Brewing a Third Place: How Coffee and Beats Is Rewiring South Florida’s Social Scene

1 hour ago
3 min read

A man and woman dance energetically outdoors in a crowd, wearing casual clothes. It’s sunny with a clear blue sky. The mood is joyful and lively. — Image courtesy of Coffee and Beats.

Humanity is not meant to be solitary. Yet we are living in an increasingly isolating world. Our twenty-four-hour day is split between work and sleep. If those two take up sixteen hours, what happens to the other eight?

Those eight hours are everything. They are the 480 minutes that shape our happiness. The only time we have to build community, move our bodies, explore our city, and feel something real.

Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term Third Places, defined as spaces outside the home and the workplace where people gather to converse and connect with their community (Ganim, 2023). Third places are not transactional. They are not obligatory. They are intentional.

The problem is they are rare. You can find a gas station on every corner. A true third place only exists when someone decides to create one.

Two people dance energetically outdoors in bright sunlight, surrounded by a lively crowd. The scene exudes a joyful, festive mood. — Image courtesy of Coffee and Beats.

On a sunny Saturday morning in the Thrive Arts District in Fort Lauderdale, I found one. Alma Matcha and Coffee and Beats hosted Matcha and Beats, bringing together local artists, DJs, and small businesses under one roof. It was not just an event. It was an infrastructure for connection.

I spoke with Coffee and Beats co-founder Lumi about what it takes to build community in a city that is still learning how to gather.

Hands pour green matcha into iced latte in a clear cup with "ALMA MATCHA" text in a bright setting. — Image courtesy of Coffee and Beats.

1. How did you come up with Coffee and Beats?

Growing up, house music in my family was correlated with drugs, drinking, and other substances, but my love for the music never faded. Even before I turned 21, I found real joy in the music itself, in how it made me feel and how it brought people together. It was hard to share that excitement without people thinking of those old stereotypes, but I wanted to prove there was another way. In 2018, I teamed up with a local coffee shop to host a block party that welcomed a crowd, serving only coffee. Back then, I didn’t realize how meaningful it was. Years later, when I was 26, I decided to bring that idea back with more purpose. Over the past two years, it’s been amazing to see people connect with something I’ve believed in for so long and to watch them enjoy the music in its purest form while discovering great coffee.

DJ in a brown top mixes music outdoors on a sunny day. Palm trees and a blue sky are in the background. Mood is vibrant and lively. — Image courtesy of Coffee and Beats.

2. How has Coffee and Beats evolved since its founding?

I think it’s grown not just in the number of events and participants, but in overall quality and intention. Every facet, from sound design to brand activations, consumer experience, and media engagement, has evolved. Every improvement has been about making the experience more seamless, more immersive, and more meaningful for everyone involved.

DJ with curly hair performs at an outdoor event. A crowd gathers under a sunny sky, with trees and a mural in the background. Vibrant scene. — Image courtesy of Coffee and Beats.

3. How does Coffee and Beats incorporate its mission and vision into its products?

We believe there are many similarities between the worlds of coffee and music. At the end of the day, our “product” is music. A roaster carefully selects and crafts its beans to create a specific experience; the same feeling of collectiveness occurs when a DJ carefully selects their records to serve the crowd. Every choice is intentional, shaping the energy, the mood, and the way people connect in that space.

Two people smiling in front of a clothing display with the text "ALMA MATCHA." Shirts on hangers; outdoor setting with trees and clouds. — Image courtesy of Coffee and Beats.

4. What advice would you give to students and young professionals who want to start their own business?

A key lesson is to study other brands for inspiration, but avoid imitation. What succeeds elsewhere may not suit your brand; focus on understanding your unique audience and identity.

Man in sunglasses and cap waves a fan at an outdoor event under a bright sun. Crowds in background. Casual vibe with blue sky. — Image courtesy of Coffee and Beats.

5. What is the future of the company?

Our mission is to create a space for everyone while normalizing non-alcoholic morning parties. Right now, some people still see it as “corny,” but we’re here to change that narrative. We want to prove that the music, the energy, and the experience can be just as impactful without alcohol. It’s about bringing the focus back to the music and the people.