Grana Café

How was this place born and what made it different from the beginning?
Grana Café emerged from the spontaneity of street cooperation; between bazaars, exchanges, and urban art, the idea of ​​creating a public and dissident space was conceived. This project has always welcomed collaboration, and every friendship that emerges from it is what has given it its authenticity.

What part of the day, space, or creative process do those who work here enjoy the most?
Our favorite part is when our clients participate in the public turntable with their own LPs, since a fundamental part of this project is the music and how it makes us relate to others, creating moments of intimacy, vulnerability and joy.

If someone is coming in for the first time, what should they not miss?
Select an album from our audio menu and, of course, enjoy the house refresher: Dirty Grana.

What has been an interesting challenge that has made you rethink something about the project?
As a coffee shop, we strive for specialty coffee to be a community building tool, not a status symbol. Our bar doesn’t differentiate between connoisseurs and first-timers, but instead seeks to connect with both. That’s why Grana is designed to feel like a living room waiting for its residents to strike up the next conversation.

What influence, idea, or reference continues to guide what you do today?
Form an active community where mutual support and creative freedom are promoted.

What place, project, or person has inspired you recently and why?We have found inspiration in neighboring projects in Mexicali, such as the restaurant Nueve Cinco, the alley of urban art, and our designer and friend Luis Baltazar. All of them have motivated us with their creativity and their philosophy of supporting new talent.

If your space could invite someone to collaborate for a day, who would it be and what would you do together?
We would love for Peter Saville or Tatsuki Fujimoto support us with the graphics for the presentation of a drink.

Is there any object, corner or detail of the place that has a story that few people know?
Each of the objects available to the public, from LPs, books and board games, have their own story since they were personal objects of ours that we are happy to be able to share with our visitors today.

If this project were a city, a book, or a record, which would it be and why?
Arabia Mountain by the Black Lips seems to us like a more than successful album: at first glance, Grana as a project aims to be relaxed and invites our customers to have a good time. However, every step we take is intentional. We love to experiment through play, and we can't deny that nostalgia inspires us.