INGLEWOOD, Calif. — When running a coffee shop, deciding which flavors and brands to select is serious business.

Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas go through a three-step process with their employees called "cupping" — two smell tests, followed by a taste test. Thomas and Nicholas both left their jobs as successful lawyers to build Sip & Sonder, a Black-owned coffee shop in the heart of Inglewood.

What You Need To Know

  • The L.A. Chargers are recognizing four local eateries for Black History Month

  • One of those is an Inglewood coffee shop called Sip & Sonder

  • The Chargers chose the Black-owned coffee shop for its dedication to the community

  • The team has showcased local Black artists during the month of February

“We understand what it means to open a coffee shop in a community that hasn’t had a coffee shop before,” Nicholas said.

“And what it means to have an open, accessible space that lives within a Black and brown community,” Thomas added.

The co-owners obtained the space just before construction of SoFi Stadium in Inglewood began. As the home of the Rams and Chargers was built, they opened. Now, they are one of four local businesses being honored by the Chargers in recognition of Black History Month. Sip & Sonder received promotion on the team’s website and social media pages in addition to financial support.

"Definitely grateful,"said Thomas. "It’s less about us, and less about Sip and Sonder as a business, and more about, 'This is what’s happening in Inglewood. This is what the energy is.'"

The Chargers have teamed up with Sip & Sonder before and knew they were the right choice to be recognized for Black History Month.

“We really liked their community engagement and how they are bringing people together,” said Heather Birdsall, director of community partnerships for the Chargers. “They have event space there. They mentor other entrepreneurs. They volunteer in the community, especially with kids.”

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It’s just a small part of the team's continued outreach to the community to grow a fanbase as the newest sports team in Los Angeles.

“We want to show up for them consistently and know that we’re rooting for them just as much as they are rooting for us on the field,” Birdsall added.

Because of their outreach to the Inglewood community specifically, the Chargers have earned two fans in Thomas and Nicholas.

“I’m a fan of anyone who is not just talking the talk but walking the walk,” said Thomas.

“We’re ready for some games,” Nicholas said. “We’re ready to have fun back inside. We can’t wait.”