Our Story

Cafe Santo was founded by Pilar and Marlon who dreamt of opening a space to gather the community around self-expression through art, food, music, and fashion. When Marlon arrived in Los Angeles from Oaxaca in 2010, he was looking for his calling and community. He worked his way through some of LA’s restaurants from dishwasher to a certified barista and knew he wanted to dedicate his craft to coffee. Pilar had been working in television production for over 15 years and left that career to help their growing family business evolve. Her artistic approach produces their visual aesthetic through photography, video, and art.

Together in 2016, they created Cafe Santo to honor the work and countless hands who play a role in cultivating some of the best beans available throughout Latin America from seed to cup of coffee. They believe that coffee and its ability to gather people of all backgrounds across the world is a sacred and spiritual practice that connects people in truly magical ways. 

Cafe Santo collaborates with artisanal food makers from Oaxaca and Latinx community members in Los Angeles to continue to share the rich culture of Mexico and LA’s unique flavors. This year they plan to open their first space in a food hall with other small businesses on the Eastside of LA dedicated to community growth and culture.