Component Coffee Fresno — Restaurant in Fresno

I've been a couple times since open and like the other reviews say, the charm is gone. Obviously huge props to the remaining staff for buckling down during this transition (like they were given a choice), their spirits have definitely become wilted. The energy is just off. Component's staunch insistence to clutch to their own uppity brand recognition instead of acclimating to a building name with almost 20 years of Fresno reputation was the first red flag. Even during the Mia Cuppa years it was still primarily referred to by staff and neighbors alike as the Revue...and we all know those years were a bit rough. What a shame! Okay component, welcome to Tower - maybe your $8 dollar 3rd wave craft lattes fly down south but please note the median income for Fresno is about 20k less than Visalia, and 30% percent of our neighborhood population is under the national poverty level. When your key demographic for sales is students, service workers, and locals within walking distance - your ethically roasted beans aren't very ethically priced. The prices and the product do not correlate. If I'm paying 8-10 dollars for a product it should be the most incredibly crafted beverage I've had. But the quality and consistency has been massively lacking.

Already the regulars are flocking for alternative coffee spots due to the change in rewards systems, prices, and general management attitude. The existing Revue staff all look like they've seen some ghost, clearly traumatized from a transition that they had no choice to participate in - either stick around or lose your livelihood? Poor things! They are NOT to blame about any of this review - it's clear they are trying the best with what they have, which I imagine was a rushed training process and several weeks unpaid off during renovations? Surely as new employees of a new company they hadn't accrued any PTO during that....uh...renovation? ..new countertop install? Some paint? Maybe a few new appliances. NICE.

And the new staff, either borrowed or permanent transplants from Visalia - stiff, unfriendly. It feels like starbucks with your 'call out' name system, and aside from the baristas I recognize, none of your other Visalia employees even looked up to greet anyone when the door open, or looked me in the eyes when they said 'thank you' as i collected my lukewarm drink.

Speaking with local friends, family, and even running into old fellow customers: the word on the street is generally negative. The entire process seemed to be unpleasant and unethical aside from the owners who benefited for it - not any sort of benefits for the neighborhood or the people they serve or employ. The lack of existing favorites for customers is clearly weighing on not only the people missing out, but also the constant apologies I heard from staff to their familiar faces. I was sat there for over an hour and heard Revue employees apologizing dozens of times as they fielded several complaints from former regulars. No flavored cream cheese? Okay, I guess mixing flavors into bulk cream cheese is pretty time consuming. Not a bagel in sight? Not even a lower fat dairy milk option? Not even a vanilla? You take these things away and then put hourly employees on the front lines to answer for them?

Maybe it'll all get better. Maybe it's unfair to judge so harshly, so quickly. But maybe, just maybe, Component bought new shoes without trying them on first, and we're all facing the consequences. You've turned a safe and warm place for all walks of life to enjoy into an exclusive, cold and distant corporate flavored enterprise. No matter how positive I felt about this transition when announced, it's now turned my spirit as bitter as the coffee you...

The baristas that have remained on staff from Revue are deserving of all the stars, for sure. They are lovely and provide excellent service, always. However, the changes since transforming from Revue to Component are a tough pill to swallow. The interior (which was once one of the most inviting, warm, bright, and best vintage-inspired places around) is now more minimalist, starker and considerably less inviting. 2% milk is no longer an option, & my other preferred option (oat) now requires a $1 upcharge. The small hot drink size is now 10oz instead of 12, but costs more. I ordered an Aztec Mocha for my coworker and I, and we were warned it was spicy (we both love spice and were totally good with that) but ALL we could taste was the spice, hitting in the back of the throat almost like a sore throat feeling or heartburn. The coffee and chocolate flavors were completely over powered by the chili (the drink needs balance), & the smaller sized 10oz drinks were a whopping $7.75 each. We both ended up tossing our drinks after a few sips (we tried stirring to see if that helped the flavor first), and just made our own coffee in the office. I really, really wanted to hope for the best in Revue’s sale to Component, but this first visit leaves me so sad at the loss of our former favorite place in town. I hope things improve and the new owners take some cues from what customers loved about Revue to shape the future of Component in Fresno. I realize Component has a successful cafe in Visalia (I’ve been, it’s been awhile, but I remember it being a positive experience) but I really wish they would have considered keeping more elements of a coffee shop that was really lovely and unique to the neighborhood intact (and kept prices more...

I am surprised to see some reviewers critiquing elements of Component Coffee. I would like to add my two cents. -The coffee shop feels VERY similar to the interior of the Revue. They even have the same plants, style of dishes, booths, very similar layout, etc. It's not exactly the same, but for those of you who are complaining that it "doesn't feel like it used to", I am struggling to see what you are talking about. It is extremely similar, in a good way. -The Revue already served Component beans, and Component is a fantastic roaster. If you are into specialty coffee, they have a number of options and roasts that are very good. -Their menu is minimalistic, so I understand that might not appeal to everyone. Being a coffee drinker, I think they have some of the best lattes around. Particularly the Lavender Latte with Oatmilk. Their drinks will have a present coffee flavor and may not be quite as blatantly sweet as some of you might be used to. I prefer the drinks at Component over the Revue. -I have not noticed that seating has been more of an issue anymore than it was at the Revue. Most times at the Revue I had to wait for a seat.

All that to say, if you are thinking about trying Component I would highly recommend it. If you are into specialty coffee, I recommend it...