An advantage of living in Riverside is the accessibility of local coffee shops right around the corner, and a new business is set to join the pool. With 13 coffee options in Downtown alone, Café de Oro Aztecas will add a unique cultural perspective to the scene.
Ricardo Gallegos, owner of Café de Oro Aztecas, originally sold coffee through pop-ups but realized he was missing the satisfaction of developing relationships with customers. He also started to realize that customers wanted his coffee during times when he wasn't selling.
In 2020, Gallegos moved to California from New Orleans, where he was previously working on cargo ships. However, his thoughts still drifted back to a place he once lived in Veracruz, Mexico.
"I always felt somehow part of me, emotionally, was left in Veracruz," he said. "I wanted to bring something from there."
While catching up with his mother, she reminded him of an idea he once had - to bring coffee from Veracruz to the United States. The conversation prompted Gallegos to start researching how to import coffee.
"Basically, it took me four or five months, and I got started," Gallegos said. "Just slowly taking my time."
After establishing his business, Gallegos started to sell bags of coffee to businesses, but he still felt disconnected from his customers. Two years later, Gallegos started to sell coffee in pop-ups and markets.
"I was all over the place, Los Angeles, Mission Inn and Anaheim," he said.
Gallegos' coffee is sourced from three different farms in Veracruz, Mexico, and his brand is deeply connected with Mexica indigenous culture and religion. Some significant symbols that he associated with Cafe de Oro Aztecas include the Aztec Calendar and a jaguar, both rooted in pre-Spanish conquest traditions.
A shift in the business occurred when his trader - the person who sources the coffee - noticed his passion about coffee and the people of Mexico.
"I always wanted to be a part of the people (who) go to the farm," he said.
He was later invited to visit the coffee farms, an experience that changed his perspective on the business.
"It was the most beautiful experience," he said.
During the trip, he met the people who were planting and harvesting the coffee beans. He realized that there is so much more effort that goes unseen when caring for the crops.
"They work all year on the harvest and they don't even get to taste their own coffee," he said. "They deserve to be in the front lines."
He quickly developed relationships with the farmers, owners, agronomists, producers and exporters. He made a promise to the people on the farms that he would share their stories and display photos of them in the shop.
Gallegos shared that many people around him did not initially view his career as a legitimate job, but the negative comments only fueled his perseverance.
His parents, Rosario and Jose Manuel Gallegos, initially struggled to understand his vision of opening a coffee shop. Rosario believed the idea would eventually fade, but each day brought something new until Gallegos committed fully to his decision.
"He always told us about his dream," Jose Manuel said. "Truthfully, I didn't agree with the idea, until I saw this building. I told him he had to get it right away."
Employees Bel Kenny and Abigail Ortiz are also excited for the opening of the cafe.
Café de Oro Aztecas opens Friday, Feb. 13, with their soft launch. Owner Ricardo invites visitors to try their signature drink, "The Spear" - named for the obsidian spears used in Aztec culture, representing "a strong and balanced drink."
More Information: Café de Oro Aztecas is located at 3521 Main St. Soft opening hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m on Friday, Feb. 13. Follow Café de Oro Aztecas on Instagram for updates.
By Marissa Perez
