How Three Sisters Coffee & Tea Built a Brand People Feel

It’s wild how things work out sometimes. One day you’re walking your dogs, and the next you’ve stumbled into a spot that quietly reshapes your routine. That’s exactly what happened to me in August of 2023. I had just started getting serious about coffee, poking around different neighborhood shops, when I came across a place that instantly felt different: Three Sisters Coffee & Tea.

Kristen and the Three Sisters Vibe

What hooked me right away was Kristen. She was behind the counter, friendly and easygoing, like she’d known me for years. The shop had the same energy: cozy without feeling cluttered, relaxed but buzzing with just the right kind of energy. It whispered, “stick around for a while.”

Turns out, that feeling has roots. Kristen and her daughters are the heart of this whole thing, and the story of how they built it explains why it feels the way it does.

A Family Legacy, Reimagined

The building itself has history. Kristen’s father-in-law, Richard, once ran an upholstery business here. From the 70s through the early 2000s, it was thriving. When Richard passed, the business was sold but the building stayed in the family. For years, Kristen and her husband Matt debated what to do with the space. Airbnb even crossed their minds.

Then the neighborhood started changing. More people were walking by. Matt thought the location would be perfect for a coffee shop. Kristen was open to the idea, but this wasn’t just a business plan to her. She grew up in a family of Burbank entrepreneurs. Her people ran Pickwick Gardens, a well-loved community spot that operated for decades before being sold in 2021. Kristen had worked there and carried those memories. When her dad sold Pickwick, she was sad to see it go but ready to channel that history into something new.

So she and Matt rolled up their sleeves. Renovations, permits, all the headaches that come with opening something from scratch. It took them a couple of years to get there, but they never let go of the vision.

Coffee, Community, and a Little Whimsy

Kristen wanted the place to have personality. With her husband and three daughters, she shaped a coffee shop that feels less like a business and more like an extension of family. The name and logo came from her sister-in-law, who leaned into a playful, slightly witchy vibe that fit perfectly with the family’s free-spirited outlook.

You notice those touches everywhere inside. The chandelier? Made by a friend in the entertainment industry. The decor? Subtle nods to the spiritual energy Kristen and her family carry with them.

Burbank Roots and an Open Door

Kristen is as Burbank as it gets. Born here, raised here, raising her family here. That sense of connection shows in how she thinks about her customers. She didn’t want a specific demographic in mind. Her idea was simple: make it feel like home for anyone. “You are all accepted, you are all loved.” That’s not a slogan on a wall, it’s how she operates the place.

The shop officially opened July 10, 2023. Word spread quickly, thanks to its location and Kristen’s welcoming approach. But they didn’t just sit and wait for people to stumble in. The whole family dove into coffee culture before opening. Kristen and her daughters even worked shifts at other shops to learn the ropes. They practiced making drinks, learned what customers liked, and refined their own taste.

The Daughters of Three Sisters

The Signature Touches

That research paid off. They built a menu that feels familiar but with their own spin. Lavender and rose syrups add a floral twist to lattes. Their “Fire Drink,” which started as a wild espresso-meets-Red-Bull concoction, is now one of the shop’s biggest sellers. And the Vanilla Bean Latte? It’s the crowd-pleaser for people who just want something simple but great.

Her daughters are all in, too. Danielle, the oldest, didn’t think coffee was her thing at first but found herself drawn into the service side of it. Lily has fully embraced barista life. And the youngest, who calls herself a “pre-barista,” floats in and out as she pleases. It’s clearly a family affair.

Community First

Competition isn’t really how Kristen sees it. She’s connected with other women-owned spots nearby, like Tansy Plant & Cafe and Wish House. They’re even talking about teaming up for a Burbank Coffee Crawl. Instead of stepping on toes, Kristen focuses on carving her own niche: tea-based drinks, unique energy blends, and that cozy home-like atmosphere.

When it came to sourcing beans, they kept it local as much as possible. Their custom blend comes from City Bean Roasters, an LA company, while a roaster in Oregon supplies beans for cold brew and drip coffee.

More Than Just Coffee

This shop is more than just lattes and pastries. Kristen has opened it up as a space for community events. Local author signings, jewelry pop-ups, Halloween displays, even future game nights and poetry readings. It’s becoming a gathering place as much as a coffee stop.

Looking Ahead

Kristen isn’t shy about dreaming bigger. Maybe more locations around Burbank, maybe even out of state one day. There’s talk of getting their own roaster down the line too, so they can oversee the entire journey from bean to cup.

My Invitation to You

If you’re in Burbank or just passing through, I can’t recommend enough that you stop by. Grab a Lavender Latte or, if you’re feeling adventurous, the Fire Drink. Sit down, take in the vibe, and you’ll understand what I mean.