A decade ago, Simon Humberto Lagos Dominguez, driven by a deep passion for coffee, left Honduras and embarked on a remarkable journey to produce world-class coffee. After falling in love with Colorado during holiday visits, Simon and his family chose it as their new home to launch his business, Cherry Bean LLC, on April 21, 2014.

However, starting a business as an immigrant presented its fair share of challenges. With dreams of opening a coffee shop, Simon faced hurdles that seemed insurmountable. Finding a suitable location was an uphill battle, as many landlords turned them away due to their immigrant status. But Simon and his family didn’t give up.

After a long and arduous search, they finally found a landlord who not only embraced their vision but also supported their dream wholeheartedly. With renewed hope, Simon set out to create a coffee experience like no other.

Simon is a true coffee aficionado, and his love for the beverage stemmed from his grandmother’s early morning rituals in Honduras. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the warmth of her homemade cookies filled his childhood memories. However, it wasn’t until Simon and his family arrived in the United States that he truly discovered the depth and complexity of coffee.

Eager to deepen his knowledge, Simon attended Texas Coffee School, a training program that opened his eyes to the intricacies of coffee craftsmanship. It was a transformative experience that revealed how much there was to learn about this beloved beverage. Simon realized that his journey as a coffee connoisseur had only just begun, and he was eager to share his newfound knowledge with others.

Drawing inspiration from his Honduran heritage, Simon infused his coffee creations with vibrant Latino flavors. One of his drinks is the “Dirty Horchata,” a delightful blend of espresso and iced or hot Horchata—a traditional Latin American drink made with sweetened rice milk. This unique twist on a classic captivated the taste buds of his customers and became an instant hit.

But Simon’s dream extended beyond just serving exceptional coffee. “I wanted to create a warm and welcoming space where everyone could feel at home,” Simon explained. From the moment customers walked through the door, they were greeted with genuine hospitality and treated like family. The sense of belonging and community that Simon fostered became the cornerstone of his coffee shop.

As Simon’s business thrived, he “felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the support I received from the local community,” Simon 

remarked. In return, he wanted to give back and make a positive impact. From day one, Simon partnered with a local food bank, encouraging his customers to donate and help those in need. The generosity of the community was astounding, and together, they made a difference in the lives of many.

However, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges. Simon was forced to close Cherry Bean. It was a time of uncertainty and hardship, but Simon remained in constant contact with his employees, offering support and reassurance.

In those trying times, organizations like CEDS Finance stepped up to lend a helping hand. With their guidance and financial support, Simon managed to navigate the extraordinary circumstances and keep his business afloat. 

What touched Simon the most was the genuine care and personalized attention he received from CEDS Finance. “They weren’t just a faceless institution; they became allies, friends even,” said Simon. “They understood the unique challenges I faced as an immigrant business owner and provided valuable advice and support every step of the way.” The underwriting process and loan closing were made seamless and stress-free, allowing Simon to focus on what he loved most—serving exceptional coffee and building a thriving business.

With the support of CEDS Finance, Simon’s dream blossomed even further. Cherry Bean became a resounding success, and in December 2022, he proudly opened a second location. The love and dedication he poured into his business were evident in every cup of coffee served, and the community responded with open arms.

Simon’s coffee shops not only provided a delicious and heartwarming coffee experience but also became a haven for his employees. He takes great pride in hiring individuals who shared his passion for customer service and nurtured a supportive and uplifting work environment. It is a place where people thrived, and turnover is a rarity. One of his baristas had been with him for four years, a testament to the strong bonds and lasting connections they forged.

Looking toward the future, Simon’s dreams continue to expand. He envisions a day when his coffee beans will be roasted in-house, filling the air with a mesmerizing aroma that can’t be found anywhere else. 

Simon’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community. It’s a reminder that dreams can become reality, even in the face of adversity. With a comforting cup of coffee in hand and a genuine smile on his face, Simon continues to make a meaningful impact on the Denver community and the lives of those around him. 

Cherry Bean Coffee

4059 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211 &

1111 N Broadway Suite 101, Denver, CO 80203

https://www.cherrybeancoffee.co/

https://www.instagram.com/cherrybeancoffee/?hl=en

Country of Origin – Honduras