Meet Andrew Montes De Oca of Fontana

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Montes De Oca.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was a college dropout — broke, uncertain, and just trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I started working in coffee simply to get by, but somewhere along the way, I fell in love with it — the craft, the connection, and the sense of community that forms around a good cup. That passion slowly turned into a purpose.
I pitched the idea to my dad, Héctor Montes de Oca, and my brother, Bryan, about starting a coffee cart together. My dad and I drove all the way to Seattle and back in two days to pick up our first carts ourselves. That trip really marked the beginning of Mi Flor Mayor Coffee & Co. — built from nothing but an idea and the belief that we could create something meaningful.
We started street vending late at night alongside taqueros, giving away more coffee than we sold at times. It wasn’t glamorous — we endured rainstorms, blazing heat, and even had to pack up and run when city enforcement tried to shut us down under anti-street-vendor programs in Fontana. But we just kept going. We weren’t chasing quick success; we were chasing a name, a reputation, and a chance to share our craft.
After a year or so, I hit a breaking point and told my dad the dream might be over. Pop-ups were slowing down, and we were barely making it. But he told me not to give up. Around that time, my brother — still in high school — started helping by selling bottled lattes before class to keep a bit of revenue coming in. That small hustle kept the vision alive.
Eventually, I met with my now landlord and asked him to give me a chance to open something real. After a lot of persistence and back-and-forth, he agreed. Even then, we kept doing weekend pop-ups to fund the space, operating without permits again until we got caught — still pushing every limit just to make it work.
Finally, on January 6th, 2025, after years of grinding, we opened the doors to our flagship store: Mi Flor Mayor Coffee & Co.
From the start, my dream wasn’t just to open a coffee shop — I wanted to create a space where people could gather, connect, and feel inspired. A place that blends the craftsmanship of specialty coffee with the warmth of fresh, quality pastries. Mi Flor Mayor represents growth, resilience, and the idea that something beautiful can bloom even through struggle. Our story is rooted in family and built on the belief that community and quality can go hand in hand.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s definitely been far from a smooth road. Financially, it’s been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I was still working another job just to keep things afloat while trying to build Mi Flor Mayor Coffee & Co. from the ground up. Every dollar we made went straight back into the business — and even then, it never felt like enough.
On top of that, I had no real experience running a business. I was learning everything as I went — permits, health regulations, city codes, equipment breakdowns — all of it. We ran into constant issues with code enforcement not allowing us to street vend, which meant having to pack up and move at a moment’s notice just to avoid getting shut down.
Then there were the weather conditions — crazy rainstorms, blazing heat — all while serving coffee outside with barely any coverage. It tested us physically and mentally. There were many moments I questioned whether this was a good idea at all. The lack of stability, the exhaustion, and the uncertainty took a toll.
But every obstacle became part of our story. Each challenge — from financial strain to navigating city restrictions — forced us to adapt and stay committed to the bigger picture. Those struggles taught me patience, resilience, and the value of trusting the process, even when nothing seemed to be working.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m just a college dropout who started working at Starbucks without really knowing where life was headed. Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with coffee — not just drinking it, but the craft, the science, and the human connection behind every cup. That curiosity pushed me to pursue the coffee industry seriously.
Over the years, I worked as a barista at several shops, including Mi Cafecito in Pomona, CA — where I’m especially grateful to Juan and Paola for taking a chance on me early on. Those experiences shaped everything I know today. I spent nearly nine years behind the bar, learning, experimenting, and developing my own perspective on what coffee can represent.
Now, through Mi Flor Mayor Coffee & Co., I get to bring that vision to life. We specialize in crafting high-quality, house-made drinks and pastries that reflect both culture and craftsmanship. Everything we do — from our syrups to our seasonal drinks — is made from scratch. I wanted to build a space that celebrates community, culture, and creativity through coffee.
What sets us apart is our story and our heart. We’re not a brand built on investors or big money — we’re built on family, sacrifice, and genuine passion for the craft. I’m most proud of the fact that we created something real from nothing. Every drink we serve represents years of trial, growth, and resilience — and I think people can feel that when they walk into Mi Flor Mayor.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’ve taken a few risks in my life, but starting Mi Flor Mayor Coffee & Co. was by far the biggest one. It wasn’t just a financial risk — it was emotional, mental, and personal. I was stepping into something completely unfamiliar, with no business background and no guarantee that it would work.
I’d like to thank my father for this one. I always wanted to see myself as someone willing to take risks, but the truth is, when things got hard, I wanted to pull back. There were moments when the pressure, the uncertainty, and the lack of stability made me question everything. But my dad kept pushing me to move forward. He reminded me that we started this dream together, and that if we were going to fall, we’d fall together too.
That mindset changed how I view risk. It’s not about being fearless — it’s about trusting yourself and the people around you enough to take the leap anyway. Risk is where growth happens. If I hadn’t taken that step — if we hadn’t jumped together — Mi Flor Mayor wouldn’t exist today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.miflormayor.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miflormayor
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mi-flor-mayor-coffee-and-co-fontana-3

Image Credits
@jairsporfolio instagram handle