Josh Zad: Founder of Alfred Coffee, Alfred Tea Room, and Calidad Beer
In just six years, Josh Zad has built a beverage empire as the founder of LA’s cult-favorite coffee shop chain Alfred Coffee, Alfred Tea Room, and Calidad Beer. In 2013, he opened his first Alfred Coffee location with its social media-friendly catchphrase "But First, Coffee.” on the idyllic Melrose Place. Since then, Zad has successfully scaled to 16 locations across the U.S. and Japan, and has recently expanded his beverage empire with a shift to his Mexican-style beer concept – Calidad Beer. Less than one year after launch, Calidad can be found in over 900 location across Southern California, from Whole Foods to Disneyland. In this episode, Josh tells us the secret to building a brand-first business, how to overcome indecision, and his next business venture that will have people lining up in West Hollywood yet again.