How did this place come about and what made it different from the start?
EMAÚS was born from a motivation that was more personal than commercial. The original idea of opening a café was not mine, it belonged to my cousin Gustavo. He was very clear about wanting to open a café and spoke about it with great excitement. Sadly, he passed away in an accident, and the project was put on hold.
Some time later, I decided to open EMAÚS as a way to honor the dream he was unable to fulfill. What made it different from the start was precisely that. It was not conceived as a business, but as the continuation of someone else’s dream and as a way to honor his life, his values, and to keep his presence alive.
That is why our logo is the well-known “shaka” gesture. It was Gus’s signature gesture, something that represented both him and his philosophy of life. Inside the café, we have a very special corner with his photo and the title of “founding partner,” although few people know this part of the story.
The name EMAÚS comes from a biblical town that is often understood as a place of transformation. I related the journey of building a business to this passage, one filled with new experiences, meaningful people, and unique moments.
From the very beginning, the intention was to create a community within a space that felt warm and welcoming, like a meeting point or a second home, offering high-quality coffee, products, and service. That intention has guided us from the start. The idea was not simply to open a café, but to create a place where people could slow down, have unhurried conversations, and feel accompanied.
What part of the day, space, or creative process do those who work here enjoy the most?
Something very interesting happens. In the mornings, EMAÚS becomes a quiet refuge for those looking for good coffee in a serene environment, whether to work or simply observe the rhythm of the city. In the afternoons, it transforms into a vibrant gathering place. EMAÚS has energized the entire block, filling it with movement, energy, and a sense of life.
What has been an interesting challenge that has made you rethink something about the project?
The most interesting challenge has been learning about this new world of coffee. However, if I am completely honest, the biggest challenge was starting a business at 19 years old in an industry where I had no prior experience. I continue to learn every day, and the project becomes more meaningful to me all the time.
If your space could invite someone to collaborate for a day, who would it be and what would you do together?
When it comes to collaborations, our goal is to support local brands and to be a space where artists, athletes, and professionals can gain meaningful exposure.
And if I were asked about a dream collaboration within the world of coffee, without a doubt my answer would be homeboy.co.
I would like to give special thanks to the Walden team and Francis Calete for the incredible work in designing our space, always with a focus on quality and the customer experience.
And to the entire EMAÚS team, who have been essential to everything that has been achieved so far.
Answers by Daniel Gomez Gutiérrez, owner of EMAÚS.
