About Us
A place where everyone belongs
Our Mission
“The Merchant places great value in building long lasting meaningful connections in our community. It’s a place where delicious pastry, great drinks, friends and family gather to inspire, connect, and nourish the human spirit. We believe in treating all people with warmth, kindness, and respect while delivering quality food and drinks that we would proud to serve our own families.”
Our Story
The couple behind all things coffee & pastry. Mike & Andrea are a husband-wife team set out to bring nothing short from the best to Long Beach.
Andrea was born and raised in Los Angeles where every day was centered around the butcher block in her grandparents kitchen. In 2009 her and her husband Mike moved to Bixby Knolls, seeking new experiences in an artisanal, food conscious community. After living in New York and falling in love with the local food and bakery scene, Andrea completed the extensive Baking Program at the International Culinary Center (formerly the French Culinary Institute). In each hand-crafted product Andrea kneads in her passion creativity, and craft of creating simple, delicious, sustainable, and preservative-free baked goods.
Mike was born and raised in Long Beach an alumni to St. Cornelius Elementary and Wilson High School (Go Bruins!) After a short time at Sonoma State, Mike realized his true calling was out on the water. Not long after he set out to pursue his Maritime career. He worked out of the Port of Long Beach operating supply boats. It wasn't until December of 2016 that Mike traded in his steel toe boots for an apron and new found barista skills.
Andrea and Mike always dreamed of opening up a bakery + coffee shop. Although it took some time, they finally opened The Merchant's doors in May of 2017