Steelhead Coffee will expand its mini caffeinated empire as it partners with Salud Juices to take over the former Viento y Agua space in Belmont Heights. With three existing locations—their flagship in Cal Heights; its second location at Steelcraft in Bixby Knolls; and their third on Broadway at Redondo—the brand is honord to be stepping into a long-running coffee space.
“We’re honored to step into this space that has meant so much to Long Beach,” said co-owner John Aguiree. “Partnering with Salud Juice — who will have their own bar area—allows us to share this incredible space while keeping the same creative and welcoming spirit that’s always been here. This has always been a place for connection, and that won’t change…
“Viento y Agua created a heartbeat here, and we want to keep that rhythm alive,” he continued. “By teaming up with Salud Juice — each of us with our own bar areas but shared seating — we’re honoring the history of this space while bringing a collaborative energy to the neighborhood.”
What is Steelhead Coffee?
In 2015, John and Rany Aguirre—though not originally from Long Beach—fell in love with the historic charm and authentic community vibe of the Cal Heights neighborhood after moving there. They passed by what was then a photography studio at 1208 E. Wardlow Rd. and envisioned a cozy local café. Fueled by their passion for coffee—a significant part of their own love story—they seized the opportunity when the space became available and opened Steelhead Coffee, named after their spirited son, Logan. The rhino logo was inspired by his adventurous nature, emblematic of the couple’s relentless drive to bring their dream to life.
The café quickly became more than a place for great coffee. It became a warm community hub where patrons connect with one another and the owners, often feeling instantly welcomed.
Building on that success, Steelhead Coffee expanded its footprint in Long Beach. In 2017, they became the inaugural vendor at SteelCraft, the then-innovative urban food court made from repurposed shipping containers in Bixby Knolls. It was, in all honesty, an ideal extension of their community-minded ethos.
Then in 2019, the couple opened their third location in Bluff Park, repurposing a former sandwich shop (and bank vault!)—a strategic move that further embedded them in the fabric of Long Beach’s evolving coffee scene. Today, Steelhead Coffee is celebrated not only for its artisan drinks but also for its role in nurturing community, supporting local businesses, and enriching Long Beach’s vibrant third‑wave coffee culture
For Salud, a move into a place that “feels like a celebrity if a celebrity were a place.”
For Salud owner Angela Amalguer, the nostalgia of sitting in Viento y Agua in her 20s—a thing, mind you, many a Long Beach Millennial can relate to—weighs heavy. And, in fact, it was within those hallowed walls that the idea of Salud came to be.
“Almost two decades later, I’m opening my juice bar in the very same space I dreamed it up,” Angela said. “It’s unreal, and I’m just so honored to be a part of this new chapter for this community. I want to ensure that we maintain a space where the community feels connected and welcomed. That’s what Viento did for me and so many others, and I want to keep that going.Â
“This neighborhood deserves spaces that bring people together. Partnering with Steelhead in this iconic spot gives us a chance to build something that feels like home for the community while still keeping the same local feel Viento provided for us for so many years.”
Wait—what happened to Viento y Agua?
Viento y Agua owner Bela Mogyorody originally opened the space solely as a gallery in 2003 with Jenny La Force. But they soon realized how easily and comfortably coffee and art go together. After his departure four years ago, Jenny took over the space, making it one that has been both well-lived in and constantly changing in the best way possible. This led to open mics. Book clubs. They scored a piano to put front and center. And they hosted Adelina’s Revenge, a queer Latina-owned shop filled with Mexican and Latin American-centric goods.
Afetr serving the Belmont Heights community for over 20 years and becoming an essential part of the solid coffee scene here in the city, the coffeeshop shared the sad news on social media.
Owner Jenny La Force did not want to publicly discuss the situation, allowing her the space to process it. Jenny has been discussing openly her need to move past the business due to both tiredness and the desire to move on. Others in the community, however, are not so clear on Jenny’s or the landlord’s decision.
Steelhead Coffee and Salud will open their new spaces at 4007 E. 4th St.
