over from a bitter brew, you’ll hear practical tips to taste the difference without the jargon.

The conversation moves from origin and roast profiles to storytelling, brand building, and the very local mission behind “Keep Laguna Caffeinated.” You’ll hear how showing up across Orange County led to a loyal base before the cafe even opened its doors, and why creating a space where guests feel seen, remembered, and welcomed matters as much as latte art. We also talk family, Dodgers baseball, and the work of keeping a small business human while it grows beyond Laguna Beach into LA and San Diego through catering and events.

Whether you’re a coffee nerd, a small business owner, or a neighbor looking for a new spot, this story offers a warm invitation: come by the shop at Jasmine and Coast Highway, say hello, and taste how craftsmanship and community can live in one cup. 

Visit: https://www.jedidiahcoffee.com/

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