Off the beaten path, in an alley in Encinitas, sits Necessity Coffee, but not for long. According to San Diego Magazine, the community’s beloved coffee spot is getting new digs.
Owner Jon Runion confirms with What Now San Diego that he’s moving the coffee shop to a bigger and more visible location just a few blocks south at 687 2nd Street.
“We do pretty well in an alley, which is surprising,” Runion said. “But, we’re very much looking forward to being out and about closer to foot traffic and more shops.”
That little shop in the alley has done so well since its inception in 2023 that it’s time for bigger and brighter things. Necessity is set to open its new doors on 2nd Street in early November. The 1,110 square-foot space is a far cry from the 600-square-foot space Runion has been working with for more than two years.
Most importantly, it will come with something new for the coffee brand: a kitchen.
“Not your typical ‘let me get a breakfast sandwich kind of a thing,’ it’ll be a little bit more specialized and thoughtful,” Runion said.
While coffee will remain the key ingredient in this passion project, customers will also be able to pair their ever-evolving coffee menu with small plates.
It is their ever-evolving coffee menu that has served as its ladder to the peak of success. Creativity is bursting out of Runion and is his team, which changes the drink menu every six weeks.
“We’re constantly changing out our offerings, and it keeps people really interested,” Runion said.
“It’s kind of what’s made us successful in a back alley, near a smoke shop.”
Coffee, soda, and sparkling tea are at the crux of the menu.
“We bring in some of the best coffee that you can find,” Runion said.
He works with specific producers in the industry that are making competition coffees on the global visibility network. He’s currently working with highly respected coffee producer, Sebastian Ramirez. Ramirez brings coffee from Europe to the US for only five cafes, Necessity Coffee is one of them.
Runion has truly dug his hands into the coffee industry. After working as a barista for several years, the coffee enthusiast paved the way to become the owner of his own coffee shop.
“It’s hard to be a 35-year-old barista,” Runion joked. “The idea and the passion to want to open developed over the years.”
Runion continues to grow that passion, with a goal of opening no more than three cafes by 2030. He’s already set his sights on opening a second location in North County early next year.
“We think the area has a lot of potential,” Runion said.
Neccesity Coffee is a neighborhood-focused concept, and Runion says he’s keen on the need for a shop like his in the area.
In the meantime, he’s focused on getting the new location ready for its customers. In addition to coffee and small plates, the new location will also offer “no fillers” beers and natural wine to complement its small plates selection.
“A place where you get off of work and just swing by with a couple of friends and wind down and grab a glass of wine,” Runion said.
Necessity Coffee is set to open its doors to the new location in November.
“I hope that what we offer and how we’re approached is welcoming and delicious,” Runion said.
