We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Patris Kirakosian a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Patris, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

The idea for Espresso Essence came from my background in hospitality. I’ve been a chef for over 12 years, and during that time I saw firsthand how food and beverage experiences bring people together. Coffee was always one of those things that people gravitated toward, and I noticed there was growing demand for specialty coffee at private events, weddings, and corporate functions.

Once the idea took hold, I started researching the espresso catering industry. I looked at existing companies, studied their services, pricing, equipment setups, and the types of events they served. I wanted to understand what worked and where I could create something unique.

The next step was building a business plan. I determined startup costs, identified my target market, and created a service model that focused on high-quality coffee and exceptional hospitality. From there, I worked on the logistics—forming the business, obtaining the necessary permits and insurance, creating branding, and developing the Espresso Essence name and identity.

Equipment was one of the biggest investments and learning experiences. I researched commercial espresso machines, grinders, power requirements, transportation needs, and event workflows to ensure I could consistently deliver a premium product in different environments.

At the same time, I built relationships with suppliers, sourced quality coffee, developed a menu, and tested recipes to make sure every drink met the standard I wanted the company to represent.

Once the foundation was in place, I focused on marketing and outreach. I created social media pages, developed promotional materials, networked with event planners and venues, and began introducing Espresso Essence to potential clients.

The launch wasn’t one single moment—it was a series of steps where each completed task made the business feel more real. What started as an idea became a business because I consistently moved from planning to action. Every challenge—whether it was equipment, licensing, branding, or finding customers—was something I approached as a problem to solve. That’s what ultimately allowed Espresso Essence to move from concept to reality.

Patris, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Patris Kirakosian, and I am the founder of Espresso Essence, a specialty espresso catering company dedicated to bringing premium coffee experiences directly to our clients. My background is actually in the culinary world. I have spent more than 12 years working as a chef, where I learned the importance of quality, consistency, hospitality, and attention to detail. Those principles became the foundation of Espresso Essence.

Throughout my career, I have always been passionate about creating memorable experiences for people. Whether through food or beverages, I believe hospitality is about more than just serving a product—it’s about creating moments that people remember. Over time, I developed a deep appreciation for specialty coffee and the culture surrounding it. I began to notice that while many events invested heavily in food, décor, and entertainment, coffee service was often overlooked. That observation sparked the idea for Espresso Essence.

What started as a simple idea quickly became a mission. I wanted to create a mobile espresso catering experience that delivered the same quality and care people would expect from a high-end café, but in a way that could elevate weddings, corporate events, private parties, brand activations, and special celebrations.

Launching the business required extensive research, planning, and investment. I spent countless hours studying the coffee industry, researching equipment, sourcing quality ingredients, developing menus, and learning the logistics of operating a mobile coffee service. Every decision was made with one goal in mind: creating an exceptional guest experience.

Today, Espresso Essence offers handcrafted espresso beverages, specialty coffee drinks, and customized coffee catering services tailored to each event. We focus on providing a professional, interactive experience where guests can enjoy café-quality beverages made fresh on-site. Our service helps event hosts create a memorable touchpoint that brings people together and leaves a lasting impression.

What sets Espresso Essence apart is the combination of culinary expertise and hospitality-driven service. My years as a chef taught me that excellence comes from consistency, preparation, and genuine care for the customer experience. We don’t simply serve coffee—we create an atmosphere that enhances the overall event experience.

One thing I am especially proud of is building a business from a vision and turning it into reality through hard work, persistence, and a commitment to quality. Like many entrepreneurs, I started with an idea and had to navigate every step of the process, from branding and equipment selection to operations and client development. Every challenge became an opportunity to learn and improve.

For potential clients, followers, and partners, I want them to know that Espresso Essence is built on authenticity, professionalism, and passion. We genuinely care about every event we serve and every guest we interact with. Our goal is to provide more than great coffee—we want to create memorable experiences that people talk about long after the event is over.

As Espresso Essence continues to grow, I remain committed to delivering exceptional service, building meaningful relationships, and continually raising the standard for mobile espresso catering. This journey began with a love for hospitality, and that passion continues to drive everything we do today.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I met my partner, Ellen, when we were very young. My great-grandmother lived next door to her family, and I spent a lot of time at my great-grandma’s house growing up. Because we were neighbors, I was there almost every day, hanging out with Ellen and her brother. What started as a childhood friendship grew over the years into a strong bond built on trust, shared experiences, and mutual respect.

As adults, when the opportunity came to build a business together, it felt like a natural fit. We already knew how to communicate, support each other, and work through challenges. That long history has become one of our greatest strengths as co-founders because our partnership is built on decades of friendship and understanding, not just a business idea.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe our reputation has been built on consistency, quality, and genuine hospitality. Before starting Espresso Essence, I spent more than 12 years in the culinary industry, where I learned that great service is about more than just the product—it’s about creating an experience people remember.

We approach every event with that mindset. We use high-quality ingredients, pay attention to the details, and treat every guest as if they were visiting our own home. Whether it’s a small private gathering or a large corporate event, we strive to deliver the same level of professionalism and care.

Word-of-mouth has been one of our biggest drivers of growth. When clients see that we’re reliable, passionate, and committed to making their event special, they tell others. Over time, those positive experiences have helped us build trust and establish a strong reputation in our market.

Most importantly, we genuinely love what we do. People can tell when a business is passionate about its craft, and I think that authenticity has played a big role in our success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://espressoessencecatering.com/
• Instagram: Espresso Essence Catering