Success Story: Queen Bean

Preserving Legacy and Enriching Community at Queen Bean Coffee & Social House

Location: Central California | Stanislaus County | Modesto

Business Type: Food and beverage

CalOSBA Partners: Valley Sierra Small Business Development Center

Assistance Received: Access to capital and technical assistance

Visit Queen Bean Coffee & Social House online.

Watch this video to learn how Ruhi Sheikh and Sam Pierstorff turned their goal of preserving a local landmark into a thriving business that continues to serve the community in Modesto.

When Queen Bean Coffee, a beloved and historic coffee destination in downtown Modesto, became available for purchase, Ruhi and Sam seized the opportunity to acquire it. Their decision was driven by a desire to preserve the coffee shop’s legacy and prevent it from transforming into something unrecognizable. Committed to honoring its roots, their vision is to enrich the business by fostering greater cultural diversity and community inclusivity.

Although Ruhi and Sam did not start this business, their hearts have always held a special place for the 1908 converted bungalow that houses Queen Bean Coffee. They are committed to preserving its original aesthetic while making thoughtful improvements to create a welcoming, inspiring, and collaborative space for the residents of Modesto and beyond to enjoy.

When Ruhi and Sam approached Valley Sierra SBDC, they requested assistance with the business acquisition process. Specifically, they needed access to a business loan, but lacked a business plan, financial projections, and other key documents necessary for the loan application. They had begun the process with another bank but had not made much progress.

After an initial discovery session to assess the client’s needs, they were referred to multiple consultants for assistance through the loan application process and QuickBooks training. Valley Sierra SBDC Director, German Zavalza, also connected the client with Valley First Credit Union to explore different financial options that were tailored towards their needs, and they were recommended to the Central CA SBDC restaurant series for additional business support.

After almost six months of consulting and communication with the lender, Ruhi and Sam were approved for their SBA-backed loan through Valley First Credit Union. With this milestone achieved, Ruhi and Sam are now positioned to transform Queen Bean Coffee into the dynamic gathering place of their dreams.

The owners shared that the one-on-one consulting and connection to capital were the most significant parts of the assistance they received. Thanks to the dedication of the SBDC, Ruhi and Sam can now embark on the journey of transforming the business into Queen Bean Coffee & Social House – a place for connection, collaboration, and, most importantly, family.

Ruhi said, “Opening a business can feel overwhelming, but Valley Sierra Small Business Development Center was there for me every step of the way. Their kind-hearted, encouraging, and never condescending guidance made the entire process so much easier. What could have been a long, daunting journey felt possible with their support. And the fact that they offer all of this at no cost is incredible. They truly are an invaluable resource for our community, and I’m beyond grateful for the role they played in turning my dream into reality.”

[April 14, 2025]