Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Castillo.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Coffee has been a part of my life since I have a memory. My father always drank coffee in the morning. I remember the aroma would linger. When I visited my grandfather in Morelos, Mexico as an 8-year-old, I was able to experience the coffee process. From picking the coffee cherries to drying the cherries on our rooftop, this is considered a natural process. Then, we would roast it in a cast iron pan. This experience allowed me to gain knowledge of the coffee process and allowed me to value the term from seed to cup.
Fast forward to 2021. My childhood friend Gilbert and I always talked about opening up a business someday. This became a reality when I was offered to buy a coffee roasting business. Gilbert and I jumped on the opportunity and started to roast our coffee. I learned how to roast and I have been doing so for 3 years now. In 2022, we wanted to expand from just roasting coffee to opening up a coffee shop and cafe.
Pueblo Coffee on Main is our coffee shop in the heart of Springville, Utah. We have been welcomed with open arms and are building a community of coffee lovers.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I feel like it had been a smooth ride. We have been consistent with the coffee we offer as well as our authentic Mexican cuisine. I have been blessed with the support of my two kids Melody and Marco, my cousins, and friends.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
For 18 years, I have dedicated my career to public education. My life and work experiences have driven me to strive to empower underrepresented groups within my community. I graduated from Utah Valley University in April of 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science with an emphasis in Psychology. My background and achievements have allowed me to work well with at-risk youth. For the past 10 years, I have focused my career on Collective Impact.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My mother and grandma have been a motivation for me to start a business. They both taught me how to cook but more importantly, they provided me with love. Both have strived to raise their families. My grandma passed away last year in August. Her legacy continues in the food we offer.
Also, my children have supported me and provided me with the support I need to strive in this new business. Both have been there from day one and although Marco is 11 and Melody is 5 they love to help. They provide me with the motivation to continue to run a successful coffee shop and roasting business.
Thank you to my business partner Gilbert and my cousins who have been here from day one!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bit.ly/m/Pueblo-Coffee-on-Main
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pueblocoffeeonmain/
