Native Coffee Co. Celebrates Native Identity and O’otham Roots

Kyle Knox

Gila River Indian News

If you’re like most adults, a cup of coffee at some point during the day is just one part of your daily routine. If you’re one that likes to order your coffee, you will be interested to learn that this year a new coffee shop, or trailer as it were, popped up. 

This particular coffee company has ties to the Community, is rooted in celebrating their Native heritage, and adds to the growing Native-owned businesses in the valley.

That coffee company is Native Coffee Co., owned by husband and wife Brittany Martinez Chavez and Raul Chavez. Both are responsible for serving up exceptionally flavored coffees, tea’s, and agua fresca (juices) daily.  Their blue coffee trailer is a hallmark of their brand, along with their top-notch customer service and distinct menu. 

Brittany is part O’otham from her mother’s side and grew up outside of the Community all of her life. Some of her mother’s family resides in District 3, Sacaton. Chavez said she has, “Fond memories of visiting family in the Gila River Indian Community as a child”. Though she is not an enrolled member, Brittany has maintained pride and recognition of her identity and her O’otham roots. 

Native Coffee Co.’s beginnings weren’t easy; as Brittany put it, “Starting a business is not for the lazy.” The journey started in 2018, and spanned a year until finally redesigning their trailer to code and obtaining business permits. 

One thing no business owner, especially a new one, would’ve ever expected was the oncoming COVID-19 Pandemic.  For Native Coffee Co., the year-long journey to brew coffee and serve customer number one started at the onset of the Pandemic in May of this year.  

While being self-employed is rewarding and finding success during a pandemic is another accomplishment. Brittany said that she enjoys their Native American clientele. And she’s especially gratified when she can serve patrons who come from the Community.

“The Community comes out, and it’s amazing to see that they’re coming all the way out here to buy from me, and it’s their support that keeps me humble,” said Chavez of the growing patronage of Community members.

Despite the hurdles they faced together, Brittany and husband Raul worked to secure a consistent location suitable for the trailer, traffic, and without a coffee shop in sight. Eventually, they landed in Tolleson just west of Phoenix and north of the Community’s “West End” District 6 and 7. Here they’ve established a consistent presence and created steady clientele eager for their coffee fix every morning beginning 6 a.m. when they open. 

So if you find yourself on the West End or in the West Valley with a craving for coffee Native Coffee Co. would be happy to serve you. 

And if you wonder what to order, their most popular items are the “BB King,” which is a churro macchiato, followed by “El Nayo Güero,” a white chocolate mocha, and lastly “El Nayo” which is their Mexican Mocha. 

You can learn more about Native Coffee Co. and their weekly schedule by visiting their website at nativecoffeeaz.com. And you can also find them on Facebook and Twitter by searching nativecoffeeaz or on Instagram at nativecoffeeco.az.