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Surje Coffee's creative journey so far.

Past work for Surje Coffee Co.

Ceramics

Valerie, along with her husband Chris, co-founded Surje Coffee—a dairy-free specialty coffee business in El Cajon, CA, blending rich Mexican and Armenian cultural influences into every cup. Starting as an online roaster during the pandemic, Surje Coffee has evolved into a unique, experience-focused café sharing space with a local art gallery and women’s retail boutique. Driven by a deep-rooted commitment to quality and community, Valerie and Chris curate culturally-inspired, dairy-free coffee mocktails and works closely with local nonprofits to foster inclusivity and connection. Surje Coffee at The Gallery recently earned the 2024 San Diego Magazine Reader’s Choice Award for coffee shops and has a growing community of dedicated patrons and monthly subscribers. Valerie and Chris’s goal is to transform Surje into more than just a café—they envision it as a cultural hub where art, local events, and mindful community gatherings create a welcoming and inspiring environment for all.

Surje Coffee Co - Imagination Fund

Where is Surje Coffee's journey headed? Our journey is focused on expanding Surje Coffee into a space that goes beyond coffee, developing it into a community hub that fosters cultural and artistic expression. We’re working toward blending coffee with visual arts, showcasing pieces inspired by various artistic movements, like surrealism and post-impressionism, while also drawing deeply from our Mexican and Armenian heritage.With each project, our vision grows clearer: we aspire to create a destination where art, culture, and coffee come together in a unique, experience-based setting. Collaborations with local artists and the creation of culturally-inspired works are steps toward making Surje Coffee a place where visitors feel connected not just to the art, but also to the community around them. By deepening our artistic endeavors, we aim to enrich the cultural fabric of our space and expand our identity as a creative sanctuary in El Cajon.In the coming years, we envision Surje Coffee as an evolving space where creative expression, cultural exchange, and community bonds thrive—a place that contributes meaningfully to our neighborhood while keeping us true to our roots.

Project Proposal - Surje Coffee Co.

Valerie, along with her husband Chris, co-founded Surje Coffee—a dairy-free specialty coffee business in El Cajon, CA, blending rich Mexican and Armenian cultural influences into every cup. Starting as an online roaster during the pandemic, Surje Coffee has evolved into a unique, experience-focused café sharing space with a local art gallery and women’s retail boutique. Driven by a deep-rooted commitment to quality and community, Valerie curates culturally-inspired, dairy-free coffee mocktails and works closely with local nonprofits to foster inclusivity and connection.

Surje Coffee recently earned the 2024 San Diego Magazine Reader’s Choice Award for coffee shops and has a growing community of dedicated patrons and monthly subscribers. Valerie’s goal is to transform Surje into more than just a café—she envisions it as a cultural hub where art, local events, and mindful community gatherings create a welcoming and inspiring environment for all.

Valerie, along with her husband Chris, co-founded Surje Coffee—a dairy-free specialty coffee business in El Cajon, CA, blending rich Mexican and Armenian cultural influences into every cup. Starting as an online roaster during the pandemic, Surje Coffee has evolved into a unique, experience-focused café sharing space with a local art gallery and women’s retail boutique. Driven by a deep-rooted commitment to quality and community, Valerie and Chris curate culturally-inspired, dairy-free coffee mocktails and work closely with local nonprofits to foster inclusivity and connection. Surje Coffee at The Gallery recently earned the 2024 San Diego Magazine Reader’s Choice Award for coffee shops and has a growing community of dedicated patrons and monthly subscribers. Valerie and Chris’s goal is to transform Surje Coffee into more than just a café—they envision it as a cultural hub where art, local events, and mindful community gatherings create a welcoming and inspiring environment for all.