Karla’s Coffee Cart
Karla Burton’s coffee business was hit hard by the pandemic. After being closed for 5 months, Karla’s Coffee Cart is open for business again, thanks to help from TMC Community Capital.
Karla had worked for years as a Barista in Los Angeles before deciding to venture out and start her own coffee cart. An immigrant from Honduras, Karla’s dream was to own her own business so that she could create more opportunities for herself and her husband. After 12 months of extensive researching and saving, Karla’s Coffee Cart was born.
At Karla’s Coffee Cart, which serves customers via traveling drinks stand in Echo Park, Hollywood, Silverlake, and Mid-city, customers buy speciality coffee drinks, including lattes, cappucinos, matcha, cold brew and more. Their coffee is roasted weekly and locally. A particular customer favorite is their house-made Horchata Cold Brew.
Karla’s Coffee Cart received great support from their community before coronavirus hit. But California’s Stay at Home Orders forced Karla’s mobile shop to close for five months, with no revenue in sight.
From a community nomination, the Coffee Shop was entered into TMC Community Capital’s Small Business, Big Heart Grant Program, and was awarded a $4,000 grant which has allowed them to reopen.
Karla’s Coffee Shop is currently working on implementing online ordering platforms to sell their coffee and baked goods. The shop also has an active Instagram presence, promoting their business and connecting with customers.
“As a young business, we feel embraced by the Los Angeles community,” said Karla. “That’s part of the coffee cart’s mission – to go out into the neighborhood, meet people where they are, and create a sense of community.”
Karla is grateful for the assistance the grant provided and is looking forward to continuing to be a go-to destination for quality coffee and fresh pastries.