In the heart of Salinas, Jeff and Lisa Clark saw an opportunity—and they seized it. What started as a simple observation during Lisa’s event planning career has quickly grown into a thriving business, delivering premium coffee experiences at events across Monterey County and beyond. Introducing Bean Brigade—a mobile craft coffee truck that’s raising the bar for coffee service one cup at a time.
A Family-Fueled Passion
Jeff and Lisa Clark aren’t new to hard work or to coffee. Jeff, a retired law enforcement officer, has always been particular about his coffee. “If I’m going to drink it, it has to be good,” he says. Lisa, on the other hand, admits, “I’m more of a tea kind of girl,” but that didn’t stop her from mastering the art of making a great cup of coffee.
The couple runs Bean Brigade with the help of their three grown children, making it a true family affair. Their inspiration came from Lisa’s experience coordinating events and realizing how difficult it was to find reliable, high-quality mobile coffee service. “We kept running into the same problem—coffee vendors were either unavailable or unreliable,” says Lisa. “We knew we could do better.”
So they did. The Clarks enrolled in the prestigious Texas Coffee School, where they honed their craft and learned how to make everything from velvety cappuccinos to refreshing cold brews. That dedication to quality forms the foundation of Bean Brigade and reflects their commitment to coffee craftsmanship, ensuring every cup they serve meets the highest standards.
Coffee, Elevated
The secret to Bean Brigade’s success lies in the details. The Clarks are highly selective about their coffee beans, sourcing them from Slake Coffee in San Luis Obispo—a small-batch roaster known for its rich flavor profiles and consistent quality. “We place an order for each event to ensure we’re always serving the freshest coffee possible” Lisa explains.
They also insist on using premium ingredients, like Black Scottie Chai and Holy Kakow syrups from small Washington and Oregon-based producers. “The freshness and quality of the ingredients make all the difference,” says Lisa.
But the coffee itself is only part of the experience. The Clarks operate from a restored 1964 Toyota Landcruiser FJ45 with a rugged, military-inspired design. The truck, was completely rebuilt and outfitted with high-end coffee-making equipment. The result is a coffee truck that’s as much of a conversation starter as the drinks it serves.
More Than Just Coffee
Bean Brigade offers more than just the usual coffee and espresso drinks. They create custom menus tailored to each event, including specialty drinks like the bourbon latte (a hit at the Salinas Air Show’s VIP Mavericks Lounge) and the affogato, where espresso is poured over a Häagen-Dazs ice cream cup—a crowd-pleaser at private events.
Their menu includes a range of options, from classic cappuccinos and lattes to cold brews and drip coffee. Non-coffee drinkers aren’t left out either. Bean Brigade serves black and herbal teas and freshly brewed iced tea. Custom drink menus are available upon request, making it easy to tailor the experience to the specific vibe of any event.
And for events that need a more flexible setup, Bean Brigade offers self-serve coffee stations—perfect for corporate meetings, weddings, and private parties where guests can help themselves to a fresh cup of coffee or tea.
A Growing Buzz
Bean Brigade officially launched in August 2024 during Car Week in the Monterey Peninsula—and it didn’t take long for the buzz to build. The Clarks kicked off their business by serving coffee at the Monterey Motorsports VIP Room, and word quickly spread. Now, they’re booking events across Monterey County and as far north as the San Francisco Bay Area, with an array of private and corporate events, local festivals, and nonprofit gatherings through 2025.
Lisa and Jeff are also expanding their fleet, with plans to add a more portable coffee cart to increase flexibility for smaller venues and more intimate gatherings.
“It’s all about giving back to the community,” says Lisa. “We love seeing people come together over a great cup of coffee.”
Bean Brigade isn’t just about coffee—it’s about creating a memorable experience, one cup at a time. Their unwavering focus on coffee craftsmanship is what sets them apart. From sourcing the best beans to perfecting each pour, Bean Brigade’s mission is simple: deliver the highest quality coffee, wherever and whenever it’s needed.
📧 barista@beanbrigade831.com | 🌐 beanbrigade831.com | 📱 @beanbrigade831
About the author
Kathryn McKenzie, who grew up in Santa Cruz and now lives on a Christmas tree farm in north Monterey County, writes about the environment, sustainable living and health for numerous publications and websites. She is the co-author of “Humbled: How California’s Monterey Bay Escaped Industrial Ruin.”
