Starting off only with a mini coffee roaster set up in his garage, Queens resident John Fei has found a new home for his growing business in College Point.
“I roasted day and night there,” Fei said while working in his new shop. “You can imagine: something you can do in a factory for about 10 minutes, I had to do in four hours.”
Located between 22nd and 23rd Avenues, Inblue Coffee Roaster officially opened for business in late September, allowing the business owner to expand operations. The storefront will serve as both a roasting facility and cafe space, according to Fei, who sells his fresh coffee beans to many of the bakeries and delis in the area.
“I’m pretty much focused on production now — and looking to expand,” Fei said.
The entrepreneur and college student has been studying coffee for about four years. He began the process by heading to Portland, OR — a locale known for its booming coffee industry — to learn about the roasting process.
Good coffee starts at the source, Fei explained. After buying coffee beans from wholesalers, he gets to work creating his own unique blends and roasting the beans himself.
“I trust my mouth when it comes to coffee,” he noted.
Originally from China, Fei also prides himself on his selection of teas. Each is free of artificial flavors and can be traced to its place of origin.
In the cafe, which Fei referred to as his “showcase,” customers can find a selection of coffee, teas and drinks, as well as small bites to eat, including open-faced toasts, croissants and cakes.
Take your food to go, or settle for a spell in the inviting space, which features comfy seating and natural décor.
The business owner was originally drawn to the neighborhood for its affordability, he explained. However — being that the store is flanked by a Dunkin Donuts and 7-Eleven — the Queens resident hopes locals will take the time to stop in for a better, yet still affordable, cup of joe.
“I just hope people give it a try,” Fei said. “Definitely, they will tell the difference … And the locals who have come in have been very friendly.”
The store, located at 22-16 College Point Blvd., is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Learn more about Inblue Coffee Roaster on their Yelp page or by calling 718-820-6560.
