Though he was once offered a Starbucks franchise, Ken Khoury wasn't having it. "I like this," Khoury told Hoodline on a sunny Wednesday morning. "I like the friendships. I like being a small business guy. I serve my neighborhood."
Since 1986, Khoury and his family have operated the Castro Coffee Company, the petite coffee shop located next door to the Castro Theatre. The venerable old cinema palace is, in fact, Khoury's landlord, and his aromatic blends are served to patrons at the theatre's concession stand. Khoury himself enjoys popping in whenever the theater shows classics, like The Godfather.
Thanks to the theatre's robust offering of events (and the occasional film shoot), a number of celebrities have visited Castro Coffee Company over the years, including Ron Howard, Matthew McConaughey, Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Danny DeVito, and the late Robin Williams.
"Williams stuck his head in and said 'Hello, friend,' during the filming of Mrs. Doubtfire," Khoury recalled. The late comedian "would bring his kids to the Double Rainbow ice cream shop, often stopping in for coffee as well."
While Khoury says he loves having celebrities drop by, his true passion is the local community. "I like the interactions with the customers," he said. "I like the feel of the neighborhood. People are friendly, open-minded, open for discussions, and have no hang-ups. I like that."
As we chatted with Khoury at one of his outdoor tables, several neighborhood residents greeted him as they walked by. "I've been in the city since 1979," said customer Allen Zebrowski. "I come here to have coffee and see films."
Many customers come to sample the wide variety of coffees that the shop offers, including blends from Italy, Brazil, France, Ethiopia, and Hawaii. There's also a varied selection of teas.
"I like the quality here and the personality of the owner," Zebrowski said. "He's honest, friendly, down-to-earth, and doesn't take crap from anyone."
Another customer, John Pesch, has lived across the street since the 1960s. "The coffee's good, and the atmosphere is friendly." Zebrowski agrees: "This is the City Hall of the Castro."
John Pesch.
Khoury enjoys helping for the community beyond the walls of his shop. "If there's a function in the neighborhood, if donations are needed, I always do it," he said. "I do it from my heart."
With nearly three decades in business, many customers have wondered whether Khoury might want to retire. But he still enjoys working. "I plan on being part of the Castro Coffee Company for many years to come, and have hopes that my daughter, who currently works here, will take over the business some day."
Khoury's cousin, Ray Husary, told us that he felt that the Castro Coffee Company also deserves patronage because of the bargain it provides. "A 12oz cup of fresh-brewed coffee costs $1.45," he said, a relatively low price compared to many of the neighborhood's newer shops.
Ray Husary.
If you'd like to sample Castro Coffee Company's brews yourself, they're located at 427 Castro Street. Hours are Monday-Friday from 7am-9pm, Saturday from 8am-9pm, and Sunday from 9am-8pm. You can learn more about the shop, and purchase items, at their website.
