Marin Coffee Roasters Return to Ignacio

After a four-year absence, Tim and Tami Mock are back in the original coffee shop location Tim and his father founded in shopping center 15 years ago. As of July 1, Marin Coffee Roasters is now in the space formerly occupied by La Coppa Coffee next door to .

Tim Mock has nearly 18 years in the coffee business. In 1994, he started the first drive-through coffee spot in Marin, the Daily Grind at Fourth & Irwin in San Rafael. But in Ignacio, Tim has returned full circle to the place where he worked alongside his father at Prudie’s Espresso Bar in 500 square feet of retail space.

Over a 15-year span, the business was built up and then took on partners and changed names, first as Bonavita and then as La Coppa Coffee.

Four years ago, Tim left La Coppa and bought Marin Coffee Roasters in and later another shop on .

The Mocks re-acquired the Ignacio shop this month. The 1,000 square foot coffee spot is in the newly-renovated Pacheco Plaza and has additional outside seating, shade umbrellas and a prime corner spot.

As of July 1, new signage on the windows went up announcing the return of the longtime Novato residents who are active in the schools and community. “The community support is amazing,” Tami Mock said. “The word is slowly getting out.”

Aside from the signage, the change in ownership might not be so evident because the Mocks wanted a seamless transition.

“We promised the community if we got the store we would have it up and running within 24 hours,” Tami said. “We did it in 12.”

But Tami said the most significant change is in the roasted beans. “Our coffee is the big difference,” Tami said. “It’s a new roaster; it’s smoother and we have different varieties. We’re getting good feedback and that’s great.” 

The couple is now managing three shops, including one with a coffee drive-through. Yet, they relish being back in the place where it all began. “The juggle feels right,” said Tami. “This one was huge because the shop has a lot of sentimental value for us.”