Float Coffee Shop: A Ray Of Light at Hollywood & Vine
Tag: Dining
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many restaurants and small businesses have had to close permanently, temporarily, or shifted their focus to takeout and delivery orders. But what is it like to open a business during the pandemic? The owners of the new Float Coffee Shop have had to navigate a difficult path to realizing their dream of operating a small business on the Walk of Fame.
The owners of the new Float Coffee Shop in Hollywood, Edgar Pashayan and Joyce Abou Chaaya with their daughter. They opened their store at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. (Courtesy photo)
"Having my own coffee shop (our first location in Pasadena) has been a dream come true experience, let alone opening a location in the heart of Hollywood," said Joyce Abou Chaaya, who owns Float Coffee Shop along with her husband, Edgar Pashayan. "For over a year, we worked really hard to make it happen. Around mid-March 2020, when we were getting ready to open our doors the next day, the Mayor of LA issued the stay at home order."
The Strawberry Lemonade Float, exclusive to Float Coffee Shop's Hollywood location. (Courtesy photo)
"We were devastated to say the least," Chaaya added. "As a small business owner, how do you handle this? We have to pay rent and we’ve just hired a new team. We decided to hold on the opening until Covid-19 was under control, which unfortunately didn’t seem to happen."
This Wingardium Leviosa float with Salted Caramel ice cream and Butterscotch Beer from Float Coffee Shop in Hollywood will transport you into the Harry Potter world! (Courtesy Photo)
Finally, on May 25th, 2020, Float Coffee Shop Hollywood opened its doors. "We couldn’t wait any longer," Chaaya said.
In addition to taking all necessary precautions and following the health department guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19, Float Coffee Shop is offering a limited menu, with shorter hours (daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m) than what they had originally planned. Chaaya and her husband are also training their staff while running the shop.
"This phase is kind of an extended soft opening," Chaaya said. "We already have few regulars, which is heartwarming. We hope that soon the shop will be booming with life, food, friends and coffee!!"
Secret menu drinks at Float Coffee Shop Hollywood: Dirty Matcha and Dirty Chai Latte. (Courtesy photo)
Once the shop is able to open fully, the hours will be expanded, and the menu will offer more variety, including breakfast and hot dishes.
Float Coffee Shop
1635 Vine St.
(626) 844-3488