Where Beans Become Dreams
Local Coffee Masters Share Their Passion by Crystal Han
Great coffee, fresh baked pastries, and cheerful smiles always greet you at Fifth Street Coffee Roasting Co.
Since coffee was first discovered in the 9th century, it has played a significant role in our societies. It is how millions of people begin their day, fueling everything from high-powered business meetings to cozy get-togethers, accentuating both the profound and mundane aspects of our lives. In Turkey, the coffee grounds at the bottom of your cup are even said to tell your future. Whether there’ s any truth to that, coffee enthusiasts Yolanda Castaneda and Dan Martin can attest to it shaping their futures in unexpected ways.
If someone told Yolanda Castaneda years ago that she would one day be the owner of Fifth St. Coffee Roasting Shop she would never have believed them. Originally working in financial services, Castaneda knew nothing about coffee roasting, so it came as a surprise when her sister suggested she check out the coffee shop in downtown Gilroy that was up for sale.“ She told me about it and I was like,‘ Absolutely not’,” Castaneda said.
Despite her firm refusal, Castaneda’ s sister kept encouraging her for the next few weeks until she finally relented. At the time, the shop had already closed and was in serious need of cleanup. Not only that, but reports showed that it hadn’ t been very profitable when it was open. All of this reaffirmed Castaneda’ s initial hesitation. Yet, inexplicably, she bought the shop.
“ I think a little bit in me felt like it would be nice to have my own business. I can work as much as I want,” Castaneda said of her change of heart.
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