Today we’d like to introduce you to Tio Lavranos.
Tio, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Opening a comic book shop that offered more than what was expected by incorporating the feel of a coffee bar atmosphere has been a dream of ours since we were kids. Once my brother Aris moved out to California from Texas after finishing college, we began toying with logistics of what it would take to make this happen. Slowly over time and with a lot of long sleepless nights we were able to acquire a business loan, find a location and began the build out in May 2017, opening our doors that August. Sharing our passion for great art and story found in comics and graphic novels over a delicious cup of coffee is now a regular, daily occurrence between us and our growing group of great customers.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenges were making sure all our ducks were in a row financially to acquire a small business loan while simultaneously trying to find the perfect location for us to open shop. Even after acquiring the business loan, finding the right location took a lot longer than we were expecting. However, after discovering our current location here in Oceanside, we fell in love and couldn’t be happier with where we ended up and excited about the possibilities ahead.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Panels Comic Book Coffee Bar – what should we know?
We provide a unique experience that invites both coffee enthusiasts as well as fans of comics and pop culture in general. We aim to provide a place where friends can come to talk about the things they love.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Our unique approach to both the coffee shop and comic shop concept while providing friendly and helpful customer service is what we feel is most important to our success. Building relationships with our customers and other local businesses is also important to us.
Contact Info:
- Address: 713 Mission Ave Ste A Oceanside, CA
- Website: panelscoffee.com
- Phone: 760-696-.276
- Email: info@panelscoffee.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/panelscoffee
- Facebook: facebook.com/panelscoffee
- Twitter: twitter.com/panelscoffee
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/panels-comic-book-coffee-bar-oceanside-2
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