25: Nicely Abel Alameda: Brewing Mastery, Identity, and Community at Menotti’s

In this episode of Hold The Standard, host Logan Gelbrich sits down with legendary barista and café owner Nicely Abel Alameda better known simply as Nicely to talk about craft, culture, and building something that actually matters.

From his early days behind the espresso machine to becoming a U.S. Barista Champion and the founder of Menotti’s Coffee Stop in Venice and Culver City, Nicely shares how he built more than just a coffee shop. He built a community.

This conversation dives into:
• The discipline and repetition behind world-class barista work
• What it means to be a craftsman in a hype-driven world
• Balancing art and business in creative entrepreneurship
• Why Menotti’s is as much about people as it is about coffee
• Navigating authenticity, identity, and success in a growing industry

Nicely’s approach to coffee is a metaphor for life: consistent, intentional, and built on real connection. If you're a creative, entrepreneur, or just someone trying to do meaningful work in a loud world, this one’s for you.