Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen

Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen is a Los Angeles-based independent coffee chain. A Black-owned business, it was founded in 2018 by Yonnie Hagos and Ajay Relan. Issa Rae later joined Hagos and Relan as a partner and co-owner.

The first Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen was opened in 2018. Located in the South Los Angeles neighborhood of View Park, it was the only coffee shop of its kind in the area. Relan said: “Part of our mission is to be able to create an inclusive, energetic space that provides a hub for the local community."

In 2019, Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen opened its flagship location in Inglewood in addition to a branch in Eagle Rock. In 2023, a pop-up opened in downtown Los Angeles. Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen locations are primarily staffed by locals.