Juan Carlos Tirado, known to his friends as JC, is a seasoned food, beverage, and hospitality professional who prides himself on creating experiences. Growing up in the Mission District, JC’s home was a gathering place for family and neighbors, who could come by every morning where his dad would have a carafe of coffee always ready. Some of his earliest memories are of refilling coffee cups for guests and watching as cups of coffee lead to conversation. Children weren’t allowed to drink coffee in his house, and JC became intrigued by the connections built over a simple cup of coffee.

 

Once finally old enough to be allowed to try coffee, he recalls “After that first taste of coffee, I understood why people look forward to their first cup of the day”. While his dad was committed to drinking his coffee black, JC began to experiment with adding milk and sugar and learning how that changed the flavor profile of the coffee. He also began collecting any and all equipment used to brew coffee or tea and enjoyed trying different methods of coffee production, but also learning the nuances that makes each cup unique.  

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At age 16, JC’s first job was at an Italian restaurant. He would arrive at 7am to begin prepping all of the breakfast items, and once customers arrived, was responsible for all of the espresso drinks. He learned how to make lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos, and every job he's had since, he has been making coffee. As JC’s career in food and beverage in San Francisco progressed, he transitioned into bar management, and has been the bar manager at Trabucco, and is currently at Boboquivari’s Steakhouse, which is just steps from The Coffee Berry.  JC prides himself on the ability to create connections and experiences through hospitality, whether it’s making the perfect cocktail, helping a guest pair a glass of wine to a meal, or preparing an after-dinner coffee to round out the dining experience.  

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For the last 8 years JC has been leading the bar program at Boboquivari’s Steakhouse, a high-end steak house located on Van Ness Ave and Lombard Street, where he has gotten to know the local residents, and has met thousands of tourists who are staying in a neighboring hotel. A question JC is asked constantly is “where can I find a good cup of coffee?”, which lead to JC realizing that there is a need in the community that would allow him to combine his love of coffee, and his background in hospitality. Much like the connections formed over cups of coffee in his house growing up, JC looks forward to creating a welcoming environment where neighbors and visitors alike can enjoy a high-quality cup of coffee amongst friends.