HANGOUT: Newly built Lift Coffee Roasters becomes a hot spot for Poly High School hipsters.
By Birdy Jones, Staff Writer
Lift Coffee Roasters is gaining popularity amongst many Poly High School students. Similar to coffee shops like Starbucks or The Coffee Bean, Lift is placed in a conveniently accessible location. However, it has its own distinct qualities that set it apart from the pre-existing coffee breweries in Riverside.
These variances include the unique décor and the overall atmosphere of Lift. Many describe Lift as a “hipster” setting—a place where people of postmodern, individual style can hang out. What is it that makes Lift such a popular spot for Poly students? Just ask Kirk Born, current Lift Coffee Roasters Barista. Born believes that “It’s definitely a hipster hangout. Coffee has always been something that people like to get and just hang out and that’s the new hipster trend.”
Poly High School student Kendall Ferre (11) concurs with Born’s opinion: “Overall it’s a very hipster and chill place. The music they play is alternative/indie and the people who work there are incredibly hipster as well.”
When a coffee shop has a title like “Lift,” it is easy for people to come up with their own interpretations of the name’s meaning. Born clears up any misconception, stating, “Both Steffen and Allen, our owners, are very interested in aeronautics, so the name ‘Lift’ was inspired by that.”
The name, however, is not only the result of the owners’ love for planes. The shop itself is airplane themed. Avid Lift customer Stephen Tyler (12) expresses one of his favorite aspects of Lift, stating, “The counter is actually made of an old airplane wing. The furniture and walls are made of wood, creating a very warm and inviting environment.”
It is not simply the atmosphere and the decorations of Lift that makes its business boom in Riverside, but the drinks as well. “The coffee is what keeps me going back. They make the best lattes in town and their tea is great too,” Tyler expressed. “I order something new every time I go and I’m never disappointed.”
With the combination of a hipster atmosphere, a unique décor and top-notch drinks, it seems as though Lift is missing nothing. Additionally, Lift continues to flourish with new ideas up its sleeves, such as the prospect of live entertainment. Born mentioned, “Our goal is to have live performances. We’ll probably close off the parking lot and have live concerts there.”