photo courtesy of Maria del Rio
Jessica Moncada Konte, Alkali Rye - Oakland's Beverage Shop (BIPOC and LGBTQ+ owned)
Ohlone, Muwekma, and Chochenyo land - Oakland, California, US
Beverage shop
www.sipalkalirye.com, @sipalkalirye
San Francisco born and Oakland raised, Jessica Moncada-Konte is the Owner & Cofounder of Alkali Rye - Oakland’s Beverage Shop. With over 15 years of experience in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries, and as a founding member of the Red Bay Coffee Company, Jessica launched Alkali Rye - Oakland's Beverage Shop with Kori Chen in the summer of 2020.
The name Alkali Rye came from a native grass in the Bay Area, which is resilient and wild, and builds deep roots to keep the land from sliding during floods. That is who they aspire to be, “building a foundation of community in Oakland.”
Jessica's experiences at Red Bay and within the local hospitality industry encompass her values and mission life; creating inclusive community space for activation and collaboration, appreciation for flawless service, and deep love for all libations. Like her business namesake, she works towards collective growth and economic empowerment within her communities.
Jessica loves watching community members build their vision and bring it to life. She prides herself on being a connector, and bringing creatives together here in the Bay.