In Orange County, caffeine enthusiasts and tea aficionados have a unique opportunity to indulge in delightful brews while also making a positive impact in the community and world at large. Several local coffee and tea shops have made it their mission to give back and support meaningful causes. From ethically-sourced beans to supporting local charities, these establishments are brewing more than just great drinks—they’re brewing a sense of community and compassion.
Able Coffee Roasters
Able Coffee Roasters was started in 2018 by an Education Specialist and Behavioral Therapist after working with students with autism to gain vocational and employment skills and discovering the rate of unemployment for the students they worked with was a staggering 80%. By opening Able Coffee Roasters, they created a means to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities and “close the gap between the employed and unemployed one roast at a time.”
Whether enjoying one of their gorgeous signature Able Lattes made with butterfly pea flower or a cozy seasonal brew, each delicious indulgence contributes directly to providing local opportunity.
Ever After Tearoom & Eatery
Not only does Ever After Tearoom & Eatery in Irvine offer delicious drinks that are also organic, non-GMO, and low carb, but they are also on a mission to provide a happily ever after to our local furry friends. With every purchase of a refreshing tea or a mouthwatering Taiwanese fusion entrée or dessert, proceeds will be donated to a private homeless animal shelter.
An extra bonus? Ever After is pet-friendly and offers a pet menu. So bring along your pup to sit at the table and enjoy tasty treats with you that directly benefit their brethren!
Lion & Lamb Coffee Roasters
Change the world, start with coffee. That’s the mantra of Lion & Lamb Coffee Roasters, located inside an Instagram-worthy church building in Costa Mesa. Committed to fighting poverty, they give 100% of their profits to charities fighting hunger, planting trees, and supplying clean drinking water, including Action Against Hunger, Trees for the Future, and Water.org. Whether ordering a classic coffee or something off their rotating seasonal menu, delight in knowing that each sip makes a difference.
The Lost Bean Organic Coffee & Tea
With locations across Orange County, The Lost Bean Organic Coffee & Tea believes coffee and kindness go hand in hand. This eco-conscious cafe ensures that every aspect of their business reflects their environmental values. From using compostable cups and utensils to sourcing their ingredients locally, The Lost Bean aims to minimize its ecological footprint.
Beyond that, they also aim to be an active participant in the community, routinely partnering with local nonprofit organizations, including notable recent partnerships with MaxLove Project and TreePeople. They also have a link on their website to request a donation to organizations that share their “desire to leave the world better than we found it.”