By Matthew J. Kuhlman

Back in 2012, the quaint main strip on Grand Avenue was left without the perfect place to relax

and enjoy specialty coffees, listen to some good local musicians and commiserate with like-
minded patrons.

Phillip & Tricia Howerzyl answered Grand’s unspoken request with the opening of Kettle Coffee

& Tea.

“We knew we wanted to open exactly this type of place, with the specialty coffees being the

main focus and the featured artists supporting the atmosphere,” co-founder/owner, Tricia

Howerzyl, said.

“This location just seemed to be the right place available at the right time when we, [Tricia and

husband Phillip,] were deciding the ‘where’ for our shop,” she added.

Located at 119 E. Grand in downtown Escondido, the Kettle Coffee & Tea offers a comfortable

and spacious space for patrons to enjoy food and specialty coffee drinks. In addition, every seat

has a perfect view of the main stage.

Even with every seat filled, the atmosphere remained very welcoming and open. There is enough

space to freely walk around to any area of the coffee house and casually order coffee without

having an obstructed view of the singers performing their original music.

“Its just a great place in town to stop by for an hour or two and listen to local artists and student

artists from around the area,” a resident of the central Escondido area, Doug Bush, said . “For

example, the artist playing now, (speaking of local singer/song writer Gabriella Mammia) always

has a new song or two that’s melodic while at the same time being somewhat socially and

culturally connected.”

The general crowd seemed to be the down-to-earth type of cross section perfect for enjoying a

good cup of coffee and having a pleasant conversation with.

If you are looking for a good local spot to either stop in for a quick cup of coffee, meet a friend,

or to just relax, kick back, and listen to live music, then Kettle Coffee & Tea is the right place for

you.