Downtown Modesto has a new caffeine player on the block. Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters has quietly slipped into 1030 J Street, taking over the longtime Preservation Coffee & Tea spot and holding a soft opening on Monday. The Sacramento roaster’s new Modesto franchise is targeting the breakfast crowd with a full espresso bar, house roasted bags of beans, and a lineup of toasts and pastries. Owners say the café will open daily through the afternoon and is meant to serve as a neighborhood hangout, not just a grab and go stop. Inside, the space has been refreshed with new wood finishes, updated lighting, and a mezzanine seating bar.
Roaster Roots and Coffee Philosophy
According to Chocolate Fish Coffee, the brand started as a downtown Sacramento café in 2008 and now roasts its beans locally, favoring medium profiles that spotlight sweetness along with bright, clean flavors. The company’s site also highlights its focus on approachable espresso drinks and education, including tasting classes and subscription options for roasted beans. That same roasting philosophy is what the Modesto outpost is applying to its espresso and pour over drinks.
New Owners Take the Torch Downtown
Franchise owners Afsheen Kiran and Sonia Naz purchased the downtown lease and brought on a staff of about 10 employees ahead of the soft opening, as reported by the Modesto Bee. The Bee notes that the pair spent roughly two months renovating the interior and are aiming for a formal grand opening toward the end of March. Kiran told the paper they felt "a real sense of community" during the renovation process and said they want every cup to feel "approachable and intentionally crafted."
Flat Whites, Flash Brew and the Rest of the Lineup
The Modesto café leans into Chocolate Fish’s New Zealand inspired espresso style, featuring a signature flat white made with a double shot of espresso and microfoam, alongside pour overs and a Japanese style flash brew iced coffee, per the company. The shop also sells bags of beans and loose leaf teas, and plans to offer seasonal specialty lattes and a slate of house toasts. Owners say the menu is tailored to match the roaster’s lighter, medium profile coffees.
Prices, Hours and a Few Local Perks
Per the Modesto Bee, coffee drinks at the Modesto location start at about $3.99 and toasts begin around $6.50, with posted hours running roughly 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Bee reports that the café will also pour hot chocolate and herbal teas and scoop chocolate and vanilla ice cream from Gunther’s. Owners say they want the space to feel comfortable for downtown workers, families, and regulars looking to lock in a morning ritual.
Keeping a Longtime Coffee Corner Alive
The 1030 J Street address has served as a downtown coffee stop for decades and most recently housed Preservation Coffee & Tea for roughly 13 years, according to the former shop’s listing and local coverage. The new franchise owners, along with Chocolate Fish corporate, say they plan to respect the location’s role as a community hub while introducing the roaster’s product standards and training approach to Modesto. A grand opening celebration is expected near the end of March.
