Kenny Lam, 33, took ownership of the cafe Jan. 1, buying out a high school buddy who opened it in 1994.

Located in Murphy Station, the cafe attracts chess players seated at the outside patio as well as web surfers taking advantage of the free WiFi access Lam provides.

Those who don't have their own laptop computer can--for $3--rent 20 minutes on a desktop. Lam says, "We do pretty good on the desktops. Plus, you don't have to use all the minutes in the same day."

Lam gets his coffee from South America and is trying out an organic brew to see if customers like it. "It's not strong yet," he says, "it's a little bit more pricey." What customers do like are the pastries and empanadas that are available all day long.

There's also a chicken bake, which includes mozzarella, Parmesan and provolone cheeses with bacon and caesar dressing, wrapped in pizza dough. There's a fresh fruit cup and gelato for dessert. Lam offers specialty drinks such as The Gritty Kitty: a concoction of espresso, ice cream and chocolate.

He says the cafe bustles in the morning, especially on Saturdays when customers shop at the Farmers Market and stop by for a homemade omelet or crepe. Although things quiet down during the day, the pace picks up on Saturday night when there's live music and, occasionally, even belly dancing.

With some 30 flavors of coffee to choose from, the Bean Scene is at heart a coffeehouse. The clientele changes throughout the day, from people needing a morning jolt to those seeking an afternoon pick-me-up. On average, Lam says there are usually eight or 10 customers lounging in the comfy chairs or sofas, which is why Lam says, "I meet a lot of interesting people here."

Lam's life story is also interesting. In the early 1970s he and his family escaped by boat from Vietnam, landing in China. "We stayed in China for nine months," he says, "then escaped to Hong Kong. My grandmother sponsored us from Hong Kong to the United States. The U.S. has given us a lot of opportunity." The family arrived here in 1979 when Lam was only seven, so he says he doesn't remember anything about Vietnam.

Seems Lam has found his calling here--no matter that he rarely gets a day off. He says, "It's fun and I love coffee. It's something that will keep me till I'm old."

The Bean Scene Cafe, 186 S. Murphy Ave., is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information call 408.738.4523 or visit www.beanscenecafe.com.