Whether you’re stopping by Ella Cafe for a quick jolt of java or an afternoon of stimulating conversation, you’ll likely find a line snaking out the door. That’s because this intimate coffee shop has become a huge neighborhood hit, and guests can’t get enough.

I myself am a loyal patron. Usually I order the same thing every weekend – a HazelnutElla Latte and egg baguette sandwich. They’re both delicious.

In terms of the average coffee shop, Ella provides a more eclectic atmosphere than most. Inside you’ll find knick knacks everywhere you turn (such as candlesticks, leather bound books, watering cans and vintage toys), a sunny seating area with computer-friendly high tops, and a cozy nook in the back with comfy armchairs and board games. The interior is a mixture of warm woods, industrial metals, and a brick wall facade. The music – barista’s choice – is always loud, but never annoyingly so.

Also, there’s no menu. Instead, you’re forced to interact with humans (gasp!) to find out more about your dining options. In fact, conversation is actually encouraged in a show-and-tell type experience with various food items on display for guests to peruse.

Most importantly, the coffee is fantastic.

In an interview with GEM Journal Today, CEO Anthony Perera generously reveals the ingredients behind Ella Cafe’s success. His insights include tips on what it takes to keep guests happy, emphasizing the importance of expanding slowly and thoughtfully in a fast-paced business.

From customer to CEO

Anthony Perera started out as a regular patron like me. In fact, his wife and I share the same Ella favorites. Perera found himself running out every Saturday to pick up her usual order. He also noticed how busy the place was every single time he would visit, and began to wonder what exactly made the Ella Coffee Company so darn popular.

After acquiring the brand a year and a half ago, Perera “got under the hood” to find out why Ella Cafe is the place to be.

A coffee-drinking, music-loving vibe

When examining the Ella atmosphere, which centers around spirited songs, eye-catching visuals, and ample seating, it’s clear every inch of this coffee house is intentionally thought out. The “homegrown vibe” (as Perera describes it) permeates the senses as soon as you walk through the door. For most guests, it makes them want to stay until closing time.

“It’s the old world,” Perera says, “…like going back to our roots,” which is quaint, centered on Italian-based espresso roast. But Perera also acknowledges that the brand needs to keep up with the times. “You want to update your energy, you want to be cool.”

They definitely keep it cool with music, which the staff plays loud and proud. This started, as Perera informs me, with founder and partner Jason Gould – portraits of his insanely cute daughter, Ella, hang throughout the cafe. Gould founded Ella Cafe in 2016, with its flagship store located in Plantation, Florida. His involvement in the sound and entertainment industry is evident in Ella’s mini stage that hosts live performers, as well as his goal to keep guests entertained with something new to hear or see every time they visit.

Cool also translates to the temperature inside, which is kept low so customers can enjoy their hot brew.

Handcrafted quality, every time

“Everything we make is handmade,” Perera proudly states. Outside of purchasing simple syrup, Ella beverages are handcrafted with special ingredients made from scratch. As a customer, I can tell you firsthand this makes a HUGE difference in taste. Perera says this attention to detail is the “secret sauce” that gives the brand its “uniqueness” – and its ability to stand out among other corporate coffee chains.

Their proprietary blend of coffee not only enhances their in-store lattes. It’s also available for sale in whole bean form. Being able to bring the taste of Ella home reinforces the brand and offers up an additional revenue stream.

Ella Cafe even has plans to start selling one of their most popular coffee flavors – yes, my all time favorite, the HazelnutElla – and I will be first in line to buy some. Perera says they’re also working on a cold brew, but emphasizes that with each step of growth, the company is taking their time to ensure customers get the same high-quality experience with every product they serve, regardless of store location or time of day.

Thoughtful planning, careful growth

It’s clear that Ella Cafe is on a mission to maintain quality and consistency. From crafting food and beverage items with carefully selected ingredients to providing a community atmosphere that encourages long chats with friends, their recipe for success boils down to a fulfilling guest experience. Aside from the original location in Plantation, Ella Cafe has two stores inside Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, a new store opening up in Davie, and has established itself as a recognizable brand in the South Florida community.

Perera intends to deliver the signature Ella experience to each and every guest, especially during expansion and franchising:

We’re going to take [growth] very slow because of our demand for consistency. Being consistent across the business is not an easy thing to replicate. And so we want to make sure that we do this slowly, matter-of-factly, and still deliver the same results that our customers expect from us every time. – Anthony Perera,  CEO of Ella Coffee Company

It’s clear that Perera honors what Gould has created while continuing to evolve this artisanal, coffee-forward brand. Ella Cafe is recognized as an alternative to the bigger chains – not a competitor. If Ella Cafe continues to embrace their niche in the market, they’ll also continue to be the ultimate destination for an intimately human coffee experience.