Welcome!
¡Bienvenidos!
We’re Stephanie and Samael – two passionate Salvadoreños wanting to show appreciation to the country of our ancestors through the connection of café.
I connected with aunts and uncles that I’ve never met before, just because they weren't fortunate enough to come to the U.S.
Between meeting familia and hearing the stories my grandma went through, it brought a new found appreciation for the people of my heritage.
It felt like the connection piece I’ve been searching for.
Learning that my parents left a country they loved in a time of survival – to give us a better life – is the reason why I wanted to share 503 Cafecito with you.
To pass along the appreciation for El Salvador, our roots, heritage, and cultura.
Hola, I'm Stephanie
– just a regular mom building something great.
Coffee has gotten me through those busy days. It's what gives me that extra umph I need.
Especially running around with three kids, keeping up with my 9 to 5, and managing my own consulting practice — coffee is a must.
Both my parents were born in El Salvador. And unfortunately, due to the Civil War, they had to come to the United States.
I just went back to El Salvador for the first time two years ago because that's when it finally felt safe enough to go.
Being in El Salvador felt like my homeland – even though I’d never been before.It felt like home because of the amazing stories mis papas told me growing up. I finally was able to pair these places with their memories…seeing it firsthand.
My brother is still there to this day.
But because it’s safer to go back to El Salvador, we've been building a better connection.I even get to see my nephews more often now.
The fact is that El Salvador is really coming out of a recession — from the war, the gangs, and the stereotype that’s been put on the country.
It's just great to be able to continue creating something nice.
Something that my family is able to see.
Something in the US that represents them.
It’s not just for us, but for our familia out there.
They get to enjoy seeing the movements and progress that we're making to display their country when nobody really cared about El Salvador.
Qué tal? I’m Samael.
A regular individual had an idea.
Six years ago, I started drinking black coffee. I had never been a black coffee drinker, but I quickly grew to enjoy it. However, I faced a problem whenever I visited restaurants or coffee shops where I was disappointed by the poor quality of the coffee—until I started drinking it black.
During that time, I traveled back and forth to El Salvador and found the coffee in restaurants and shops lacking in comparison to what I discovered on the farms bordering the volcanoes. The best coffee experience I had was at an elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level. I learned that even El Salvador did not have access to this exceptional coffee, as most of it was exported to Germany, Japan, and Dubai.
It was in Ataco that I was given a tour of a facility—a co-packer—that cleans, roasts, and packages the coffee. When I tasted the coffee, it was truly exceptional.
I thought to myself, "This is black coffee, isn’t it?"
With that realization, I resolved to buy Salvadoran coffee as soon as I returned to the States. However, to my surprise, I could not find any El Salvador brands that matched the quality I experienced. I knew that even these brands didn't have access to the level 1 quality.
This experience led me on a journey to highlight the quality coffee that comes exclusively from El Salvador, grown on the slopes of the volcanoes.
Moreover, my parents are also from El Salvador, prompting me to make this dream a reality. My mother passed away when I was 14, and not a day goes by without me thinking of her. I included her in the logo to remind myself never to give up on my vision of bringing the best coffee directly from the farm to fellow coffee enthusiasts, bypassing any intermediaries. It was my way of creating this remarkable brand solely for you, our coffee-loving family. I hope you will join us.
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The Roots of
503 Cafecito
You know that moment when you discover something so good, you can't believe it's been there all along?
That's what happened with 503 Cafecito.
Imagine standing on volcanic soil.
The perfect breeding ground for providing great nutrients — vitamins.
Coffee that’s healthier because of the elevation.
Beans that are only able to be grown in a certain altitude.
Exactly where 503 Cafecito’s farms sit.
It’s what sets our coffee apart from so many others that just claim they have great coffee.
The way it’s grown.
The loving care it takes.
It’s the perfect scenario…
Not only to the start of quality café from El Salvador – but to the beginning of sharing heritage wrapped up in a bean.
And here's the thing about 503 Cafecito:
It's not trying to be anyone else's.
Like you, it's bold, complex, and carries centuries of historia in every sip.
Grown by familias who've worked these volcanic farms for generations.
That’s the magic that 503 Cafécito brings you.
No fancy marketing tricks, just good coffee from small Salvadoran farms.
When Coffee
Costs More, Humanity Gains More
Remember when 'good coffee' meant whatever kept you awake?
Those days are long gone.
You’ve watched as coffeehouses turned corner cafes into cultural hubs.
You’ve seen others shift coffee into an art form.
And now?
You’re part of a generación that doesn't just drink coffee – you explore it.
Exploring can look like being part of la Familia Salvadoreña
Where you choose stories over savings, and quality over convenience.
And that comes with price…
A price that helps raise the standards of living of many Salvadorian farmworkers.
Pushing them towards more environmentally-sound agricultural practices.
So the next time you’re chatting about 503 Cafecito’s flavor notes and origin stories with your amigos, remember you're investing in experience, in sustainability, in cultura.
Get Closer to Nuestra Historia (our history)
Cafecito and family gatherings.
What comes to mind?
Maybe it was the conversations that took place over pan dulce (sweet bread).
Perhaps it was the tears, the laughter, the singing that brought you a sense of belonging.
Or it could have been Mami or Abuela calling "¡Vengan a tomar café!" (Come drink coffee!) after dessert.
Whatever comes to mind, there’s a pattern.
Café connects you to your roots — even when home feels far away.
