Home / Business and Economy / More than coffee: Cafe Corazón builds community
More than coffee: Cafe Corazón builds community
1 Aug
Summary
- The cafe was built by family labor after a car crash damaged the original space.
- It draws from diverse Latin American and Indigenous family traditions.
- The cafe provides a safe, welcoming space despite facing harassment and break-ins.
Café Corazón emerged from a family's resilience after a car damaged its first location, leading them to rebuild it themselves. This hands-on approach infused the coffee shop with the family's diverse Latin American and Indigenous heritage.
Owned by Dulcinea Herrera and co-founded with her Argentinian mother and Mexican-Mescalero Apache father, the cafe celebrates this rich cultural tapestry. It offers a menu reflecting Central and South American influences alongside Indigenous foods, aiming to make everyone feel welcome and at home.
The cafe has also become a sanctuary, providing a safe space for patrons and staff amidst instances of harassment, racism, and break-ins. Management and regulars have stepped in to protect the community.
Herrera has taken proactive steps to support other businesses facing similar challenges, developing guidance for handling hate incidents and potential immigration enforcement. This community-focused initiative highlights the unique safety needs of culturally rooted businesses.
Beyond coffee, Café Corazón hosts vibrant events like bachata nights and healing circles, attracting diverse age groups and backgrounds. It actively works to ensure everyone feels welcome, regardless of their demographic, reinforcing its role as a cherished community gathering place.
