An oasis for Mexican coffee at Café Oro Dos Aztecas

Ricardo Gallegos spent ten years working on cargo ships in Veracruz, Mexico, but in 2020, as the pandemic reshaped lives around the world, he faced a pivotal moment of self-reflection. “Are you happy?” he asked himself. The answer—an undeniable “no”—set him on a new course. 

Determined to seek a more fulfilling life, he relocated to California, where his family had already settled. The decision marked a turning point, driven by the pursuit of something greater than routine—a life with a deeper purpose.

“The moment I left Veracruz […] I was like, I need to bring something from my country. I need to bring a piece of Veracruz. It was like a piece of my heart that I left [there] a little bit somehow. So, I need to bring that. I need to bring that cup of coffee from Veracruz,” said Gallegos.

From the spark of inspiration to the grind of reality, his journey was anything but smooth. Well-meaning voices urged him to abandon his dream, insisting he was wasting time on an industry he knew nothing about. “Get a real job,” they said. The odds were stacked against him, and with no one to turn to for advice, his resolve was tested at every step. Yet, he refused to back down. Five relentless months of research, countless calls and endless meetings later, he finally cracked the code, piecing together the logistics to bring high-quality specialty coffee from Mexican producers to the market.

The first coffee he proudly offered was El Jaguar, sourced from a farm of the same name in Chiapas. The majestic jaguar, celebrated by the Aztecs as a symbol of courage and strength, became the heart of his brand. His deep connection to Mexico’s culture, its ancient roots, and the power of symbolism infuses every aspect of his work. For him, every detail is meaningful.

 According to the National Coffee Association USA, by 2019, a remarkable 65% of Hispanic Americans reported drinking coffee regularly, with 15% of them opting for decaf. This highlights the cultural connection to coffee within the community, where the rich aroma and bold flavors remain an integral part of daily life.

 “All I want to do is just highlight our Mexican coffee […] from Chiapas, coffee from Veracruz, coffee from Oaxaca, and each one will give you a very unique taste. So that's what I'm trying to bring,” explained the entrepreneur.

 He had the unique opportunity to visit some coffee farms in Mexico, an experience that deepened his commitment. Among the many stories that stayed with him, one in particular stood out. A woman, after a grueling year of hard work, faced a devastating setback: her first harvest was a failure. After battling environmental challenges, crime, pests and her own lack of experience, her plants withered away.

Yet, she refused to give up. Three more years of struggle followed, but in the fourth, she finally tasted success with her first thriving coffee bean harvest. "We don’t see that," he reflected. "We just expect the best coffee and complain about the prices.” He went on to explain that this disconnect is why he keeps an "altar" —a display of bags from the farms he sources from, each accompanied by a photo of the producers and the farm's story. “There is honor and respect [for] those people.”

One of the standout offerings that he takes immense pride in is the “Tierra de Reinas” coffee – a medium roast with a story as rich as its flavor. Originally harvested in Veracruz, this exceptional brew is the brainchild of Graciela Cuevas, a surgeon-turned-coffee-entrepreneur. Her journey began in 2023, also during the pandemic, when she took a leap into farming by purchasing a piece of land and immersing herself in the complexities of coffee cultivation. What truly sets her farm apart is its workforce: a team of women that ensures the highest quality product. It’s this strong female presence that inspired the farm’s name— “Land of the Queens.”

“[I want to] do something for these people in the farm that they're always in the shadow. Nobody talks about them. I want to talk about them,” said Gallegos, recognizing the immense effort farmworkers put into growing coffee beans.

His online store offers a variety of flavors, featuring an enticing selection of single-origin coffees from Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. Whether you prefer a smooth medium roast or a bold dark roast, there’s a perfect match for every taste. Gallegos provides various grind choices, including options for drip brewing, French press and espresso or whole bean if you like to grind it fresh.

Additionally, he can create custom blends for patrons looking for a special flavor.  For espresso, he prefers a fuller body, something with a heavier mouthfeel and smoky depth. To achieve this, he carefully selects specific beans from his collection or processes them in a particular way. On the other hand, for a regular drip coffee, he looks for more vibrant notes on the citrusy and bright side.  No matter the client's brewing preference, he aims to let the farm's unique characteristics shine through in every cup.

For coffee enthusiasts eager to indulge in a cup of his exceptional brews, a visit to his cozy spot in downtown Riverside is a must. Located within the Division 9 Gallery Art at 3850 Lemon Street, the café welcomes customers Monday from 7:30 AM to 1 PM, Tuesday and Friday from 7:30 AM to 2 PM, and Saturday from 9:30 AM to 2 PM. As he continues to develop exciting new offerings, hours may occasionally shift, so be sure to follow him on Instagram for the latest updates.

A 2023 report by the U.S. Department of the Treasury highlights the powerful economic impact of Latino entrepreneurs, revealing that “there are approximately five million Latino-owned businesses across the U.S., generating more than $800 billion in annual revenue.” Among them are Gallegos and his partners at the Mexican farms, an example of the resilience and innovative spirit driving the nation's economic growth and the commitment of Latinos to shaping the country’s financial future.