The Pursuit

“The pursuit of excellence in all things.”

This phrase has followed me for years — a quiet driver behind my decisions, my work ethic, and my ambition. With Twenty South, it has evolved into a guiding principle.

I’ve always wanted to create something more than just a café — I’ve dreamed of building a brand, a team, and a space that serves as a living embodiment of hospitality. A place that prioritizes heartfelt connection, precision in service, and unwavering quality in every detail, from a morning coffee to an evening cocktail.

What’s in a Name?

Our address is 3845 S. Higuera Street. When choosing a name, I wanted it to connect to our location while giving it deeper meaning.

3 + 8 + 4 + 5 = 20
We’re located on South Higuera.

Thus, Twenty South.

But this name is more than just a nod to our coordinates — it’s a promise. A belief that when someone visits 3845 S. Higuera Street, they’re stepping into a space that has anticipated their arrival. A place where hospitality is practiced at every level and guests leave feeling better than when they arrived.

The Project

When we first approached this concept, we faced a few tough questions. Our location sits within a public market — a space with lots of energy, but also a history of turnover. Two previous tenants had come and gone. Could something truly thrive here?

The obvious opportunity was coffee — the market didn’t have a dedicated coffee bar. But I didn’t want to stop there.

We envisioned a full-service experience that combined coffee, food, and cocktails — a progression throughout the day, from a warm morning espresso to evening service with intentional dishes and drinks. It’s a format seen in other cities, but here in San Luis Obispo, it's rare.

It’s taken grit. A lot of focus. And plenty of prayer. But I believe in the vision.

COFFEE

With 8 years in the specialty coffee industry — spanning hotels, cafés, and luxury experiences — I felt confident creating a menu that reflected both approachability and experimentation.

We partnered with Black & White Coffee Roasters and Night Swim Coffee — two roasters who make it easy to serve some of the best coffees in the world. Our menu emphasizes taste, seasonal quality, and the joy of discovery.

KITCHEN

When it came time to build the kitchen team, I knew exactly who I wanted to lead it: Chef Steve Lucero.

We worked together a few years ago on a concept that, unfortunately, had to close — but his ability to create, execute, and lead with integrity left a lasting impression. Steve brings experience, consistency, and creativity to the kitchen. His presence is essential to the success of this business and to the future of what we’re building.

COCKTAILS

To be transparent — the cocktail side of the business is taking longer to get going.

Post-COVID, alcohol consumption patterns shifted, and it took us a while to find our rhythm. But I’m proud of where we’re headed. We are still figuring out what a bar program looks like in a market space.

We have a great menu and a solid foundation team and have many positive things in the works for the future.

Growth, Gratitude, and What’s Ahead

What started with just two people — myself and Chef Steve — has grown into a small, dedicated team of seven. Every person on this team has stepped up and answered the call. They’ve helped carry the vision forward.

Our team:

Trevor

Lauren

Noelle

Dom

Eric

I’m incredibly grateful.

To the community that has supported us — through shares, reposts, referrals, kind words, honest feedback, and so much more — thank you. Your support has meant everything during these early months, and we don’t take a single guest or gesture for granted.

Twenty South is still growing. Still learning. But every week, we’re getting stronger. We’re trending upward — and we’re just getting started.

Thank you for being part of this pursuit.
— Andre Gorham II, Founder