by Molly Eide Marquez

In the heart of the Central Valley of California, where the warm sun embraces the land and diverse communities flourish, there’s a coffee shop that goes beyond serving a great cup of joe. Mi Cafesito Fresno, as the name suggests, is more than just a place to get your caffeine fix. It’s a heartwarming testament to the importance of cultural roots, the connection between communities, and the joy of experiencing a locally-owned-and-operated business.

Evelyn Gutierrez, the owner of Mi Cafesito Fresno, embarked on this remarkable journey when her oldest son dreamt of creating a business for a school project. As a child who grew up within a family business in Mexico City, Evelyn knew the sacrifices and challenges involved in being business owners. She reminisces, “It was hard because we rarely had social lives; we were always working.” However, when she saw her son’s enthusiasm, Evelyn and her husband decided to explore the idea. This led her on a fascinating path of discovery, one that ultimately resulted in the creation of Mi Cafesito Fresno.

Evelyn’s journey into the world of coffee began with a two-week course at an American coffee school in Portland. She vividly recalls her initial jittery experience due to excessive coffee consumption, noting that the instructor came to her aid with a bunch of bananas. “First thing you lose if you drink a lot of espresso is potassium,” she chuckled. “Bananas helped.”

During her time at the coffee school, Evelyn made friends from around the world, including people from across the United States, Hong Kong, and Trinidad and Tobago. Her education not only taught her the nuances of being a skilled barista but also exposed her to coffee beans from diverse regions worldwide. Interestingly, none of the beans were from Latin America, not even Colombia. The reason cited was the unsuitable climate and elevation for high-quality coffee bean growth.

But Evelyn was undeterred. As a firm believer in her Mexican heritage, she was determined to prove the instructors wrong and show that delicious coffee could be made with beans from Latin America. This determination birthed the idea for Mi Cafesito.

As an immigrant herself, Evelyn knows the significance of flavors and aromas that evoke memories of one’s home country. “Not all of us are super lucky to have a legal status that allows us to travel back and forth whenever we want,” she explained. “As a large immigrant community, I wanted to bring something special – not just any coffee – to the Central Valley.”

For the Hispanic community, coffee isn’t just a source of caffeine, it’s a ritual to catch up with friends and family. Evelyn’s grandmother used to prepare coffee and hard-boiled eggs each morning, providing a special moment for them to sit together and chat, creating cherished memories with coffee. While her children were born in the United States, they are immensely proud of their heritage, which brings pure joy to Evelyn. “I think I’m doing things right,” she added. “They want to continue honoring their heritage. The purpose of being in the US is to have a better life, and we are doing that.”

Mi Cafesito Fresno isn’t just a coffee shop; it’s a family enterprise. The name and signature drinks were inspired by Mexican candies and flavors. Evelyn emphasized, “Every family has a story. Welcome to ours.” This is evident in the lively atmosphere where you might hear family members occasionally bickering or the kids playfully arguing over a burrito. It’s this cozy, familial ambiance that draws people in. Visitors feel like they’re at a family member’s home, and that’s precisely what Evelyn aims for.

One of the core goals of Mi Cafesito Fresno is to build a bridge between diverse communities. While the initial focus was on the Latino community, customers from all backgrounds have embraced the café, offering ideas for new flavors. This cross-cultural connection, facilitated by coffee, exemplifies the power of shared experiences.

Mi Cafesito Fresno’s journey has been so successful that a third location in the Tower District, just a block away from Fresno City College, has newly opened. This Tower location serves delicious coffee and offers a small food menu, with items like chilaquiles and huevos con jamón, aimed at making everyone feel at home.

Evelyn’s passion for community engagement doesn’t stop at the café’s doors. She is working on a coffee truck and participates in various pop-up events, leveraging her background as a former teacher to connect with the community and work with local nonprofits.

While Mi Cafesito Fresno may be known for its rich coffee and vibrant atmosphere, what truly sets it apart is the dedication to sourcing the finest ingredients, a hallmark of Evelyn’s commitment to offering an authentic taste of her heritage.

The Gutierrez family, at the helm of Mi Cafesito Fresno, is a close-knit one, with Evelyn’s husband, Ruben, and their children all actively contributing to the success of the business. Their youngest, Mayalen, adds a touch of whimsy to the café with her love for dancing, often entertaining guests with her dance moves.

In a world of global franchises, Mi Cafesito Fresno stands as a shining example of the beauty of locally-owned-and-operated businesses. It’s a place where coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s a bridge connecting people from all walks of life. Whether you’re looking for a delectable cup of coffee, a friendly chat, or a sense of belonging, Mi Cafesito Fresno welcomes you with open arms. After all, as Evelyn puts it, “You will hear me fighting with my daughter – or the kids fighting over a burrito. People love the family atmosphere. It feels like you’re in a family member’s home. People feel like they’re part of our family, and that’s what I want.”

Mi cafesito Fresno
1495 N Van Ness Ave. Fresno, CA (other locations will be open soon)
559 420 3801
Website: micafesito.com
Instagram @micafesito.fresno
Facebook facebook.com/micafesito.fresno

Molly is a Central Valley native, where she and her family live, work, and play. A graduate of CSU Fresno, she is actively involved in the local community and is proud to lift up those around her, shining light on the many wonderful people and organizations that make the Central Valley such a great place to live.