A Korean-American barista is garnering attention for winning a national championship. It’s the first time a Korean-American barista has won the title in the competition, which began in 2002.
Frank La, 36, won the U.S. Barista champion at the 2024 U.S. Coffee Championships, which was held in Rancho Cucamonga on March 15-17.
La has been running Be Bright Coffee on Melrose and Fuller Avenues since 2022.
As the winner of the competition, La will represent the United States at the World of Coffee & World Barista Championship Busan 2024 in Korea, in May.
“I am glad that my hard work paid off,” La told the Korea Daily, “I’ve always wanted to compete in the World Barista Championship, and I got my wish.”
The U.S. Barista Championship requires baristas to prepare espressos, cappuccinos, and signature drinks for four judges in 15 minutes. La presented a cappuccino with espresso, milk punch, oolong tea, and honey, and a signature drink with homemade grape syrup and coffee saccharum.
“After narrowly missing out on winning the competition last year, I prepared thoroughly for this year’s, practicing until 1 a.m. after closing the coffee shop every day. I used the highest quality beans and delivered the correct flavor notes, and I think it really made a difference,” he said.
In the final round, where six candidates competed on the final day, three of the baristas were Korean Americans, including La.
“There is a perception that the coffee industry is for people of certain cultural backgrounds, but many of the most famous coffee shops in LA are also run by Korean-Americans, and there are many talented baristas of them,” said La.
The U.S. Coffee Championships are organized annually by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), and in addition to the Barista Championship, the competition includes the Brewers Cup Championship, Roaster Championship, Cup Tasters Championship, and Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, Latte Art Championship. The first-place U.S. Barista Champion represents the United States at the World Barista Championships.
BY SUAH JANG, HOONSIK WOO [jang.suah@koreadaily.com]
