Our Story
About Us
Our journey from the highlands of El Salvador and Guatemala to Montgomery County, MD.
What We Stand For
Our Values
Authentic Flavor
Beans sourced directly from El Salvador & Guatemala.
Fair Trade
Direct relationships with farmers ensuring fair compensation.
Sustainable
Eco-conscious farming and responsible sourcing practices.
Heritage
Celebrating the rich culture of Central American coffee.
Our Beginning
Our Story
Tz'ikin Cafe was born from a deep love for Salvadoran and Guatemalan coffee and culture. Our founder, Allan Gonzalez, has family roots in both countries and grew up appreciating the rich coffee traditions of Central America.
After years of working in the coffee industry, Allan noticed a gap in the market for truly authentic, ethically sourced Central American coffee. He established direct relationships with local farmers in both El Salvador and Guatemala, ensuring fair compensation and sustainable farming practices.
Tz'ikin Cafe — named after the Mayan word for "eagle," symbolizing freedom and connection to nature — started as a passion project and is now bringing the authentic flavors of Central America to Montgomery County, MD.
Our Purpose
Our Mission
At Tz'ikin Cafe, our mission is to create a bridge between Salvadoran and Guatemalan coffee farmers and coffee lovers in our community.
Direct trade relationships that ensure farmers receive fair compensation
Sustainable farming practices that protect the environment
Preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of El Salvador and Guatemala
Creating community spaces where people can connect over exceptional coffee
Our Beans
Our Coffee
We source our beans directly from small-scale farmers in El Salvador and Guatemala, particularly from regions known for producing some of Central America's finest coffees.
Salvadoran coffee is known for its balanced acidity, medium body, and notes of chocolate and caramel, while Guatemalan coffee often features bright acidity with floral, chocolate, and fruity notes.
We carefully select our beans to ensure freshness and to highlight the unique characteristics of each origin, offering roast profiles from light to dark.
Our Partnership
Finca San Rafael
Five generations of coffee excellence in El Salvador
Experience the beauty of Finca San Rafael in El Salvador
“I am Mateo Rivera Díaz, fifth generation of my family dedicated to cultivating coffee at Finca San Rafael, where we have two passions: coffee cultivation and horses.”
Finca San Rafael was born at the beginning of the 20th century, starting with Mateo's great-great-grandmother, then passed to his grandfather, and now his parents are in charge.
This family project opened to the public on October 17, 2017, sharing their passion for coffee and their beautiful horses with visitors from around the world.
The Coffee & Culture
Finca San Rafael's coffee is a unique blend of three exceptional varieties: Bourbon, Pacamara, and Caracol. Each contributes distinct characteristics to create the complex, flavorful coffee we're proud to serve.
Beyond coffee, the finca's “Alta Escuela” horses have become one of their main attractions, beautifying the farm's trails and bringing joy to visitors.
Why We Partner with Finca San Rafael
Five Generations
Over a century of coffee expertise passed down through the family.
Cultural Heritage
Preserving traditions beyond coffee, including their beautiful horses.
Unique Varieties
Bourbon, Pacamara, and Caracol blend for exceptional flavor.
Leadership
Meet Our Founder
Allan Gonzalez
Founder & Head BaristaAllan brings his passion for Central American coffee culture to create authentic experiences that honor the traditions of El Salvador and Guatemala. Every cup is a celebration of heritage.