Cartel Roasting Co., an Arizona-based coffee company, is getting ready to open its first San Diego location in Encinitas at 190 N. Coast Highway 101.
The proposed location appears to be landing in a space that is currently occupied by Moto Deli, according to a liquor license application first reported by SanDiegoVille. The application is structured as a transfer of Moto Deli’s existing license, although no closing date for Moto Deli or opening date for Cartel has been announced.
Moto Deli’s website and ordering system were still active when the application was filed, with the business continuing to advertise operations at the Encinitas address. The sandwich shop’s operational status has not been announced beyond the liquor license application. Cartel’s proposed arrival would mark the company’s first apparent location in San Diego County.
Cartel Roasting Co. was founded in Tempe, Arizona, in 2008 by Jason and Amy Silberschlag. The company currently operates cafes throughout Arizona, along with California locations in Los Angeles and Palm Springs, according to its website. Its Los Angeles location opened this year, expanding the company beyond Arizona.
The company has also been developing a larger food program, including breakfast sandwiches and grilled sandwiches. Cartel roasts its own coffee and serves espresso, brewed coffee, single-origin coffees, and cold brew. Some locations also make oat and cashew milk in-house.
Cartel describes itself as a community-owned company focused on connection, quality, and shared growth. The company sources and roasts coffee through a network of partners and says its work includes sustainability and community impact. The Encinitas application would also introduce beer and wine service, which would depart from Cartel’s current FAQ stating that its cafes do not serve alcohol.
