The Pacific Bean is a quaint coffee shop nestled between the 710 Beach Club and Ananas souvenir store. It’s just a stone’s throw from Crystal Pier where Garnet meets the boardwalk. Peter Fillat took over the 13-year-old business in 2009 after starting out as a barista at the Bean and a waiter at a nearby upscale restaurant. The kindness and warmth Fillat exudes to everyone who walks through his doors keeps customers coming back for more as much as the 30 tasty mocha options, a dozen specialty drinks and the array of baked goods offered. Beach and Bay Press: What is your philosophy regarding customer service and hospitality? Peter Fillat: “It’s a matter of making people feel comfortable. The more people I get to talk to throughout the day, the happier I am. Like the Dali Lama says, it’s all about ‘random acts of kindness.’ What I say is this is your place and I pay the bills. If you feel comfortable, that’s the goal.” BBP: You’re originally from Italy, what’s different about the people from here compared to there? PF: “This is a country that is very emotionally-dry, it’s super individualistic. You have to be felt for and cared for because the human being is a social animal. There’s no surviving alone, interacting needs to be part of everyday life.” BBP: What is the Pacific Bean most known for? PF: “We’re famous for our mochas. That is what the business has been based on for 13 years. Personally being from Italy, my expertise is the espresso machine. If you ask me for an espresso, you will get it the way it should be done. Quadruple, venti, whatever. A cappuccino is only done one way — and that is perfect.” BBP: A lot of returning customers seem to really appreciate your way of welcoming them in to have something to drink and eat or just hang out and chat. PF: “I’m not in the coffee business for the coffee. I’m in it for the people. I get to chat with so many people around here who need a little place to call home. I’m so happy to see them every morning. I’ve got two surfboards in the back. It’s a little dream and if it works, then I’m happy.” The Pacific Bean 712 ½ Garnet Ave. Open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily