The Dave Chang Show Coffee and Contentment With Jack Benchakul
Sep 11, 2025
Jack Benchakul, owner and sole barista at Endorffeine Coffee, transitioned from a biotechnology career to embrace his passion for coffee in Los Angeles's Chinatown. He shares insights into the evolving coffee culture, contrasting historical and modern brewing practices. The conversation dives into the quest for contentment, exploring personal journeys and the challenges of career transitions. They also discuss the art of creating unique dishes, like coffee-infused red-eye gravy, blending culinary creativity with personal stories.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Coffee Waves Keep Shifting
- Coffee culture has evolved from commodity to specialty and keeps shifting its "wave" definitions.
- Third wave focused on provenance and terroir, and new phases keep moving the goalposts.
From Biotech To Coffee Beginnings
- Dave worked in biotech for about 11 years after an optometry detour and before coffee.
- A patient connected him with a biotech job that led to a decade in the industry.
Practice Kaizen And Reflection Daily
- Keep improving incrementally: focus on each shot, brew, and movement to get better.
- Reflect on what to improve (hansei) and practice kaizen to advance your craft.