Today we’d like to introduce you to Hanna Shim.
Hi Hanna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Our Story
My love for coffee began back in college, when I started working in coffee shops here and there. Over the years, that passion only grew stronger. My husband and I always dreamed of opening a shop together—something that would combine our love for coffee with our desire to create a space where people feel at home.
The name First Flight comes straight from our story. My husband works in aviation, and his love for airplanes, paired with our shared love for coffee, inspired the name. In aviation, the first flight of the day is the most important—it sets the tone for everything that follows. That’s the heart of our mission: to provide you with exceptional coffee, tea, and service that helps set the tone for the rest of your day.
First Flight Coffee is especially meaningful to me because I was born and raised right here in Torrance. In fact, this very location once housed a boba shop where I worked in high school. Being able to come full circle and bring my own coffee shop to this corner of my hometown is both nostalgic and incredibly special.
On top of all that, I’m also a new mom to an eleven-month-old daughter, which makes this chapter of my life even more meaningful. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been such a rewarding journey—one filled with growth, gratitude, and purpose.
We are proud to serve specialty coffee and tea, crafted with care, and paired with a commitment to exceptional customer service. More than just a coffee shop, First Flight is a community hub—a place where everyone is welcome, and where we hope to brighten your day, one cup at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our Early Struggles (and Blessings in Disguise)
Like many new small businesses, opening First Flight Coffee came with its share of challenges. One of the biggest struggles we faced right away was something we could never have truly prepared for—the overwhelming amount of attention and support we received from the community when we first opened our doors.
We anticipated a steady start, but instead we were met with lines out the door and demand far beyond our expectations. This led to an inventory crisis in our very first weeks. We were constantly running out of supplies and had to scramble to source inventory every single day just to keep up.
While it was stressful in the moment, we’ve chosen to see it as a blessing more than a struggle. Running out of product wasn’t because we failed—it was because so many people wanted to be a part of what we were building. That challenge reminded us just how much our community values specialty coffee, good service, and the kind of welcoming space we’re striving to create.
Every daily scramble for milk, beans, and cups was also a daily reminder of the incredible support around us. We’re grateful for the “struggles” that come from too much love, too many customers, and too much excitement—because they’ve pushed us to grow, adapt, and plan bigger than we ever thought possible.
We’ve been impressed with First Flight Coffee, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
First Flight Coffee is a community-based specialty coffee shop located in Torrance, California. We proudly serve thoughtfully crafted coffee and tea beverages along with a welcoming customer experience. Our focus isn’t only on delivering exceptional drinks, but on creating a space where people feel seen, appreciated, and at home.
Our name, First Flight, is inspired by my husband’s career in aviation and our shared love for coffee. In aviation, the “first flight” of the day sets the tone for all the flights that follow. We carry that philosophy into our work—every cup we serve is meant to set the tone for your day with quality, care, and warmth.
What sets us apart is our commitment to connection. Beyond specialty coffee, we believe in genuine hospitality, and we strive to be more than just a coffee stop—we want to be a community hub. This is especially meaningful to us because I was born and raised in Torrance, and our café is located in a spot that’s deeply nostalgic for me. Years ago, I worked here in high school when it was a boba shop, and bringing First Flight Coffee to this same space feels like coming full circle.
We are also known for our signature drinks, which have quickly become local favorites:
First Flight Matcha: a matcha latte sweetened with our house-made syrup and topped with our very own matcha cold foam.
First Flight Cold Brew: our house cold brew finished with a silky layer of vanilla bean cold foam.
Peaches n’ Cream: a sparkling peach tea creation topped with our vanilla bean cold foam—it’s like a creamsicle, but peach.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of our roots and the story behind our name. It reflects not only who we are but what we stand for: starting each day strong, with intention, and building momentum that carries forward. We want readers to know that when they visit First Flight, they’ll find more than just a great cup of coffee—they’ll find a place that’s fueled by passion, grounded in community, and designed to make their day better.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We love connecting with our community and welcome collaborations!
People can support First Flight Coffee first and foremost by stopping in, enjoying a drink, and sharing the space with friends. Every visit, every word-of-mouth recommendation, and every tagged photo on social media helps us grow and continue doing what we love.
We’re also open to partnerships and collaborations—whether that’s working with local creators and photographers, teaming up with other small businesses for special events, or highlighting community makers and artists in our shop. We believe coffee shops are more than places to grab a drink; they’re gathering spaces that bring people together.
If you’d like to work with us, collaborate on content, or support in another way, we encourage you to reach out directly through Instagram, email, or in person at the café. We’re always excited to hear new ideas and find ways to connect.
Pricing:
- First Flight Matcha $7.00
- First Flight Cold Brew $6.50
- Peaches N’ Cream $6.50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.firstflightcoffee.com
- Instagram: @firstflightcoffee
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/first-flight-coffee-torrance-2?osq=First+Flight+Coffee
