If you’ve stopped by a firepit social this winter season, you likely caught a glimpse of a vibrant pink and orange sign reading “cafecito & chisme.” That’s Café Calaveras’ recognizable tagline. What started as a pop-up on Pier 62 is now gearing up for a brick-and-mortar space, all thanks to the hustle, heart, and vision of its founder, Clarissa Griego.

In our latest Q&A, she shares the story behind Café Calaveras, the power of representation, and what’s next for this local, BIPOC small business.

Tell us about you as a small business owner. Why did you start Café Calaveras?

I’m a 34-year-old queer Latina who moved to Seattle from San Antonio, Texas—a city bursting at the seams with Latin culture. After living here since 2018, I started to really miss being immersed in my culture and seeing brown businesses in every direction compared to back home. I created Café Calaveras intending to bring a little of my culture’s vibrancy to Seattle. Everything my business represents is rooted in my Hispanic pride and mission to amplify the Latinx and BIPOC voices of Seattle—from the name of our drinks to the art hanging in our kiosk. I’m loud and proud to foster a sense of belonging in the Mexican diaspora of this city.

What’s most meaningful to you about being a queer, Latina small business owner?

The most meaningful thing about being a queer, Latina small business owner is representation.

I love the idea of a young, gay brown girl walking into our soon-to-be-café or up to the kiosk and instantly seeing herself reflected—in the merch, the drink names, the entire vibe. It’s not just about representation; it’s about celebration. Queer, female, brown—these identities are rarely centered in the small business world, and I take pride in changing that narrative. Bringing a brown, queer, female-owned business to life isn’t just my passion—it’s my mission.

What’s your business mantra?

Oh, this is a tough one. I feel like I have many to keep me grounded. Being an entrepreneur requires SO MUCH planning and executing a million tasks—in addition to making yummy beverages and serving the community.

Two big mantras that I come back to are “Si se puede” and “You can do hard things.”

You called the Pop-Up kiosk your “winter casita”–we love that! What was special about your interactions with visitors on the waterfront?

I want Café Calaveras to feel like stepping into your abuela’s kitchen—a space filled with warmth, comfort, and a little bit of nostalgia (even on the coldest of days). That’s exactly what the “winter casita” is on the waterfront. Seeing visitors light up when they recognized a drink name or snapped a photo of our “cafecito & chisme” sign made it clear they felt seen.

Some even said the kiosk gave off “abuela energy”—honestly, the highest compliment. These moments of connection reaffirm my mission—every cafecito is a chance to bring a little bit of home, culture, and belonging to the community.

We heard you’re opening a brick-and-mortar location soon. What can you tell us about this milestone?

I can’t say too much, but I landed this opportunity with a whole LOTTA support. First, my real estate broker Blake Taylor was a HUGE HELP!

This opportunity at Waterfront Park was a huge part as my revenue became consistent and made my business model more secure. Thank you, Friends of Waterfront Park. Plus, I had many business mentors and nonprofits like Ventures, Miri Plowman, Middlefork Roasters, Ghost Alley Espresso, my community investors, the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development and the list goes on. It truly does take a village.

What excites you the most about this new chapter in your business?

Having four solid walls? But really, a space to call home for my community— a home away from home. I’m excited to decorate and source COMFY chairs to be able to share a coffee with a homie or work for a couple of hours without your back killing you.

The journey from a pop-up kiosk to a permanent café didn’t happen overnight for Clarissa, and it certainly didn’t happen alone. Café Calaveras is proof that when a community comes together to uplift local businesses, incredible things happen.

So next time you visit, know that you’re not just supporting a café—you’re supporting Clarissa’s dream of building community and representation in small business. If you haven’t grabbed a café de olla, don’t miss the chance to meet Clarissa and get a warm beverage at our firepit socials every Sunday.