Meet the Owners of Groovy Goose: The Husband-and-Wife Team Roasting Their Own Path

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Meet the Owners of Groovy Goose: The Husband-and-Wife Team Roasting Their Own Path

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TLDR

When Nathan and Siera Conte set out to open a coffee shop, they weren’t looking for shortcuts. They wanted to build something genuine, welcoming, and rooted in quality. After years of appreciating great coffee—especially during their time in Maui—they realized what they were missing: a space where coffee was carefully crafted, and the atmosphere felt just as good as the drinks themselves.

In late 2022, they found the perfect opportunity in San Carlos—a vacant two-story space that needed work. Rather than bringing in a team to do it for them, they handled much of the renovation themselves, with help from family and friends. Their goal was simple: create a place where people could enjoy high-quality, freshly roasted coffee in an environment that felt personal and inviting.

By summer 2023, Groovy Goose Coffee opened its doors, and the community took notice. With its bright, thoughtfully designed space, smooth house-roasted coffee, and a menu crafted with care, it quickly became a go-to spot for locals. But for Nathan and Siera, this was just the beginning.

Groovy Goose owners - Nathan and Siera Conte (Image Source: The Daily Journal)

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A Coffee Shop Built from the Ground Up

The duo didn’t just step into a ready-made café - they built it from scratch, putting in the work to make it their own. The space, once a bare-bones shell, is now an airy, colorful coffee shop with a mid-century modern aesthetic. The combination of soft blues, pinks, and browns, along with rounded edges and a wavy-patterned wall, creates an environment that feels playful and relaxed.

The garage-style roll-up door seamlessly connects the café to the sidewalk, inviting people to stop by and linger. And then there’s the disco ball, a perfect reflection of the café’s lighthearted, groovy personality. Every design choice was made with intention—Groovy Goose isn’t just a place to grab coffee; it’s a space where people want to spend time.

Their hands-on approach didn’t stop at the remodel. They took it a step further, roasting their own beans in-house, ensuring that every cup reflects their commitment to quality, freshness, and ethical sourcing.

Coffee That Speaks for Itself

Nathan and Siera knew from the start that roasting their own coffee was the only way to get the quality they wanted. Instead of relying on outside suppliers, they set up a Diedrich IR-5 roaster in the back of the shop, giving them full control over the process. They roast small batches after hours, experimenting with different profiles to bring out the best flavors in each bean. Their focus is on high-quality, ethically sourced coffee, and they put in the work to make sure every batch meets their standards.

Their approach to roasting ensures that each batch is fresh, full of character, and made with care. Looking ahead, they plan to expand their roasting operation by offering wholesale partnerships and online orders, making their carefully crafted coffee more accessible beyond their San Carlos storefront.

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A Thoughtfully Crafted Menu

The owners’ attention to detail extends beyond coffee. The menu is intentionally curated, offering both classic coffee options and standout specialty drinks. Customers can expect well-executed favorites like Americanos, cortados, cappuccinos, and cold brews, but it’s the signature drinks that get people talking.

One of the biggest hits is the iced strawberry cold foam matcha, alongside loose-leaf teas sourced from Monterey. Unlike mass-produced café syrups, Groovy Goose uses craft syrups made with quality ingredients, ensuring that every drink is as intentional as their roasting process.

On the food side, fresh pastries and breads come from local bakeries, but Groovy Goose also bakes in-house, offering scones, croissants, muffins, and other baked goods. Their most popular sandwich, The Hustle, features prosciutto, brie, fig jam, arugula, and honey on a French baguette—a combination that perfectly matches the café’s balance of quality and creativity.

Looking ahead, they plan to expand their menu, focusing on more iced tea selections and additional fresh options that complement their coffee program.

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What’s Next for Groovy Goose?

Groovy Goose has quickly become a neighborhood favorite, but Nathan and Siera are far from finished. Their next step is expanding their wholesale business, supplying high-quality roasted beans to other coffee shops that share their dedication to craft coffee.

Nathan and Siera are always looking ahead. They’ve already made mobile ordering available with Per Diem app, making it easier for customers to grab their favorite coffee and food on the go. Looking toward the future, they plan to expand their café hours, eventually transforming Groovy Goose into an evening lounge with wine and charcuterie—a natural extension of their vision to create a welcoming, community-driven space that goes beyond just morning coffee.

At the core of their vision is a commitment to growth without compromising quality. This couple has built Groovy Goose with intention, hard work, and a deep love for the craft, and their journey is just getting started.

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