Samantha Calimbahin
Casa Azul Coffee specializes in Latin-inspired offerings, from drinks like a Mexican mocha made with Abuelita, to pastries like pan dulce.
Something's brewing in that little blue house at the corner of West Central Avenue and North Houston Street. Literally.
Casa Azul Coffee opened in Fort Worth's Northside this week at 300 W. Central Ave., a space that one housed Tacos del Norte and Sammy's Restaurant. Brewing Counter Culture Coffee, Casa Azul serves the usuals like Americanos, lattes, and cappuccinos — but what sets the shop apart is its Latin flair: The drink menu lists specialties like Café de Olla and lattes featuring flavors like tres leches and mazapan, along with a Mexican mocha made with Abuelita. A small pastry case also carries a selection of treats like conchas, cookies, and doughnuts, currently sourced from nearby Esperanza's.
Samantha Calimbahin
Casa Azul translates to "blue house" in English. The shop is marked by its vibrant blue paint on the exterior.
Behind the shop are owners Joseph and Anette Landeros. Casa Azul, which translates to "blue house" in English and takes inspiration from Frida Kahlo's Blue House in Mexico City, is a passion project for the couple — Joseph has a background in public affairs, while Anette is president and CEO of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
While the shop has been in the works for several years now (it's been a longtime dream of Joseph's), Anette admits she was hesitant to support her husband's "risky" idea — that is, until she assumed her role at the Chamber two years ago.
"It wasn't until I started working at the Chamber, working around entrepreneurs all the time, who are chasing their dreams, making it happen, working together, and supporting each other, that I really thought, 'OK, I think you're onto something,'" she says. "I made a complete 180 working at the Chamber and seeing folks that do it every day and really putting themselves out there."
Anette says that she and Joseph were able to maximize their network at the Hispanic Chamber. Not only did they turn to members to help with elements like the logo, construction, and general feedback about the space — they were also among Casa Azul's first customers.
A financial advisor in the Hispanic Chamber placed the first coffee order, Anette says.
"We tried to use a lot of our Hispanic Chamber members," she says. "From our logo to whom we bank with, to our construction, banners, everything — because I work at the Hispanic Chamber, [we tried] to support our Chamber members as well."
The shop plans to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Hispanic Chamber on Dec. 10.
Hours this week are Tuesday until 4 p.m., Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on Thanksgiving, then open Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular hours will be 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Find more information at casaazulcoffee.com.
This story has been updated from a previous version.
