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.
Read the rest at the Korea Daily
