Latina owned Café Mestiza uses grants to build community and culture

*Courtesy – Café Mestiza, Owners (left) Jimena Valencia and (right) Zuri Molina*

MEDFORD, Ore — Two Latinas in Medford are brewing more than coffee, they’re blending culture, community and flavor. Café Mestiza, which opened in 2024 and is nearing its two-year anniversary, is sharing Latino culture through its menu and community outreach.

Latina owned coffee shop nearing it’s two year anniversary

Owners Jimena Valencia and Zuri Molina wanted the coffee shop to incorporate traditional Hispanic flavors such as tres leches and café de olla while also providing a space that breaks language barriers for Latino customers. Plus creating a welcoming environment for the local Latino community has been a key goal for Zuri and Jimena.

Zuri Molina Co-Owner said. “ That there’s sazon, that there’s culture behind it and I feel like when you walk in here, you really do see that”.

Zuri and Jimena have experience in the coffee industry, and noticed Southern Oregon lacked a coffee shop catering to the Latino community. Their goal is to bring people together, making everyone feel comfortable and connected.

The shop’s commitment to community extends beyond coffee. After winning a combined $16,000 in grants through Pitch Latino, they allocated part of their winnings to help those affected by SNAP benefit cuts. They are giving away burritos and other essentials, and the Medford community has pitched in as well, raising additional funds to support the effort.

Jimena said “we were once those kids that were hungry and we were expecting that money, so even if it’s a small burrito, we always say it makes the difference”.

Both mentioned that they’re just two Latinas trying to pursue a business that can grow it’s connection within it’s community and if by giving away burritos is a way Mestiza can help the community

“A hundred percent we’re gonna do it.” said Jimena.

The Medford community also came together with Café Mestiza to create a donation link for people affected by SNAP. Together, the café and the community raised $2,500. The café plans to use the funds not only to make more burritos but also to assemble essential bags, Thanksgiving baskets, and basic necessities for families in need.

Zuri said “as the community is coming in and saying, this is my first time coming in, but we wanna support you guys. So it’s been like both, like, yes, we’re doing the small part, but they’re pouring into our cups so much more that why not continue to give back where we can, you know?”

Café Mestiza’s blend of culture, coffee and community has made it a gathering place for Medford residents, and a symbol of how small businesses can have a big impact.