Stemma Craft Coffee is the newest coffee shop in downtown Orlando. If you've had the chance to visit already, surely you've been in awe of the space's colors, design, vibrance, and warmth. But that is just the beginning. While coffee shops continue to open and impress us locals, not many can say that they are in complete control of the process the way Stemma is. Owners, a mother and daughter combo, bring their seed-to-cup approach from Nicaragua to Orlando, as they are 4th Generation coffee farmers with a farm in Jinotega, Nicaragua.

On my first visit, I tried a standard latte with a great bright and crisp flavor. However, what really knocked it out of the park for me was a specialty drink called El Güerito, which is an iced drink with sweetened milk, pineapple foam, and grated cookie. It's such a treat and a must-try.

It's clear Stemma will impress serious coffee drinkers with a trained palate, but also the casual drinker looking for something that hits all the right notes for them.

I got Rebecca to share some insights about Stemma and what we can expect from Orlando's newest cafe.

LH: What do you want the culture of Stemma to be known for?

RB: Our values:

Hospitality. We are committed to delivering meaningful experiences to our customers through hospitality. We seek to feed the most basic human need that we all have, to be loved and accepted.

Quality. We believe in quality in all its facets, from ingredients to preparation, to service. Quality is not negotiable. 

Community. We seek to encourage and foster community at Stemma by engaging and serving the community in which we work. 

Everyone is welcome.

LH: Most coffee shop patrons aren’t always aware of where the beans came from that they are drinking, - the seed to cup process. How does having the farm in Nicaragua where you will be sourcing your beans from, create a better experience for the avid coffee drinker?

RB: At Stemma, we want to educate our customers why every stage in the seed-to-cup process is important and critical while maintaining quality standards. Not only do we grow and control the specialty coffee we produce on the farm, but we also import, roast in the shop, and will brew fresh - every day. Science takes part in every stage that the average drinker might not realize, and that’s why we want to showcase the importance of every step. They will soon be drawn to the oasis that awaits them.

LH: In the past five years plus, Orlando’s coffee scene has exploded, with several options in downtown alone. How does Stemma plan to set itself apart?

RB: We are more than just a traditional third-wave coffee shop. Stemma represents a concept and a story/legacy that hasn’t been seen in many places. The fact that we are able to control every stage, from ingredients to preparation to service...I believe sets us apart tremendously. Not only will we be serving specialty coffee, but we will also be cooking/preparing sandwiches, toasts, and salads, all made in-house. Even the bread for our toasts will be made in-house from our Chef Leandro’s family recipe. 

LH: What are you most excited about showcasing about the Hispanic Heritage your family is bringing to the coffee scene?

RB: Coffee is a huge part of our culture. Not only does most of Latin America produce coffee, but it's one of those traditions that bring people together. Latino's have a lot to offer, and we want to share not only the coffee we purchase from Latin America, but also the Hispanic twist in our food menu and oasis. 

LH: You’ve shared on Instagram your father’s favorite coffee shop in his hometown in Nicaragua. Do you want Stemma to particular feel and atmosphere that pays homage to him and your Nicaraguan roots?

RB: I would love for Stemma to resemble the same atmosphere as my dad's hometown coffee shop. Not only was that coffee shop in the town my father grew up in, and where our coffee is grown, but it's special to me because the staff knew who he was. The last time I was there was the first time without him. It was bittersweet because I talked to the baristas, and they knew who he was and remembered how happy and passionate he was about coffee. My dad was the type of person to open the door and greet people just because. And that is why hospitality is important for me and my staff. We want everyone to feel the same warmth and welcoming atmosphere as if he was the one greeting them at the door.

LH: Beyond espresso based drinks, what other items can guests expect?

RB: We have fun drinks that most will enjoy like a delicious sweet tea that we make in house that is infused with our dried coffee cherries shipped from our farm called "Te de pulpa". Along with my all time favorite, which is called “Dirty Mama” that contains my mom’s special horchata recipe. We will also be making all of our sandwiches, toasts and salads fresh, everyday.

Stemma Craft Coffee is located at 328 N Orange Ave, there is metered parking right out front on Orange Avenue. Right now the hours are 7AM - 4PM.