Anaheim is a city in the metropolitan area of Los Angeles, and it’s chiefly known by non-Californians as being the site of the world famous Disneyland resort. The Golden State is also known for its fertile fruit-growing industry, and juice maker Sunkist was once another Anaheim resident. The firm had a packing plant there, but 10 years ago it packed up its operation and ‘Kist off, leaving the premises vacant. Now, after a spot of post-industrial regeneration, there is a thriving beverage business on-site again, and it goes by the name of Cafecito Orgánico.
Oranges are out and coffee beans are in at Cafecito, specifically those sourced by the roasting company from Central America. Another import is a truckload or two of lumber, salvaged from a barn in Ohio and re-purposed by John Sofio and Sormeh Azad of design studio Built. The pair has stayed true to the industrial heritage of the building, with a bit of a retro vibe created by bits of old railway and the massive 1920s-style billboard behind the main counter, The centrepiece holds its own in the cavernous building, which has been stripped back to the original shell where possible and augmented with plank upon plank of that lovely weathered wood. As a little bonus, there’s also an outside deck on which to enjoy that famous Californian sunshine.
