ONE OF the original regulars, Grayson-Alexander von Hauck (at left) and daughter of owners, Nyah Bhone. (Photo by Jamilyn Moreau).

By Jamilyn Moreau/Orange County Tribune

With an Instagram following of over 18,000, the Burnt Umber Coffee ft. Petals and Poison Tea Room gothic Victorian-themed coffee shop has become a hotspot for coffee lovers in Orange County.

The family-owned shop, located at 12752 Valley View St. in Garden Grove, has become a safe space for the spooky community, according to daughter Nyah Bhone. The mysterious atmosphere is painted with dark black and green walls and has pieces from the Bhone family’s home throughout, including antique dressers, family portraits, couches, curtains, and dining room chairs. Every piece of decor inside the shop, from the furniture to the art on the walls, has a story behind it.

What was meant to be a quiet opening in July turned into a well-known, fan-favorite shop, with some regulars even driving from San Diego just to get coffee.
 “We were, like, we should just do a trial weekend and see what happens, and then we just ended up having to stay open,” said Nyah Bhone, daughter of operators Scott and Rachelle Bhone.
  Owner Scott Bhone replied, “We still have so much we want to do.”

The popular Instagram account, operated by the Bhone sisters Nyah and Jená attracted a like-minded spooky community. One customer drove all the way from Arizona just to get a coffee and snap a photo before turning back around.

  “During Halloween season, the longest line I saw here was 1 hour and 45 minutes to get to the register,” said Nyah Bhone.
   When designing the store, the haunted mansion at Disneyland was a big source of inspiration. Every single detail was intentional, from the coffee mugs designed by daughter Jená Bhone to the antique table bases.

 The Bhones’ connection with each customer has contributed to the home-like atmosphere. Just by walking through the door, regular customers are greeted on a first-name basis.

While the aesthetic of the coffee shop plays a huge role in attracting visitors, Scott Bhone emphasized the quality of their drinks.
“None of it works if the coffee is not good,” said Scott Bhone.
Though the soft opening exceeded their expectations, the Bhone family still has a lot more in store for the future of Burnt Umber.

“This is just the start of everything,” said Nyah Bhone.