ORANGEVALE, CA (MPG) - Most likely if you’ve ever needed a place to kill time, catch up with a friend, do homework, or host a small meeting, you’ve been to Badfish Coffee and Tea Co. located in the Downtown Orangevale Plaza, 9346 Greenback Lane, #3. Since opening their doors in 2018, Badfish owners Mark and Pearl, quickly filled a much needed niche, becoming the “Best of Orangevale Hangout and Best New Business”. Without a doubt, it’s the “good vibe” place to go, serving up great coffee/tea and delicious food items.

After working at another coffee establishment, Mark and Pearl knew that they had something special working together. They both loved the coffee scene and the people they served. That was just the beginning of good things to come.

“It was always a dream to have our own coffee business,” said Pearl reflecting back. Then tragedy struck. “Within a short period of time, we suffered several losses of family members and friends, which made us think “life is too short”. So we took a chance, a leap of faith, and struck out on our own.”

That chance started by purchasing a home down the street to where Badfish is currently located. Next they met Downtown Orangevale Plaza owner Cliff Wylie, who had newly renovated space. Then, with the help of some friends, they made a business plan and from there “everything kept falling into place”. 

“We worked around the clock for those first, long, six months. There was so much we didn’t know, but eventually learned the hard way”, Pearl recalled, “Everything takes much longer and costs more than you think.”

In July 2018, they finally opened their doors and in typical Orangevale fashion, the community embraced them with welcome arms.

“The Orangevale community was very supportive from the beginning and we appreciate that very much. I’m glad we fulfilled the need for a good place to hangout that was unique.”

Speaking of unique - the name Badfish is just that. So if you’ve wondered where the name “Badfish” comes from, here’s what I learned. When Mark and Pearl were thinking of a cool name, “Badfish” was the name of a song they both liked. Then along with the fact that they didn’t go the traditional route by taking an hourly job they might be considered a little “bad” by choosing something more risky -- thus the name!

For the most part, business had been great, then COVID hit and things got scary. “We initially stepped back and closed our doors for a couple of weeks to figure out what to do. It gave us time to make adjustments, to comply with the new safety protocols, and figure out our online ordering system.” 

While the time helped Mark and Pearl pivot and make the necessary changes, it also helped them realize how much their customers really wanted to see them open back up. “Our time being closed, created a desire for us to come back,” Pearl shared.

Although things seem to be going more smoothly these days, Pearl admits it’s still super unpredictable and that every day is different. “We are doing our best to make sure our employees and customers stay safe. All we can do is try our best,” she added.

If you’ve never been to Badfish or haven’t been in for a while, you should! They’ve expanded their outside seating, adorned with tiki umbrellas and are planning more improvements for the fall including; an all-weather overhead shade, patio heaters and maybe a fire pit too. And as of October 1, indoor seating is also now available in accordance with the County health guidelines.

Be sure to check out their new updated website at badfishorders.com. You can order online and have everything waiting for you when you come to pick it up. If you are looking for something super delish, give their “fan favorite” avocado toast a try along with their one-of-kind hot latte coffee drinks. Not only will your taste buds thank you, but your eyes will too!