Coffee & Conservatism: The Rise of Desnudo Coffee

Austin, Texas - In the quiet dawn of East Austin's Webberville Park, the small Desnudo coffee truck comes to life. By 7:30 am, a line of customers awaits their morning brew, a testament to its growing popularity. The siblings behind Desnudo, Sergio and Juan Trujillo, discovered their little slice of heaven in 2022, and it was love at first sight.

The Trujillo brothers are captivated by Austin's vibrant community, and the feeling is mutual. Hailing from Bogotá, Colombia, they always dreamed of starting a business together. Their journey began at the Boggy Creek Farm farmers' markets, with less-than-stellar sales. But their persistence paid off when they met Reyna Vázquez, co-owner of Veracruz All Natural, who offered them a spot in the Webberville Road food truck park.

The brothers embarked on building their coffee truck from scratch, with the help of their cousin, Manolo. The small but mighty truck was ready in just two months, designed to accommodate four people. And thus, Desnudo Coffee was born.

Growing up in the coffee and cacao landscapes of Huila, Colombia, the Trujillos knew they wanted to create something rooted in their heritage. But they faced a challenge: they knew little about the coffee industry. So, they started from the ground up, learning about coffee growth, fermentation, roasting, and the impact of soil on the final product. They visited coffee farms, immersed themselves in the production process, and connected with farmers to understand the complexities of their craft.

Today, Desnudo partners with 15 dedicated small coffee farms in Huila, ranging from one to six hectares. Sergio emphasizes that their relationship with these farms goes beyond business – it's family. The Trujillos' deep connection to the farmers and their dedication to their heritage have fostered a sense of community in both East Austin and Colombia.

"La conexión que tenemos con ellos es realmente algo bonito... [Las] familias... nos ofrecieron desayuno, almuerzo y cena," - Sergio Trujillo, co-owner of Desnudo Coffee.

Desnudo's success is intertwined with the growth of these farms, and they've introduced new techniques and encouraged the production of specialty coffees for a more sustainable approach. Back in Austin, they've brought the community together with yoga classes and a runners' club, creating a space that goes beyond just coffee.

Desnudo Coffee is a testament to the power of following your passion and embracing your heritage. It's a story of two brothers who took a leap of faith and built a thriving business while staying true to their conservative values and love for their country.

URLs:

• Boggy Creek Farm: https://www.boggycreekfarm.com/
• Veracruz All Natural: https://veracruzallnatural.com/