MINUTES WITH

Steve and Embry Munsey

THE OWNERS OF JEDIDIAH COFFEE TALK ABOUT THEIR SOON-TO-OPEN CAFE , THE MEANING BEHIND THEIR BUSINESS NAME AND WHAT THEY LOVE ABOUT LAGUNA .

By SHARON STELLO

Embry and Steve Munsey , owners of Jedidiah Coffee

“ We have a roasting studio in the canyon . … We currently have ‘ sip and shop ’ hours open to the public , and are simultaneously working hard to open our brick-and-mortar cafe ,” says Embry Munsey , who owns the business with her husband , Steve .

“… We have dreamt and planned of this space for a long time , and there has never been a doubt that the most important aspect will be an overwhelming sense of home to everyone that comes through our doors . … Our main goal is to filter the entire space through a family-friendly feel and design .”

Indeed , family is important to the Munseys . The couple even named their business in memory of their stillborn son , Jedidiah . “ We lost Jedidiah when I was 39 weeks pregnant in July of 2011 — the complete shock of our lives ,” Embry says . “ We lost Jed two weeks after talking to a local investor about opening a local coffee shop , which we ultimately put on hold .”

After this devastating loss , they moved to Texas — where she grew up — to be closer to family and , eventually , decided it was time to get back into the coffee business . “ A family friend that was helping us … suggested we relaunch as Jedidiah Coffee in honor of our late son . Hesitant at first , we knew ultimately we would love honoring his legacy and sharing our story in this way ,” Embry says .

When the couple returned to Laguna in 2019 , they brought the business with them . They roast craft coffee from countries like Guatemala , Costa Rica , Ethiopia and Mexico . For example , the Ethiopian beans come from Gigesa , a small town in the Guji Zone where coffee cherries are washed and dried after being collected from 850 area growers .

“ From a flavor and quality standpoint , … [ our coffee is ] definitely different from the mainstream , mass-produced coffee out there ,” Steve says . “ The coffee we source and roast is high quality — from the actual fruit off the tree to the time and attention we put into the small-batch craft roasting . We work hard to not overcook the coffee , but to instead really bring out the natural sweetness and vibrant flavors that are unique to each region and variety .”

Additionally , the company also does coffee catering for events , whipping up specialty drinks like

pepper-infused Spicy Girl Coffee for a wedding at the bride ’ s request or rose-vanilla lattes and lavender mochas for a Mother ’ s Day treat at a church .

Steve first got into the coffee world as a barista for Starbucks in 2004 , which turned into a six-year venture with the company , allowing him to realize his passion for this industry . He also briefly worked as a store manager at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to gain additional experience .

“ Ultimately , I was encouraged by my regular customers and local friends to start my own coffee company , which led to doing just that in 2011 ,” says Steve , who launched the business with his wife in OC with the intent to open a cafe . “ What made us want to start our own company was our shared love and passion for community and hospitality .”

The couple live in Laguna with their two sons , Zealan , 15 , and Gideon , 9 , and daughter , Liberty , 7 .

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE : Why do you love coffee ? STEVE MUNSEY : I look forward to starting my day off right — which , to me , is with a slow cup of coffee . The ritual , the flavor experience , seriously everything about it . … I love the heart and collaborative spirit in the coffee industry as well . The craft and dedication of coffee farming — it ’ s honestly humbling to be a part of it all .

LBM : What do you like about living and working in Laguna Beach ? EMBRY MUNSEY : Honestly , there is really nothing to not love . Laguna is beautiful inside and out , and after all these years , it feels surreal for Jedidiah Coffee to be a household name here . Just about everything we do is within a few miles . We can ’ t complain .

LBM : Any favorite local restaurants ? EM : Gina ’ s Pizza , Wahoo ’ s Fish Taco , The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove State Park and Gelato Paradiso have been our go-tos for over 15 years , and all hold many memories .

LBM : What inspires you ? EM : We both are most inspired when we ’ re in nature , particularly the ocean . People that have faced loss and pain and still somehow exude kindness and selflessness leave a huge mark on us both . … Inspiration is always around ; we just have to quiet our minds to see and hear it . g

HOLLY SIGAFOOS PHOTO AT COASTAL COLLECTIVE STUDIO

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