Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Cadena.
Hi Claire, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Claire Cadena and I started Yonsei Coffee Co. in April of 2025 at a garage sale in my hometown Denton, TX. I can vivdly remember the first time I had espresso like I remember the first time I tried snails…sour, sweet, and surprisingly great! At the age of 17 I began tasting craft coffee shops all over DFW. At the time, in 2015, the Denton coffee scene was booming. I was in college, so this was perfect for me and my newly found addiction. That addiction continued into my adulthood and it became a passion.
My husband, boyfriend at the time, got me my first espresso machine and I began brewing day and night…and if you know Breville’s—you know our neighbors hated me! Learning wasn’t easy but my love for it kept me going, and I eventually got the hang of it after 3 years! Fast forward to 2025…my sweet husband knocks it off the park and gets me my very own Linea Mini. I had entertained the idea of starting something of my own but this really was the piece that tied it all together. I had been saving for this business endeavor and thankfully was able to use my own money for all the other fun stuff—business licenses, insurance, gear, etc. This silly dream of mine was no longer a fantasy but a reality.
We’ve had the honor of bringing our coffee to some of the biggest markets and events across the DFW area. We even started to get customers who follow us from one spot to the next just for a cup of our coffee. That kind of loyalty means the world to us.
In a world where convenience is everywhere, we know that each cup we serve has to be more than just caffeine—it has to be a memorable moment. We take that responsibility seriously, and it’s our mission to make every sip truly special.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a small pop-up coffee shop, we’re still learning every single day. Every market is a hustle. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. There have been days where it feels like an upward battle and organizers fail to communicate with us about markets or events and we show up with only a handful of people in attendance. As a pop-up we understand we have to make a name for ourselves without the legitimacy of a brick and mortar, but it’s a challenge that is not stopping us. We know we will get there.
I’m extremely lucky to have my husband by my side, constantly cheering me on and supporting me through it all.
The coffee industry is incredibly saturated, and it can be tough to truly stand out. But we’ve learned that the real work isn’t just about being different, it’s about having conviction. Conviction in your business, in your purpose, and in who Yonsei is.
That’s what drives us. That’s what keeps us going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Yonsei Coffee Co. is a mobile coffee cart serving craft coffee, matcha, and baked goods in the DFW area. We care deeply about our planet so all of our coffee offerings are ethically and sustainably sourced from local Texan roasters. Our syrups are made without preservatives or artificial flavors, showcasing the real ingredients used.
We proudly pop-up at local markets and events or private events such as corporate events, weddings, parties, and nonprofit fundraisers.
The name Yonsei means “fourth generation” in Japanese. It honors my heritage as a descendant of the Japanese diaspora in Mexico and the journey my ancestors in Japan and Mexico took in search of opportunity. That spirit of resilience, creativity, and connection is what inspires everything we do, and our drinks bridge flavors from Japanese and Mexican culture with the Italian espresso tradition.
But most of all, Yonsei stands for community: building meaningful moments, supporting local, encouraging sustainability & ethical consumption, and making every event memorable and impactful one cup at a time. At the heart of it all, we want to leave whatever we do and wherever we go better than we found it.
Our current signature drinks are: Cafe De Olla latte, Earl Grey Orange latte, Salted Maple Matcha, & our Tokyo Banana (which was a summer seasonal drink, but we’re thinking of bringing it back). We also sell croissants, Mexican moon cookies, and tres leches mini cakes. For October, we will be selling Pumpkin Tres Leches mini cakes & pan de muerto with dulce de leche filling.
Our next event is the Denton Day of The Dead Festival on October 25th, so stop by and grab a coffee or matcha or treat! Say hi!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My husband, Alfredo Osornio, who has been my rock through this all. He is selflessly dedicated to this dream of mine and I couldn’t ask for a better partner. My family, who have helped in every aspect of my business. I know if I ever need anything, they’re a phone call away. My dad helped build my cart, my mom, a baker, helps us bake our pastries & treats. I would not be here without my parents. My sister, Irania, is always helping me serve at markets whenever I need and my brothers, Ronaldo & Junior are always supporting me. My friend Jackie Thompson who is always cheering me on, especially when I beat myself up for mistakes. And lastly, my husband’s extended family & cousins. They have been there since the first event at the garage sale and I consider them my own family as well. Behind this female owned business is a village who helped me get here and are pushing me through.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yonseicoffee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yonseicoffeeco
