Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Dobbs
Hi Eric , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am Eric Dobbs, the founder and owner of Seven Seas Roasting Co., a thriving local specialty coffee roastery that has captured the hearts of many in the the Southern California area. My entrepreneurial journey began in 2017 amidst law school studies at Cal Western, a path that led me from the high seas of the US Navy, where I served as a Senior Chief, to the bustling local farmers markets of San Diego..
Starting out with just a tent and a passion for exceptional coffee, With plenty of dedication and hard work I have seen Seven Seas Roasting Co. grow into a beloved community staple with three flourishing shops in South Park, Solana Beach, and Aliso Viejo, as well as a popular coffee truck, Mobile Unit 7 that frequents markets in La Mesa, Little Italy, and Hillcrest.
Notably, in 2024, Seven Seas was voted the “#1 Locally Owned Coffee Shop” by the San Diego Reader Best of, a testament to Eric’s commitment to quality and community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In our journey, we encountered setbacks, such as our initial struggle at the farmers market and the unexpected challenges brought by the COVID-19 lockdowns. Despite these obstacles, we remained committed to quality, building a strong community, and putting in the hard work needed to keep going. By continuously seeking feedback, adapting, and persistently showing up, we were able to establish a loyal following and navigate through difficult times. This experience taught us the importance of perseverance and the value of staying true to our principles, which ultimately played a crucial role in our success
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Seven Seas Roasting Co.?
Coffee shouldn’t just BE better. Coffee should DO better.
We believe the coffee experience is our responsibility from plant to portafilter.
Coffee is our craft. It drives us and inspires us. Our passion for specialty coffee is only paralleled by our love for doing good in the community.
Seven Seas Roasting Co. believes quality can be a lever for change. In 2017, we set out to source the best coffees in the world and dedicated ourselves to maintain transparent, quality-based relationships with our farmers, employees and the communities we live in along the way.
Thank you for joining our commitment to ethics and excellence!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I truly appreciate about my city, particularly San Diego and its neighborhoods like South Park, Solana Beach, and Aliso Viejo in Orange County, is the strong sense of community that exists. The tight-knit relationships and support networks make living there a truly rewarding experience.
On the other hand, a challenge I’ve encountered in San Diego is the complexity of running a business. There have been instances where different agencies do not effectively communicate with each other, causing delays and uncertainty for small businesses like mine. This lack of coordination can sometimes hinder progress and create obstacles that could be addressed through improved collaboration and communication among local entities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sevenseasroasting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7seasroasting
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/7SeasRoasting
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/seven-seas-roasting-san-diego-3
Image Credits
Seven Seas Roasting Co.
