Long Beach’s coffee scene is about to gain a new player with a distinctly OC identity: Orange County-based IYKYK Coffee Lab [stylized IYKYK!] is preparing to open its first Long Beach location inside the former Starbucks space at the Marina Pacifica retail center, marking the brand’s latest expansion beyond its Orange County roots.
If there is anything to be said about former Recreational Coffee owner Bobby Hernandez’s praise, we are in for a treat.
“That place,” he happily said. “Family-owned. Love the owners… Man, I’ve had a delicious coffee there because some baristas there genuinely care. One guy made me one of the best espressos I’ve had in a minute there.”
Wait—what is IYKYK Coffee Lab?
For those unfamiliar with the concept, IYKYK—short for “If You Know, You Know”—has built a loyal following by positioning itself as more than just another specialty coffee shop.
Founded by mother-and-daughter duo Dawna and Alexis Wyland, the company first launched in Huntington Beach’s Pacific City development before expanding to a second location at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa. The brand has quickly developed a reputation for pairing elevated espresso and matcha offerings with music, community events, and an experience-driven atmosphere that feels equally inspired by café culture and creative social spaces.
That experiential approach has become a defining feature of IYKYK’s growth. The company hosts popular morning DJ sessions, incorporates vinyl listening stations into its cafés, and regularly collaborates with food brands from across SoCal.
The concept even garnered attention for testing a robotic barista alongside traditional coffee service at its Huntington Beach flagship. According to the company, the goal has always been to create memorable experiences centered around coffee rather than simply serving beverages.
What to expect from IYKYK Long Beach…
The move into Marina Pacifica places IYKYK in one of East Long Beach’s most visible but shrinking retail destinations. The former Starbucks location has sat vacant since the coffee giant departed the center. Barnes & Noble was renovated by shrinking its footprint. Best Buy peaced out years ago, to be replaced by a gym. And Buffalo Wild Wings just recently shuttered.
But there’s also growth in certain ways—especially with locally distinct brands. Proudly Serving opened its first Long Beach location at the complex, while Nigel’s offers a space unlike any other. By taking over the space—and soon joining its soon-to-be neighbor just over the bridge on PCH, Alfred Coffee—IYKYK gains an established coffee footprint while introducing a concept that differs significantly from the traditional corporate café model.
The arrival also continues a broader trend of independent and regional coffee operators finding success in Long Beach. While national chains remain abundant, consumers have increasingly gravitated toward shops that offer distinctive beverage programs, community-focused events, and a stronger sense of place. (This will be a test for both Alfred and IYKYK.)
An opening date for the Marina Pacifica location has not yet been publicly announced.
IYKYK Coffee Lab will be located at 6324 E. Pacific Coast Hwy. Suite B
