Pop’s Java Will Be Long Beach’s Newest Cafe, Kombucha Bar

Pop’s Java, a brand new specialty coffee and kombucha bar, is making moves to come to Long Beach. Owner Jack Allanach signed a three-year lease, at 449 E Broadway, for the new restaurant telling What Now Los Angeles that the opening is expected by late-September or early-October. “I’d like to open up as soon as possible,” he said, adding that the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the process. It replaces PJ’s Pet Cafe.

Once open, guests can expect an assortment of specialty coffees, including lattes, flat whites, mocha drinks, and Nitro cold brew. Rather than syrups, non-alcoholic bitters will be available. Kombucha will also be available on draft. No food will be offered, but Allanach said that he has been in talks with a local vegan chef, so there are hopes to eventually add pastries to the menu.

There are several coffee shops in the area, including Ground Hideout Coffee, Confidential Coffee, Starbucks, Bluestone Lane, and Birdcage Coffee House. Allanach said that what makes Pop’s Java unique is how much kombucha he will have on draft and how it will offer “a family, community atmosphere.”

Allanach also said that he is opening Pop’s Java as a tribute to his father, John. Jack has previously worked as a barista at coffee shops, saying it was always a positive experience. “It helped me open up to people,” he said.

The day before his father passed away, Jack said he was told that “You probably won’t understand what I’m talking about, but … you were happiest when you were at the coffee shop.” Because of this, Jack decided to open up a coffee shop of his own and “do it my way.”

Since John was a commercial sword fisherman and salmon fisherman out of Newport Beach, the logo of the coffee shop features a swordfish boat.