Dining
BY ROO MOODY
Ella Co ee nds new home on Sunset Blvd. Back in Italy, Laura Marino ran her own co ee and wine shop, and now, because of a new partnership between Ella Co ee and Simone on Sunset, she has brought her expertise to West University Place. The backstory Ella Co ee rst started in 2021 as a mobile co ee shop in Bu alo Bayou Park. After four years of operating as a mobile truck, Marino moved out of the park and signed a lease in West University Place. How it works After that rst lease in West U was nished, Ella Co ee partnered with the wine bar called Simone on Sunset. In March, the co ee shop relocated inside the wine bar, and the two now operate at separate hours. “I think Laura’s the best, not because she’s my friend, but because I work with her and there’s a client who says she can change your morning,” said Elena Di Stefano, general manager of Simone on Sunset. Her thoughts About a year ago, Marino said she sold her mobile truck to another couple looking to start a similar concept. She was happy to help them and o er advice, just as she had been helped when she started in Houston. “Community is the best way to help each other, and that’s what happened between us,” Marino said about her partnering with Di Stefano and Simone on Sunset.
Customers can enjoy their drinks from Ella Co ee inside the cafe or outside on its patio.
PHOTOS BY ROO MOODY COMMUNITY IMPACT
Laura Marino and her employee, Raina, outside Ella Co ee.
ALBANS RD.
SUNSET BLVD.
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2418 Sunset Blvd., Ste. B, Houston www.ellaco eetx.com
Customers can buy Ella Co ee’s signature blend made with beans from Guatemala by the bag.
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