We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lisette Gaviña Lopez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lisette below.
Lisette, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My grandparents had to pivot their entire lives when they emigrated to the U.S., learning a new language, exploring new markets, and adapting to different coffee taste preferences. This resilience is part of our DNA and allows us to honor the past while forging a path for the future. Whether it’s adopting new coffee technologies like K-Cups and aluminum espresso capsules for our Don Francisco’s Coffee and Café La Llave brands, implementing free consumer recycling solutions through our partnership with TerraCycle, or navigating a global pandemic, our ability to pivot, innovate, and persevere has been integral to our success and to maintaining the high standards of quality and environmental care we are known for.
Lisette, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am Lisette Gaviña Lopez, a 4th generation coffee roaster. Coffee is deeply embedded in my family’s heritage, as the Gaviñas have been involved in the coffee business as growers and roasters for more than 150 years. Today, we proudly operate Gaviña Coffee Company in Los Angeles, with a mission to deliver the highest quality cup to coffee lovers everywhere. Our company meticulously sources the finest coffee beans from around the globe and expertly blends and roasts them at our state-of-the-art facility here in Los Angeles.
Some of our well know products include Don Francisco’s Coffee, our flagship brand; Café La Llave Espresso, our Latin-style espresso brand; and Jose’s Gourmet Coffee sold exclusively at Costco stores. Additionally, we provide private-label roasting and supply coffee to thousands of coffee houses and restaurants nationwide.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the most significant lessons that my generation has had to unlearn was the belief that, because we’re a family business with over 150 years of experience, we have all the answers. Growing up in a coffee family, it was easy to believe that our long-standing traditions and methods were the ultimate guide. However, I have realized that focusing on quality and consistency is more than adhering to tradition; it’s also about being open to learning and evolving.
There was a time when we simply turned inward for solutions, thinking our deeply-rooted knowledge was sufficient. However, we have learned that embracing external perspectives and continuous education is critical. This means seeking insights from industry peers, attending coffee industry events, and learning from other companies facing similar challenges. This shift in mindset allowed us to integrate new technologies, refine our processes, and maintain our reputation for quality while also prioritizing sustainability, which has always been a key driver for us at Gaviña Coffee Company. Tradition and innovation make up our magic formula, and it’s what will drive our coffee and legacy for future generations.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
The COVID-19 pandemic was an unparalleled test of resilience for our company. As a California-based food manufacturer, we were classified as essential workers, but the rules and guidelines were changing daily. We had to stay on top of CDC updates and directives from local, state and federal officials, which meant adapting to new safety protocols and operational shifts almost overnight while still running our business and keeping our coffee family safe and healthy.
As many learned quickly, there was no playbook for this situation. We had to band together as a family and as a company, making the best decisions to protect our team members and ensure the continued roasting and packing of our coffee. It was a time of uncertainty, but our commitment to each other and to our mission saw us through. We focused on being adaptable and agile, qualities that have always been part of our family culture.
This period also reminded me of our family’s journey from Cuba.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://donfranciscos.com
- Instagram: @donfranciscos
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonFranciscos
Image Credits
Gaviña Coffee Company