Meet Joshua & Emilie Mentrup | Owners & Coffee Enthusiasts at Stella Coffee

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joshua & Emilie Mentrup and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua & Emilie, what principle do you value most?
At Stella Coffee, the value that matters most to us is community. We believe that our café is more than just a place to grab a coffee—it’s a space where connections are made, stories are shared, and a sense of belonging is fostered. This principle guides everything we do, from the way we interact with our customers to the community events we host. We’re committed to creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels at home, and where we can make a positive impact on the neighborhood we serve.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your cafe, can you tell us more?
Stella Coffee is a community-driven café in Los Angeles, focused on creating a welcoming space where quality coffee and meaningful connections come together. What sets us apart is our deep commitment to the local community and sustainability—whether it’s paying our staff above minimum wage, supporting local causes like no-kill animal shelters, or hosting events that bring people together. Our journey hasn’t been easy; the pandemic, in particular, was a significant challenge. But our resilience, driven by our love for coffee and community, helped us adapt, rebrand, and ultimately thrive. The lessons we’ve learned are rooted in the importance of adaptability, staying true to our values, and the power of community support. We want the world to know that Stella Coffee is more than just a café—it’s a place where everyone belongs, where every cup of coffee supports a greater cause, and where we’re constantly striving to make a positive impact.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting LA for a week, I’d start by taking them to Stella Coffee for a great breakfast and coffee to kick off the trip. We’d spend a day exploring the artsy vibes of Venice Beach, hitting up the boardwalk, and enjoying dinner at Gjelina. Next, we’d visit the Getty Center for some culture and amazing views, followed by lunch at Joan’s on Third. A day trip to Malibu would be a must, with stops at El Matador Beach and dinner at Malibu Farm.

We’d also catch a show at the Hollywood Bowl, maybe take a hike up to the Griffith Observatory for a stunning sunset, and spend some time exploring the trendy shops and cafes in Silver Lake. For nightlife, we’d hit up some speakeasies in Downtown LA, like The Varnish, and maybe take a rooftop bar tour. The trip would also include a Dodgers game for some classic LA fun, and we’d wrap up with a laid-back day in Santa Monica, strolling through the Pier and ending with a sunset dinner at The Lobster. Each day would be filled with a mix of LA’s iconic spots, hidden gems, and plenty of good food and coffee along the way.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We’d like to dedicate our shoutout to the amazing community of Los Angeles, especially the local residents and organizations who have supported Stella Coffee from the beginning. A special thanks to our incredible team, who bring passion and dedication to work every day, and to our customers, who have become more like family. We also want to recognize local animal shelters, particularly the no-kill shelters we partner with, for their tireless efforts in making a difference. Their mission aligns closely with our values, and we’re proud to support them.

Website: https://stellacoffeela.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/stellacoffeela

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stella-coffee

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stella-coffee-beverly-hills-los-angeles