Meet Jennifer Benitez-Hernandez of Tez Coffee Co. LLC.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Benitez-Hernandez.

Hi Jennifer, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It started with wanting better coffee and trusting myself to create it. Tez Coffee began with coffee, matcha, and fun, refreshing drinks, and as we hosted themed Saturday pop-ups, the brand naturally evolved. Our Salvadoran-themed event introduced pupusas, which quickly became a staple and helped define who we are. We noticed there were very few places offering quality coffee alongside authentic pupusas, and creating that combination became our way of doing something different—bringing culture, flavor, and community together.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing creativity with consistency—trying new ideas while staying true to what Tez is at its core. We’re intentional about being coffee-forward while also honoring very traditional Salvadoran antojitos, and finding that balance has been a learning process. Beyond the menu, learning how to properly run and grow a family-run business—from prep and investing to building structure—has been both challenging and rewarding.

We’ve been impressed with Tez Coffee Co. LLC., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Tez Coffee Co. is a family-run pop-up coffee business built on quality, culture, and community. What started with coffee and matcha has grown into offering traditional Salvadoran antojitos, including pupusas, empanadas, and quesadillas—made with care and respect for tradition. While we love creating fun and seasonal drinks, we’re intentional about staying coffee-forward and balanced.

Through our themed Saturday pop-ups, Tez Coffee has become a place where people gather, connect, and feel at home. At the heart of Tez Coffee is community—our pop-ups are about creating a warm, welcoming space where people can slow down, connect, and feel part of something special.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I don’t see myself as a big risk-taker in the traditional sense, but I do believe in taking thoughtful, intentional risks. Starting Tez Coffee was a risk in itself—investing time, money, and energy into something that began as a small idea, without knowing exactly where it would lead. Opening our home for pop-ups, involving family, and trusting the community to show up required a lot of faith.

Each step has been taken with care, learning as we go and adjusting when needed. For me, risk-taking isn’t about jumping blindly—it’s about believing in the vision, doing the work, and being willing to grow through uncertainty.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tezcoffee.co?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D