2021 READERS’
CHOICE AWARDS
Serving up cheer
at The Rusty Cup
Cross has won
Best Barista in
the Readers’
Choice Awards
for a number of
years.
Lissa Brewer
Cross treats customers like family
BY M.J. CODY
Kristy Cross has done it again. When asked how
she manages to consistently rank as the North Coast’s
Best B arista year after year in Coast Weekend’s
Readers’ Choice Awards, she laughs. “Oh, my gosh, I
don’t know. It’s so exciting,” Cross said.
But her customers do know . Cross, who owns The
Rusty Cup on 12th and Commercial St., treats cus-
tomers like family, whether they’re regular locals or
new visitors. Cross’ cheerful demeanor is irresistible.
“I just love my job ” Cross said. “My custom-
ers are like having a really big family that you get to
hang out with every day. It’s so nice that they appre-
ciate me. Every year, it’s been seven or eight in a row
now , I think I can’t possibly win again. There are so
many talented baristas in town. I can’t believe it,”
Cross said.
Cross bought the Rusty Cup in 2004 after grad-
uating from the University of Washington in Seat-
tle. Looking for a change of scenery, she headed to
Long Beach Peninsula, where her parents had a sum-
mer place.
See Page 13
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