MORE THAN THE BREW, FRESNO’S GROWING COFFEE SCENE

Hot, iced or blended?

Coffee is an essential part of many people’s day.

With a growing number of local coffee shops popping up around town Fresno residents have many options to choose where they get their daily brew.

Many options mean many different outlooks on the simple idea of a cup of coffee.

Hi-Top Coffee serves diversity and inclusion with their coffee.

Barista Emily Kearns says their motto is to treat each person equally no matter their background.

“We strive to take a stand on, letting people in and being accepting of other people where they might not be accepting in other places,” she said.

That idea of mutual respect is showcased throughout their store with their local art and merchandise.

For some, a cup coffee is based on convenience, and at Collect Coffee Bar it’s who they strive for:  busy Fresno State students  heading to class just across the street from the shop.

“Getting to engage with all those students, ask them how their day is going, ask them how testing’s going.  You see them studying hard and it’s nice to see people move on,” says Collect barista Vincent Chavez.

Going local comes with its perks, says local coffee drinker Peyvand Hajian.

“They’re unique, they all have their own story to tell. Chains are, you can predict how they look like, how the coffee tastes, but when it’s local it has its own coffee, its own environment,” she said.