When Lucero Marti first walked into The Blend seven years ago, she quickly fell in love with the space.
“I asked God, ‘I’d really love for this place to be mine one day,’” Marti said.
And through her involvement with the local Rotary Club, a global nonprofit humanitarian organization, Marti’s connection to The Blend deepened. The Rotarians began holding their meetings at the shop, giving her the chance to build a friendship with the former owner.
When the former owner found himself unable to continue running the business after getting married, he approached Marti about taking it over. That turning point led to a new beginning, and she became the new owner Jan. 2, 2025.
As she settled into her new role, Marti focused on redefining the shop’s purpose. She said she wanted it to feel like more than just a coffee shop.
“We have created a safe space for everyone to come here,” Marti said. “We want everyone that comes in here to feel loved, to feel accepted, to feel that they fit in somewhere.”
Today, The Blend serves as a community hub where people gather over coffee, food, and conversation. What began as a small café has expanded to include event space, catering services and a mobile coffee cart. The shop sources beans from across Latin America — including Mexico, Honduras, and Colombia — uses local ingredients and aims to provide a welcoming environment for all.
Beyond creating a space where everyone feels at home, Marti wanted The Blend to celebrate Hispanic culture through its menu. One way she does this is with a traditional Mexican sweet bread.
“We incorporated conchas, and I really wanted that to be noticeable that we are a Hispanic-based establishment,” she said.
Marti also draws on family traditions with her drinks.
“I have also come up with chocolate drinks, which is chocolate Abuelita, because when I grew up, my grandmother used to make that for me, and it took me back to my childhood,” she said.
The Blend’s sense of community also shows in the relationships formed between staff and visitors.
Miranda Hill, a shift lead and barista, said the café creates an environment where people can relax, work or connect with others.
“The atmosphere is very chill and laid back. We have a lot of people that come and study, do school and work. So it’s definitely more of an atmosphere for people to stay and chill,” Hill said.
She added that the cultural influences at The Blend make the space feel distinctive for people.
“I definitely think it’s cool, because they always incorporate fun words, like Spanish words, especially for the fall and winter menu. It makes it fun and different,” she said.
Hill said that personal connections with customers are a key part of what makes The Blend unique.
“We go the extra mile. We have a lot of regulars that come in every day, so being able to talk to them and getting to know them on a more personal level, I would definitely say, is one thing that sets us apart.”
And regulars can see the impact the café creates.
Carlos Hernandez, a regular who has been visiting The Blend for several years, said the café feels like more than just a place to grab coffee — it’s a space where people are seen and valued.
“It’s a place in which you can walk in not knowing a single person, and then by the time that you leave, you’ve at least met one person who shares something similar, whether it’s what you believe in, what you do, what you work in and just feeling welcome,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez, who is Mexican, said the café’s Hispanic roots play a meaningful role in why it resonates so deeply with him. For him, seeing a local business embrace the culture is necessary.
“I think it’s something that the community needs, especially in the times that we’re currently living in,” he said. “It makes you feel a part of it, and want to participate even more.”
Hernandez said the café offers a sense of connection for Hispanic customers.
“I think the impact that it leaves in the Hispanic community is one of inclusion, and that you can be far away from home, but you can still have a little piece of that regardless of where you go,” he said. “You can see that in the drinks, you can see that in the music. You can see that in the people that come in. You’re going to be able to find somebody that’s like you in places that you might not think they’re going to be at.”
For Marti, that sense of belonging is what she hopes people feel when they walk through The Blend’s doors.
“I want the community to know that they can come in here,” Marti said. “Not only are they going to find quality espresso or their favorite drink, but I want them to know that they will be seen, they will be valued and that they can feel that they are home away from home.”