A coffee company founded and operated by Montgomery County natives is gaining attention locally by bringing authentic Salvadoran and Guatemalan coffee directly to the community through farmers markets and pop-up events across the county.
Tz’ikin Cafe, named after the Mayan word for “eagle,” was created to celebrate culture, community, and connection through coffee. The business was founded by Silver Spring native Allan Gonzalez alongside his brother Alessandro Romero and business partner Allistair Roper (all Springbrook graduates) with a mission centered on ethically sourced Central American coffee and authentic representation of Salvadoran and Guatemalan heritage.
After years of working in the coffee industry and traveling throughout El Salvador and Guatemala, Gonzalez noticed what he described as a gap in the market for truly authentic Central American coffee sourced directly from local farmers. The company established relationships with farmers in both countries, focusing on fair compensation and sustainable farming practices while bringing those flavors directly to Montgomery County residents.
“We wanted to bring a sense of community and culture into people’s lives through coffee,” the team shared. Tz’ikin Cafe officially launched in June of last year and quickly began making appearances throughout the area. One of the company’s first major events was Salvadoran Heritage Night, where they served as the event’s sole coffee provider.
Gonzalez, who grew up in Silver Spring and graduated from Springbrook High School before attending UMBC, said Montgomery County’s diversity inspired him to showcase both his and his wife’s cultural roots through the business. His wife, Stephanie Donis Gonzalez, grew up in Gaithersburg and graduated from Gaithersburg High School.
Romero also grew up in Silver Spring and graduated from Springbrook High School, while Roper moved to Montgomery County from Port of Spain, Trinidad, later graduating from Springbrook as well.
Today, Tz’ikin Cafe can regularly be found serving customers at local markets across Montgomery County, including the Kentlands Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9am-1pm, Milk Lady’s Farmers Market at Shady Grove Medical Center on Wednesdays from 11am-2pm, and the Casey Community Center market on Thursdays from 11am-2pm.
The company says its goal is not only to serve high-quality coffee, but also to create a deeper connection between Montgomery County residents and Central American culture through every cup.
