Montecoyote

How did this place come about and what made it different from the start?
We were among the first spaces in Monterrey where coffee took center stage, helping usher in a new wave of specialty coffee. A coffee community already existed in the city, but there were very few spaces serving the kind of coffee they were looking for. We were fortunate that this community welcomed us with open arms.

Specialty coffee bars are born from a need to go deeper and to connect. Yes, at a basic level we satisfy the need for a cup of coffee, but the reason a customer chooses us day after day instead of going to the mermaid coffee shop or any other chain is because they connected with us and our baristas, with our flavor and with the story we tell. We wanted to help foster an appreciation for specialty coffee, and we were part of the beginning of a boom of interest in higher-quality coffee and more careful preparation. More and more people continue to join this coffee community that seeks specialty coffee with traceability and a story.

Shortly after, we opened our roastery, a space that functions as our coffee laboratory and allowed us to increase production and serve more clients. We became part of a new quality standard in a city where the last decade has been decisive for specialty coffee.

We never imagined we would become so popular, but we are deeply grateful for the affection people show us. We are happy to share coffee and to welcome more and more new guests who are seeking closeness to the producer and care throughout the process. A place where attention is given to carefully extracting the uniqueness and excellence of every coffee.

What part of the day, space, or creative process do those who work here enjoy the most?
Just before opening, right before 8:00 a.m., when we see people already lined up, eager to come in and grab their coffee. It reminds us how important our work is in each person’s daily routine, but it also makes us reflect on how fast-paced our city and our lives are. We are glad to be that small moment in the day when people can slow down.

If someone is coming in for the first time, what should they not miss?
They should not miss our iconic coyotito, a latte with dulce de leche, sweet but not cloying. We also offer a signature drinks menu featuring a collection of our best seasonal beverages from over the years, along with coffee and tea-based mocktails. There is something for everyone at Montecoyote. It is designed to be the most welcoming specialty coffee bar possible.

What has been an interesting challenge that has made you rethink something about the project?
Coffee bars, and coffee in general, are people-centered businesses. Coffee cannot be prepared on its own, no matter how much automation or technology exists.

Coffee is a team effort. From the farm to the final cup, thousands of hands are involved, all working with dedication. You are only as strong as your team.

What influence, idea, or reference continues to shape the way you work today?
The true magic of this project lies in the community. It has allowed us to surround ourselves with incredible people who see coffee not only as a drink, but as a meeting point. For us, the exchange of knowledge with these enthusiasts and professionals is what drives us to improve and grow every day. Their stories, experiences and passion leave a mark on us and keep us connected to what we do today.

What place, project, or person has inspired you recently and why?
The hospitality at Ever restaurant in Chicago. We were fortunate to visit and were amazed by how an obsession with detail, a focus on ingredients and a deep connection with the guests can create a unique experience. Precision paired with deep emotional involvement.

If your space could invite someone to collaborate for a day, who would it be and what would you do together?
We would love to collaborate with other coffee bars such as Tanat or Bonanza. Their sustainable and ethical approach to coffee, their constant pursuit of innovation through new technologies and processes, and their focus on roasting and highlighting terroir while maintaining exceptional quality make us admire them greatly.

Is there an object, corner or detail of the place that has a story that few people know?
The space began, and gained much of its recognition, with a cloud-shaped lamp above the bar created by artist Richard Clarkson. Over the years, with the amount of coffee we grind and the number of people who visit us, the lamp began to collect dust, turning gray like a cloudy day. No matter how much we cleaned or vacuumed it, it became impossible to return it to its original whiteness. One day, a customer posted a critique of the lamp, comparing our cloud to the polluted clouds in Monterrey’s sky.

The truth is that the lamp already carried many stories, and even though we did not want to remove an icon that represented us, not everything can be saved. Today, that cloud is archived and has been replaced by an Italian lamp by artists Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. A diffused light fixture inspired by a cocoon, shaped like a dandelion.

Sometimes it is necessary to close a cycle and look for a new light. Deterioration is natural, and renewal is essential.

If this project were a city, a book, or a record, which would it be and why?
It would be Chicago. Vibrant, intense and diverse. A unique urban identity with deep history.

Answers by Ricardo Urbina Luna and César Estrada Gattás, founders of Montecoyote.