At the heart of Gilbert's quaint community, a Latino-owned coffee shop, Casita Coffee, has emerged as a local favorite, dispensing not just artisanal coffees but also a taste of Latino culture. Owners Ana and Saul Herrera, both alumni of Arizona State University, have successfully blended their heritage with a burgeoning family business, which began as a mobile venture. Ana, with a master's in social work, and Saul, who studied criminal justice, meticulously cultivated their brand alongside their careers and young family.
Initially dipping their toes in with a coffee truck at the Gilbert Farmers Market, the Herrera duo later expanded to a brick-and-mortar location at 7 E Palo Verde St, which has been serving the community for almost a year, according to a Gilbert, AZ publication. The shop is a testament to their perseverance and commitment to providing a unique Latino twist to the coffee scene; despite facing stiff competition and initial reservations about their venture, Casita has crafted a robust customer base, much owing to their community-oriented ethos and consistent presence.
The couple's motive for establishing their coffee haven was clear: "We noticed a lack of Latino coffee shops in the East Valley and in Gilbert and we wanted to offer the community something different that they haven’t seen here before," Ana told Gilbert, AZ publication. This distinction is not only reflected in their drink offerings but also in their seasonal menus, which now include autumn favorites like Pumpkin Spice Latte and Pumpkin Spice Horchata Latte.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Gilbert acknowledges the contributions of the Herreras; they are shaping the local cultural landscape by representing and uplifting Latino culture through their entrepreneurial journey, and they credit the small-town charm and supportive nature of the community as integral to their success, "We could’ve stayed in Tempe where we went to school and done a lot there, but we wanted to grow roots where we live now, where we’re raising our kids, and where there is a lack of Latino representation," Ana eloquently stated in conversation with Gilbert, AZ publication. Casita Coffee remains a symbol of dream and determination, a space where coffee and culture converge amidst the flavors of Latino heritage.
