Coffee Roaster and Co founder

I’m Marcos, but most people know me as Q. I’ve spent years in the service industry, working my way up from the dish pit to becoming a chef. Along the way, I’ve built lasting memories and learned from incredible mentors—people and experiences that shaped me in ways I wouldn’t trade for anything. It’s a world that teaches you humility, whether you’re ready for it or not.

Opening Nopalita is the next chapter—creating something that’s truly mine. But what makes it even more meaningful is building it alongside my family. That’s what makes it special.

Never stop pushing toward your dreams and goals. If you fall short, that’s okay—most people never even take the first step. And if you decide not to chase something, that’s okay too… as long as you’re genuinely happy with where you are.

Stay humble.

Tea and Juice Specialist

Hi, I’m Mel!

I’ve spent 14 years in the service industry, growing into management and AGM roles and learning so much along the way—especially through the mentorship of my uncle Q. I’ve always dreamed of creating a place that feels safe and welcoming to share with the world. Family and individuality are at the heart of everything I do.

Nopalita is where it all comes to life. It’s a space where I can express my creativity, connect with my community, and build something with my favorite people—a place where everyone feels like they belong.

Matcha Magician

Hi! I’m Kasfren.

I like to say I was raised between two worlds. I was born and raised in California, but spent much of my childhood moving between California and El Salvador. My parents fled the civil war in El Salvador and eventually settled in California, where I grew up surrounded by my mother’s cooking and her love for coffee.

Coffee has always been a part of my story. My aunt owned a coffee bean farm in El Salvador, and during summer breaks, my grandmother would send me out to pick coffee cherries straight from the trees. Those experiences planted the seed for what would later become my passion. Being around coffee for most of my life turned me into a true coffee lover — and eventually inspired my dream of opening my own shop.

Through my coffee shop, I hope to share a piece of El Salvador and create a space where everyone who walks through the door feels at home.

Coffee Specialist 

Hello, my name is Marcelo Martinez, and i am one of the owners and "barista". I started my coffee journey pretty late in life because my grandma didn't want to give me coffee. So for a wlhile i didn't really drink or care for it, until i went to college and realized that coffee is obviously very good. When i was a bartender at a dive bar they had an espresso machine and thats where i learned how to make specialty coffee cocktails and i began to play with flavor combinations and had a lot of fun doing so. 

I look forward to bringing some of my coffee palate to the style of El Salvadorian coffee. I am very excited to embark on this journey with my new family. We hope to bring you some very tasty beverages and an atmoshpere that we want to make you feel like your'e at home as well.