The Merchant

## Introduction / Overview

For residents and visitors in the California region, especially those local to Long Beach and the surrounding Southern California area, finding a truly authentic neighborhood spot that excels at both baking and coffee is a rare treat. The Merchant is precisely that destination: a proudly women-owned establishment nestled in the heart of Long Beach's Bixby Knolls neighborhood. It is more than just a café; it’s a dedicated Bakery, Coffee Roaster, and Coffee Shop all rolled into one cozy, community-focused space.

The Merchant has quickly become a local favorite by committing to a simple but powerful mission: providing the community with high-quality, handcrafted products. They specialize in fresh, daily baked goods that are made in-house, ensuring superior flavor, sustainability, and preservative-free recipes. The pastry selection is highly praised, featuring irresistible items that are often made from scratch, such as their flaky croissants and their much-loved cinnamon rolls.

Complementing the superb bakery items is The Merchant's robust coffee program. They function as a local coffee roastery, serving fair-trade beans that are often roasted right in Long Beach using a zero-emissions roaster. This commitment to quality and environmental responsibility elevates the entire experience, offering everything from classic espresso drinks and signature lattes to cold brew options. The husband-and-wife team behind The Merchant have successfully created a welcoming, inclusive, and essential neighborhood hub for breakfast, a quick coffee run, or a comfortable place to sit and connect.

The atmosphere is consistently described as cute, clean, and cozy, featuring ample seating both inside and out, which is perfect for enjoying the pleasant Southern California weather. Whether you are looking for the perfect start to your morning with breakfast pastries and a fresh cup of coffee, or a mid-day moment of sweet indulgence, The Merchant offers a genuinely handcrafted experience.

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## Location and Accessibility

The Merchant is conveniently located in the popular Bixby Knolls area of Long Beach, California, making it a highly accessible spot for local users throughout the city and surrounding areas of Los Angeles County. The physical address is:

P: 4121 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90807, USA

This location on Long Beach Boulevard is a key commercial artery, offering easy access for both driving and local transit. The accessibility features of The Merchant are robust and thoughtfully implemented to welcome all members of the California community:

• P: Wheelchair Accessibility: The venue provides a fully wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring comfort and ease of access for customers with mobility needs.
• P: Parking: Visitors can benefit from free street parking available in the immediate vicinity, which is a major convenience in a busy commercial area.
• P: Seating: The Merchant offers a cozy and minimalist interior with comfortable indoor seating, as well as plenty of outside seating, perfect for enjoying the Californian climate.
• P: Inclusivity: The space is highly committed to being a welcoming and safe spot for everyone, proudly identifying as LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safe space, and featuring a gender-neutral restroom.

Its central location in Bixby Knolls, combined with its friendly atmosphere and inclusive design, makes The Merchant an easy and comfortable stop for anyone in the Long Beach area needing a quick visit or a leisurely moment.

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## Services Offered

As a combination bakery, roastery, and coffee shop, The Merchant offers a comprehensive suite of services focused on providing fresh, high-quality food and beverages.

• P: Artisanal Baking: Daily preparation of fresh, homemade, and preservative-free pastries and baked goods, known to include flaky croissants, cinnamon rolls, and seasonal items.
• P: In-House Coffee Roasting: Sourcing and roasting high-quality, fair-trade coffee beans using a specialized, zero-emissions roaster in Long Beach, and offering bags of roasted beans for purchase (e.g., Duck Blind Brew).
• P: Full Coffee Bar Service: Serving a wide range of coffee beverages, including espresso drinks, mochas, lattes, cold brew, and unique signature concoctions, in addition to various tea and specialty drink options like ceremonial-grade matchas.
• P: Dining Options: Catering to guests with full Breakfast service options.
• P: Flexible Ordering: Offering several convenient service options for the busy California lifestyle, including Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, In-store pickup, and In-store shopping.
• P: In-Shop Provisions: The Merchant features a retail component, offering merchandise and provisions like coffee beans and branded drinkware.
• P: Customer Amenities: Providing essential amenities for visitors, including Wi-Fi access and clean restrooms.

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## Features / Highlights

The Merchant is distinguished by several unique features that resonate deeply with the local California community, from its products to its operational ethics.

• P: Dual Specialization: Excelling as both a scratch bakery and a dedicated coffee roastery, offering a powerful combination of freshly roasted beans and freshly baked goods that is unique in the local scene.
• P: Women-Owned Business: A strong community highlight, proudly identifying as a women-owned enterprise, which is a point of distinction and support for many local patrons.
• P: Zero-Emissions Roasting: The commitment to sustainability by using a zero-emissions coffee roaster for their fair-trade beans appeals directly to environmentally conscious consumers in California.
• P: Signature Pastries: Customers consistently rave about the baked goods, specifically citing the quality of their croissants and the highly recommended cinnamon rolls and savory items like the cheese bisquets, demonstrating a high level of baking skill.
• P: Community Hub and Safe Space: Cultivating an atmosphere that is explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safe space, ensuring the café operates as an inclusive, welcoming meeting spot for all of Long Beach’s diverse community.
• P: All-Day Comfort: With a charming, cozy interior, plenty of sun-soaked outdoor bench seating, and available Wi-Fi, it's an ideal location for everything from a quick morning coffee to a relaxed work session.

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## Contact Information

To visit The Merchant, place an order, or inquire about their current offerings and fresh coffee beans, please use the following contact details:

• P: Address: 4121 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90807, USA
• P: Phone: (562) 317-5155

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## What is Worth Choosing

For any Long Beach or Southern California local, the absolute must-try experience at The Merchant is the classic combination of freshly baked pastries paired with their in-house roasted coffee. This pairing embodies the core of what The Merchant offers—the best of both worlds, crafted with local dedication.

It is highly recommended to start with one of their famous pastries, such as the cinnamon roll or a flaky croissant, which are baked from scratch and stand out for their quality. Pair this with a meticulously crafted coffee drink. Whether you prefer a classic mocha (noting that a polite request for an extra hot temperature might be beneficial based on customer feedback) or a complex espresso drink made from their locally roasted beans, the flavor is guaranteed to be fresh and distinct.

Choosing The Merchant is a choice to support a women-owned, community-conscious business that prioritizes sustainability and inclusivity. It's the perfect spot for a satisfying breakfast or a productive, comfortable break. Customers should take advantage of the generous outside seating to enjoy their treats in the Bixby Knolls sunshine, making it an essential addition to any Long Beach food enthusiast’s list.