Eric Del Real is known for two things: his beard and his beans – coffee beans, that is. He shows up at six farmers markets a week, pouring coffee and selling bags of his roasts as The Beerded Bean. Born and raised in Salinas, Del Real left a job in the medical field to start his coffee company, explaining that nothing inspired him like a good cup.
He visits farmers markets in Marina, Pacific Grove, Soledad, Oldtown Salinas, Natividad and Monterey Peninsula College (taking a break only July 14-15 to celebrate family birthdays), and hopes to raise interest and money for a permanent location.
Weekly: Why the “Beerded” spelling?
Del Real: A lot of people think it’s because of my beard, but when we move to a location I want to provide gourmet coffee, craft beer and live music. We have a slogan: It’s the best of both brews.
Why sell at farmers markets?
It’s a cost-efficient way to get my product out to people, to be able to share my passion with them. Farmers markets are a community.
Do you ever end up spending more at farmers markets than you make?
When my wife is helping me out I do. She’ll say, “Oh, you owe that vendor this much.” But people like to barter. I can trade my coffee for vegetables. We all help each other out.
What’s your favorite coffee?
The coffee that got me in love with coffee is Sumatra. Every time I sip it, it takes me back to that first cup of adult coffee – adult coffee, without milk and sugar.
Where are you planning to open a permanent shop?
Salinas is home. It would be an injustice if I didn’t open in Salinas.
(6) comments
Seen this dude - good coffee but "Adult coffee" - if youre gonna be a snob, atleast serve pour over then get at me
Glad you liked our coffee. The first sip of "Adult Coffee" was served with a french press. Thats the very first coffee i fell in love with. I had never had coffee through a press, nor have I ever enjoyed coffee without cream / sugar - until i had that first cup of Sumatra . I've always referred to that moment as my first "Adult Beverage". Pour over, siphon, french press, Aero press, immersion brewing are all methods i'd love to provide at markets, but there is no way I can provide those options working my booth solo. So for now batch brew will have to do. Hope you come back to try more coffees. Next month We'll be brewing our Mocha Java and Mexican Chiapas Serrano. Cheers!
Everyone's a critic, some can't take a joke either. It's pricey as all hell but hey, that's the name of the game I guesslol
We love the Bearded Beans coffee! I buy it at the Oldtown Salinas Farmers Market. Love the loyalty card as well!
Thank you Margaret! hope to see you at the markets soon. Cheers!
Agreed
Welcome to the discussion.
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