How Ana Valle Turned Her Love for Coffee Into Abanico Coffee Roasters

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TLDR

In San Francisco’s Mission District, where culture and community intertwine, Abanico Coffee Roasters is a reflection of its founder, Ana Valle, and her lifelong love for coffee. From childhood memories of sipping cafecitos in El Salvador to opening her own café, Valle’s journey is one of resilience, dedication, and a deep connection to her heritage.

Ana Valle’s passion for coffee began in the kitchens of El Salvador, where mornings were filled with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed cafecito. Sharing these moments with her grandmother, coffee became more than a drink—it was a ritual of connection and warmth.

When Valle’s family fled the Salvadoran Civil War in the 1980s and settled in Daly City, they found a sense of belonging in San Francisco’s Mission District. Weekend visits to the vibrant neighborhood kept their Salvadoran roots alive and left an indelible mark on Valle’s love for community and tradition.

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From Passion to Profession

In 2013, Valle decided to turn her passion into a profession, leaving her sales job at Levi’s to immerse herself in the coffee industry. Determined to learn every facet of the craft, she ventured into coffee farms to understand farming and processing techniques. She trained in roasting, participated in cupping classes to refine her palate, and worked as a barista to gain firsthand experience in customer-facing roles.

Her dedication paid off when she became a certified Q Grader, a credential from the Coffee Quality Institute that signifies expertise in grading and scoring specialty coffee. This well-rounded understanding of coffee—from bean to cup—laid the foundation for Abanico Coffee Roasters.

The Birth of Abanico Coffee Roasters

In 2021, Valle opened the doors to Abanico Coffee Roasters in a historic building on Mission Street. The name “Abanico,” Spanish for “fan,” carries deep personal and cultural meaning for Valle. To her, it evokes femininity, artistry, and the beauty of her Latin American roots. Every detail of the café reflects this heritage, from the warm, inviting design to the menu’s carefully curated coffee offerings.

Abanico Coffee Roasters is more than a café; it’s a space where tradition meets innovation. Valle’s commitment to sourcing high-quality beans and her meticulous roasting process ensure every cup tells a story. The café’s presence in the Mission District is a full-circle moment for Valle, bringing her back to the neighborhood that shaped so much of her identity.

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