Our Story

Ahoy!

It’s Little Joy. A Coffee Bar and Wine Shop.

By the sea.

Owners Cat and Drew (husband and wife) have been serving locals and travelers in the historic village of Del Mar since June 2019.

After operating a roadside coffee cart on coast highway for the first 5 years, Little Joy has now expanded into a new Coffee Bar and Wine Shop just across the street from their original location.

Drew, Cat, and their small team have been working hard to spread joy with each carefully crafted drink that we make and with every delicious wine that we source. We are a proud local spot that welcomes travelers, day-trippers and beachgoers as they chase the sun.

Years in the Making

Drew mostly worked as a teacher during his 20’s and 30’s. Originally from New Bedford, MA, he studied international relations in Rhode Island and European history in Rome, Italy. In grad school, Drew often studied at a local coffee roastery where he developed an appreciation for elevated, craft coffee.

After moving to San Diego, Drew started working at Zumbar Coffee & Tea, where he was trained by some of most professional and talented baristas in southern California.

In 2018 Drew met Cat at sunset at Moonlight Beach.

By then, Cat been working in the wine industry for over a decade. Starting at wine bars and shops, she eventually moved into sales and distribution - connecting local restaurants and shops with fine wines from around the globe. She has been awarded several wine certifications, such as French Wine Scholar, Certified Specialist of Wine and is currently pursuing the WSET Diploma.

She also served as Education Lead on the board of directors for the Women’s Wine Alliance of San Diego.

In all of her professional roles, Cat provides an academic approach to wine, years of industry experience and an endless enthusiasm for pairing wine with people.

Cat & Drew’s shared love and appreciation for fine coffee and wine drew them together. He taught her and she taught him.

Starting the Business

In 2019, the opportunity to purchase the Zumbar Coffee Cart in Del Mar came about. It enabled Drew to begin his life-long dream of owning and operating a well-respected coffee establishment.

It was a little cart.

He named it Little Joy.

Cat was on board - working alongside Drew every Saturday for the first two years and helping to build a community in the village.

After five years of operating on the corner, Little Joy was invited into a new space just across the street.

With the opportunity to rent two unique and adjacent units, they knew they could do both coffee and wine and could continue to grow in Del Mar.

Now at 1230 Camino Del Mar, Little Joy is a coffee bar up front with a boutique wine shop in back. The cafe serves up drinks to patrons on a wide brick patio, while the wine shop offers tasting flights, classes, and private events - as well as being a carefully crafted bottle shop.

Little Joy brings together friends, neighbors, family, travelers, and visitors from around the world - all to share a common moment of joy in a friendly setting along our beautiful coastline.

Come enjoy the sunshine and ocean views with us. Take a moment. Say hello.

And sip it slow.