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est. 2000
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The Coffee Connection was established by the Westside Vineyard in the year 2000 on the location of the former Bruno's Ristorante, a landmark Italian restaurant on the Los Angeles Westside. Much of the original Baroque architecture remains, including the tawny stained glass windows which cast a warm glow into the cafe; the brick archways and 'water-wall' with ferns and fountain which frames the outdoor yet private gated courtyard; and the vaulted ceilings and marble colonnades of our adjacent performing arts auditorium.
The formation of culture around coffee and coffeehouses dates to 14th century. Over the centuries, coffeehouses in Western Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean were traditionally social hubs, as well as artistic and intellectual centers. In keeping with these traditions, the COFFEE CONNECTION provides a number of exquisite spaces ideal for socialization, study, collegial gatherings and performing arts on stage both large and small. Our wifi is fast and free, and we provide our own dedicated, secure and unlimited wifi for the EXCLUSIVE use of Coffee Connection patrons.
Our friendly team of baristas serves only the finest certified fair trade, organic, shade grown, and carbon free coffee, espresso, tea & specialty drinks along with a selection of locally prepared deli sandwiches, empanadas, salads & panini. But as a not-for-profit community coffee house, we are able to provide our MENU at prices you will find as surprisingly delightful as the menu itself... without compromising our commitment to premium quality cafe fare and actively contributing towards meeting the needs of the local and global community.
Cause and Community
As a coffee house established by those from within the local community rather than a larger corporation, we’ve made it a priority to create a café marked by excellence in our products, genuine care in our service, and a relaxing atmosphere so you may most easily cultivate relationships with others.
We proactively connect with our community by catering meetings at surrounding neighborhood schools and businesses, supporting the efforts of community events such as Mar Vista Fall Festival and entering into partnerships with local businesses and service providers as able. We also invite our neighbors to enjoy meaningful relationships in a safe environment through family-oriented programs and events such as our annual hit Westside Kids Summer Movie Series, which features free family-friendly movies in a theater setting with free popcorn and prizes, as well as occasional street fairs and our holiday movie night.
All our coffees are certified organic, fair trade, shade grown and carbon free. Our sources strive to provide you with premium, gourmet, handcrafted coffees while supporting coffee-producing partners who are leaders in sustainable development and environmental preservation. When you purchase coffee from the COFFEE CONNECTION, you are supporting fair trade; saving biodiversity and bird habitats; promoting organic agriculture; supporting the formation of indigenous rights and dignity; and fostering corporate social responsibility.
We are also developing synergy with local and national organizations and identifying ways we can work with and contribute to initiatives addressing needs across our nation and within our own community. In addition to supporting a variety of community-related meetings, events and festivals, this year:
We have given 25% of profit from ongoing sales of our frozen lemonade to ALEX’S LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION in the fight against childhood cancer
We have given 20% of total Saturday sales associated with the “Coffee for Forte!” coupon (available at the pet adoption event held every Saturday 12:30pm – 3:30pm at Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies, 3860 S. Centinela Av.) to FORTE ANIMAL RESCUE in the effort to inspire compassion and responsibility for animals
Our baristas have hosted café-sponsored community-wide events which promoted and contributed to FASHIONED FOR FREEDOM and SAVING INNOCENCE in the effort to rescue & restore child victims of sex trafficking in Los Angeles.
Our baristas have hosted café-sponsored community-wide events which promoted and contributed to TEAM WORLD VISION and their work to provide clean water for impoverished communities all around the globe.
We are a Gold Star member of the non-profit organization SUPPORTING OUR SERVICEMEN, through which we thank the past and present service members of our armed forces by providing an additional 10% discount on all purchases to those with a valid ID.