Who We Are
Kakawa Coffee is infused with pride, culture, and a strong sense of community loyalty. They find many ways to contribute to the community. From donating toys to charity and organizing a blood drive, to taking part in events that raise awareness and educate people about injustices, Kakawa finds ways to make the world a better place for everyone.
Owner Gladys Moubayed comes from a family with strong Middle Eastern and Latin roots, bringing the spices and flavors that make Kakawa unique.
Why ‘kakawa?’
Kakao has a rich history in Mesoamerican native cultures. Traces of its use date back to 1500 B.C. as a fermented drink, although it seems to be used long before. Kakao gained a divine status in different cultures including the Olmecs, lzapan, Mayans, Toltecs, Aztecs and Incas. As a frothy, godly, and highly prized drink, it was mainly consumed by the elite.
Deities were worshipped for bringing kakao to the world and to shamans who used it in rituals and ceremonies. It is still regarded by many people as both a medicine and highly valued.
The word Kakaw(a), pronounced <kah-kahwha>, is an Olmec and Mayan word now called kakao (chocolate). The basis for chocolate we inherit from the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs.
Chocolātl. The official name for the kakao tree is Theobroma Kakao, meaning 'food of the gods' in Greek. Theo meaning God and broma meaning food. Given the rich history of kakao, we were inspired to name our coffee shop Kakawa.