There’s comfort. There’s safety.
It’s a reminder that home is more than only a place…it’s the aroma mixing with fresh pupusas on Sunday mornings.
It’s tías (aunts) sharing chismes (gossip) while refilling cups.
It’s watching your parents host relatives — practicing the hospitality they brought from back home.
So you see, 503 Cafecito has amazing quality and taste, but it also bridges life "aquí y allá" (here and there).
What memory will you create next with 503 Cafecito?
Shape Tomorrow
For our parents, coffee was survival.
For us, it's revolución
What changed?
It’s the way we're reclaiming our coffee heritage.
We finally have the power to say "no" to cheap prices that hurt our farmers.
Times are changing — we’re watching Salvadoran coffee take its rightful place among the world's finest.
There's a shift happening.
The shift of our papas teaching us resilience so that we could build a legacy.
That legacy has brought wisdom, power, and possibility.
And it looks like this:
Choosing coffee that honors both tradition and progress.
Knowing our farmers' children can dream bigger because we value their craft.
Building bridges between the El Salvador of yesterday and tomorrow.
That’s what happens when we choose better coffee.
Yes, that morning cup of quality cafecito hits different — especially when you’re changing lives in El Salvador.
You’re proving that a small country doesn't mean small impact.
When you choose 503 Cafecitio, you’re making your ancestors proud.
You’re supporting farmers who dare to dream beyond commodity prices.
Because when you invest in quality, you invest in yourself.
What part will you play in El Salvador's coffee revolution?
A first-generation Salvadoran-American entrepreneur, leads 503 Cafecito with a mission to celebrate Salvadoran culture through premium coffee. With over a decade in the food and beverage industry and experience at a Fortune 500 company, she brings passion, cultural pride, and expertise to the brand.
Stephanie Herrerra
Chief Executive Officer
Sam is a seasoned leader with over 25 years in food manufacturing, combining his expertise in business and psychology with certifications in leadership and Six Sigma. He drives operational excellence and ensures every 503 Cafecito cup reflects his commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
Sam Peña
Vice President
Ana, an LA native with over 25 years of corporate experience, is committed to empowering her team and advancing 503 Cafecito’s growth. Skilled in leadership and operations, she brings extensive experience in managing people and processes for success.
Ana Perez
Chief Operating Officer
Bringing over 20 years of experience in finance, sales, and project management, driven by his dedication to helping others and delivering client satisfaction. His expertise in problem-solving and relationship-building supports 503 Cafecito's growth and commitment to excellence.
Gil Herrera
Director of Sales
Our Story
503 Cafecito was born from a deep love for El Salvador and its rich coffee heritage. After a trip to El Salvador, our founders, Sam Peña and Stephanie Herrera, realized that the exceptional coffee grown on the volcanic farms of their homeland was a hidden gem, largely unknown outside the country. Determined to share this treasure with the world, they embarked on a mission to bring the unique flavors and stories of Salvadoran coffee to coffee lovers in the U.S.
We believe that coffee is more than just a beverage—it's a bridge that connects us to the people and culture of El Salvador. We are committed to supporting Salvadoran family farms and small businesses, ensuring that each cup of coffee you enjoy is filled with the richness of tradition and the dedication of generations of growers. Our coffee is sourced exclusively from farms located on the slopes of El Salvador’s volcanoes, where the unique volcanic soil infuses the beans with minerals, creating a flavor profile that is full-bodied, rich, and unparalleled.
By choosing 503 Cafecito, you're not just savoring exceptional coffee—you're supporting a legacy of resilience, passion, and hard work. Welcome to the Familia Salvadoreña. Together, let's celebrate the vibrant flavors and stories of El Salvador, one cup at a time.
Familia Salvadoreña
At 503 Cafecito, Familia Salvadoreña embodies the heart and soul of our brand. It’s a tribute to the Salvadoran families who have perfected coffee farming for generations. When you choose our coffee, you’re not just savoring rich flavors—you’re connecting with the stories, traditions, and hard work of our extended family in El Salvador. Join our Familia Salvadoreña and experience the warmth, authenticity, and community behind every cup. Welcome to the family—where every sip tells a story.
Our Commitment to Sustainability and Culture
At 503 Cafecito, we’re committed to sustainability and preserving the vibrant culture of El Salvador. By partnering with small, family-owned farms, we honor traditional farming practices that produce exceptional coffee while protecting the environment. These partnerships ensure fair pay and empower local communities, allowing them to continue our rich cultural traditions. When you choose 503 Cafecito, you’re not just enjoying great coffee—you’re supporting a legacy of sustainability, culture, and community.
At 503 Cafecito, we bring the rich, volcanic flavors of El Salvador directly to your home. Our coffee is more than just a drink—it's a connection to the stories, traditions, and families that make each sip unforgettable
HI WE'RE 503 CAFECITO
Meet Our Farmers
At 503 Cafecito, our farmers are the heart and soul of everything we do. Each cup of coffee you enjoy is a testament to their dedication, skill, and the rich traditions passed down through generations. These hardworking families cultivate our beans on the lush volcanic slopes of El Salvador, where the unique soil and climate create the perfect conditions for exceptional coffee.
By sharing their stories, we honor the hands that make every sip possible. When you choose 503 Cafecito, you’re not just supporting a coffee brand; you’re supporting real people with deep roots in their land and community. Meet our farmers, and discover the passion behind every bean.