A group of pirates celebrate the grand opening of Black Sails Coffee Lounge at Birdcage in Citrus Heights on July 12.

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - It was time to embrace one’s inner pirate swagger as Black Sails Coffee Lounge cut its official black opening day ribbon on Saturday, July 12 in the Marketplace at Birdcage in Citrus Heights, welcoming its first customers to come onboard.

A small crowd gathered at 11 a.m. to see co-owners Anthony Pulido and Sean McCullough invite customers to sample their bold flavors and the incredible brews that they have created.

Some particularly well-dressed pirates were on hand, including “Red-eyed Kate of the Crimson Delta,” who waited patiently in line to place her order for a steamy cup of fresh brew.

“We’re really looking forward to being part of the community,” McCullough said prior to cutting the ribbon, adding that he hopes (Black Sails) will be a great place for people to come hang out, study, go on dates and otherwise enjoy.”

The Black Sails front doors are just to the right of a large brightly-colored exterior mural near the Ulta Beauty store on one side and the offices of Citrus Heights Modern Dentistry on Birdcage Center Lane on the other.

Employees from Black Sails Coffee Lounge serve guests during their grand opening at the Birdcage in Citrus Heights on July 12.

The cafe specializes in espresso drinks, cold brew, hot coffee and tea, in addition to pastries provided by Sweet Haven Bakery, also located nearby in the Marketplace in Birdcage.

Black Sails also sells its specialty coffee beans online, in-store, and at local markets throughout the Sacramento region. Individual black of three of their popular signature expresso coffees include “Pillage, Plunder and Mutiny.” Additional choices include “Queen Anne’s Revenge,” “The Flying Dutchman” and “Davy Jones Locker.”

The Black Sails Coffee interior is a welcome retreat for Citrus Heights land lubbers coming aboard to relax and embrace their inner pirate as they savor a cup or two.

A wall-size painted pirate themed mural of a gray and white pirate ship on the high seas faces the front service counter.

The 2,300-square-foot lounge has been refreshed with new paint, white wood plank flooring and an eclectic collection of furniture and artwork. A partial center wall separates the front of the lounge where the front counter is located from the portion facing Target just next door.

Co-owners Anthony Pulido and Sean McCullough of Black Sails Coffee Lounge speak to guests attending their grand opening at Birdcage in Citrus Heights on July 12.

Music also filled the air of the lounge from a high-fidelity turntable and speakers set up for customers to bring in their vintage vinyl records to play, McCullough said.

“We’re an independent and we’re very proud of that,” McCullough said. “(We) will be accessible to its customers in Birdcage from both sides, through doors which face Target store on one side, and another set of doors which lead out towards Jamba Juice from the other.”

McCullough’s personal journey took him across some rather rough seas as of late, as he recovered from a residential fire on May 6, damaging the home he shares with partner Lisa Kilgrow in Rancho Cordova. Also damaged were his coffee roasting equipment and his unroasted bean inventory.

McCullough gratefully acknowledges the generous help of friends and family who helped him recover and see his dream of opening Black Sails Coffee come true.

“It’s also a long journey back to where I began my coffee career,” McCullough said, reflecting on a nearly 20-year career as a barista and coffee roasting professional.

The Citrus Heights native began his coffee career in 2006 when he was 18, first pouring coffee at the former Starbucks in Birdcage where Teriyaki Madness is now.

McCullough said the company began as a wholesale coffee roaster but soon built a steady loyal retail customer base through a mobile trailer unit set up at public events throughout Sacramento County.

In conversation, it’s easy to sense that McCullough truly has passion for good coffee. It’s a constant quest for hearty, rich satisfying coffee flavor in every pour that drives him.

Gracing the front window near the front door is a large Black Sails logo which he designed. The coffee lounge is furnished with used furniture, comfortable couches and rustic tables which create a relaxed, yet friendly vibe.

He wants customers to feel comfortable and not rushed.                                                                  

The Citrus Heights native, now a Rancho Cordova resident, attended Carriage Elementary School and Sylvan Middle School before graduating from Mesa Verde High School in 2006 as an athletic scholar with high academic honors.

Twelve ounce, 3-pound or 5-pound whole or ground bean bags of Black Sails specialty coffees can also be ordered through Black Sails website at https://blacksailscoffee.com/shop-coffee.

McCullough graduated from California State University, Sacramento in December 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in communications and digital media. Interspersed throughout his nearly 20-year coffee career, McCullough has also enjoyed professional work in television, YouTube, and in radio, all in alignment with his digital media degree. 

Now, with substantial wholesale coffee roasting experience and multiple national awards to his credit, McCullough has decided to helm his own ship in a busy Citrus Heights retail location.

“Nothing says good morning like a piping hot cup of joe and Black Sails Coffee intends to offer the best pour-over in town,”  McCullough said. “I’m looking forward to creating a special destination and a comfortable space where people can come, stay awhile and enjoy some great coffee.”

Twelve ounce, three-pound or five-pound whole or ground bean bags of Black Sails specialty coffees can also be ordered through Black Sails website at https://blacksailscoffee.com/shop-coffee

Black Sails Coffee is at 5925 Birdcage Center Lane, Suite D-102, Citrus Heights in the Market Place in Birdcage Center.

For business hours and further information, visit [email protected] or https://blacksailscoffee.com.