In 2018, a realization struck our Founder and CEO, Héctor Carvajal. Despite the rich coffee culture of the Dominican Republic, there was scant representation of Dominican coffee in the specialty coffee market. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised amidst the hustle of New York City, Héctor grew up in a town where coffee was an essential part of everyday life.

Beyond the borders of the Dominican Republic, Héctor has had the privilege of visiting and fostering sustainable relationships with small farmers in other parts of the world like Colombia. Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us; it's at the forefront of our growth, operations, and future planning.

Don Carvajal Café emerged as an answer to Héctor's pondering question: 'I know how good Dominican coffee is, where I am from we have great coffee... now why is it not available here?'

This question turned into a calling. Héctor decided to delve deeper, transforming Don Carvajal Café into his term project for a semester-long assignment at the University of Rochester. The success of the project was more than academic; it was a revelation of an opportunity, a vision that needed to be brought to life.

In 2019, Don Carvajal Café was launched, with a commitment to the '3 C’s' - coffee, community, and culture. Our coffee isn't just a beverage; it's a bridge between the campo (countryside) of the Dominican Republic and the vibrant streets of New York City. We aim to build equity in our home of the Bronx, inspire, and create opportunities that resonate with our community's values.

We are steadfast in our commitment to sustainability, striving for a better world environmentally. None of us are perfect, but we believe in continuous growth and working towards creating a world that works for all of us.

We're on a mission to promote specialty Dominican coffee and drive more equity and diversity in the coffee industry. Steady on the grind and fueling the New York hustle, we stand as a testament to the richness of our heritage and the power of coffee to connect, empower, and inspire. Don Carvajal Café is more than a cup of coffee; it's a movement for us, by us.

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The Unique Blend That Sets Don Carvajal Café Apart

  • Coffee

    We approach coffee with a blend of professionalism and passion that sets us apart in the specialty coffee industry. Guided by industry standards, we're not just following trends; we're growing, learning, and evolving with the industry.

    Our commitment to excellence is reflected in every cup. From selecting the finest beans to the art of roasting, we ensure that our coffee is freshly roasted. The result is more than a beverage; it's an experience, a connection to our roots, and a testament to our dedication.

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  • Community

    'Community' is not a term we use lightly. For us, it's an embodiment of a value deeply rooted in our origins and ethos. Being born in the Dominican Republic and raised in The Bronx, Founder Héctor Carvajal has always been surrounded by a close-knit community that thrives on support and connection. This same model has been thoughtfully woven into our business. We don't just serve coffee; we share special moments, foster growth, and create a space where we can support each other along the journey. Community is not a marketing slogan; it's a lived experience, a commitment that's earned through authentic relationships and a shared love for coffee and connection.

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  • Culture

    For Héctor, the Founder of Don Carvajal Café, growing up Dominican meant that culture permeated every aspect of life—from vibrant music and dancing to the flavorful Caribbean dishes he loved. In his company, he curates coffees with both the modern coffee connoisseur and the cherished family traditions in mind, never shying away from the rich traditions that form the foundation of his history and ancestry. His goal is not to capitalize on a culture that isn't his to claim, but to weave this cultural legacy into every cup, building beautiful connections and fostering memorable experiences. By catering to the now and honoring the past, he creates a coffee experience that is not only a beverage but a cultural celebration. Coffee is culture.

    Read more about Héctor on Eater 
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