Reporter: Cynthia Harbott
A short stroll down Main Street will lead you to Three Fields Coffee, a vibrant and bustling cafe that has quickly become a downtown staple for many Alhambra residents.
Inside, comfortable seating and warm accent lighting create an inviting atmosphere, while an innovative fusion of Scandinavian and Japanese interior design, thoughtfully chosen by owner Annie Drobotun, gives the coffeehouse its distinctive charm.
Originally hailing from Ukraine, Drobotun moved to Los Angeles several months after war erupted across her home country. After settling into Alhambra, she developed a vision for her cafe, a business that would leverage her passion for coffee while providing the economic support she and her family needed.
“My whole family is still there. I’m trying to help them, and just see a better future,” explained Drobotun. “And that’s why when I walked here on the street, I decided this one has got to be for my coffee shop because I know how to do that. I used to have that business in Ukraine. I still have it, and I have always wanted to bring something that I love to do to Alhambra.”
Drobotun and her business partner first opened their doors in October 2024. Since then, the cafe has been successful, though there was no shortage of obstacles and lessons along the way.
“Everything is new. You guys have all different rules and my knowledge of that was not very good,” she explained. “Everything became so difficult. And with every step, you have to find information on how to do business here and how to take the next step. It was difficult, but you learn from your mistakes.”
Her aspirations for Alhambra’s community were met with strong support from those around her.
“All my friends helped me. They came and helped me paint the cafe and deliver things. Everyone who I have met here has helped me somehow.”
Three Fields Coffee has become more than a coffee shop, serving as an important cornerstone for community events.
She explains, “We really did bring something to Alhambra’s community. It’s a place to hang out, where people meet. People start dates here, they work here, there’s a bible study and a run club here. People came here because of the clubs and now they are regular customers.”
