To launch his new cafe in beachside L.A., a doe-eyed beatnik must first contend with the cutthroat world of craft coffee. While divided loyalties sever his soul, he comes to master both the art of war and the war of art.

SYNOPSIS:

Kona Coffee evacuated its cafes from affluent South Bay L.A., yet the ashtray aftertaste of their pre-ground beans still lingers. One lousy cup of drip inspires a hostel owner to treat his unemployed beatnik guest to the world of competitive craft coffee.

From the crowded bleachers of a barista throwdown, the beatnik develops a crush for a French exchange student, an employee of the Parisian cafe near the hostel. But his puppy love gets interrupted when he and his host witness a combative roaster secure an exclusive sponsorship and deliver a controversial performance that ignites a war between the local coffee houses. The hostel owner exploits this turmoil to arrange a job opportunity for his beatnik guest with an influential co-op owner.

Before he punches the clock, the beatnik chances upon the French woman once again. He introduces himself to her as another foreigner and offers assistance. But she dismisses it, and the two part ways.

On the job as a barista trainee, the burden of living a modest lifestyle in beachside Los Angeles raises the doe-eyed beatnik's stress. He also learns that the iron-fisted co-op owner and the high-handed roaster are partners in the craft coffee war. So, when both parties express private interest in him, the newcomer feels daunted by their control over his well-being yet seduced by the opportunity to learn the art and craft of coffee between them.

Since the rookie barista considers himself a humanitarian and environmentalist, he empathizes with his employer's cause at the co-op. Yet, as a gourmet connoisseur, he admires the roaster's purist methods. Both bosses anticipate the return of Kona Coffee to the South Bay. And they prepare to face the formidable conglomerate by contending with its local allies. Thus, he experiences strain from divided loyalties and his dual aspirations.

Initially, he devotes himself to his employer at the co-op. But eventually, he forges his path as a craft coffee mercenary. With stations as both barista and roaster, the mercenary now sips the same superior blonde roast coffee that displaced his love interest from her job at the Parisian cafe. And so, as she leaves to look for work elsewhere, he walks alone down the pier into the horizon, wearing the uniform of one boss while he carries a second.