In the heart of Downtown Stockton, The Well has become a cherished gathering spot for the local community.
Owned by David and Raegan Cicileo, this coffee shop, eatery, and collaborative center provides a cozy space for people from all backgrounds to connect and grow.
The Well's warm atmosphere draws in patrons like Natalie Seals, who frequents the shop with her knitting group every Saturday. Seals praises The Well for fostering connections and offering a variety of opportunities, from creating art to taking vocational classes.
"They don't care what background you come from, they just want people to get together, find each other, make new friendships, eat good food and just continue to grow in size and outreach," Seals said.
Donté Miller, Executive Director of Campus Life at the University of the Pacific, is another regular customer who appreciates the establishment's welcoming environment. Miller enjoys the delicious food and beverages while working on his PhD dissertation at The Well on Saturdays.
The Well's in-house coffee roasting is a unique feature among cafes in the area. Ben Kenoyer, a member of the roasting collaborative and barista, started his business, Revive Roasters, with the support of the Cicileos. The roasting collaborative now includes two coffee roasters, aiming to provide the best coffee in Stockton.
Brianna Rojas, a barista recently promoted to manager, shared that The Well hosts a diverse range of events, from baby showers to knitting clubs. The venue also offers vocational education classes in music, art, and other fields, as well as mentorship programs for local youth.
The Cicileos have been active members of the Stockton community for 13 years, creating the non-profit organization Restore Stockton. The couple envisioned a public place for people to develop their skills and talents, and The Well continues to serve as an inclusive hub for growth and connection. For more on this, visit The Collegian.