Nestled in the heart of Toronto’s vibrant Cabbagetown is La Gloria Coffeehouse, the brainchild of David and Saul Navarro.
Among the typical Mexican fanfare of tacos and quesadillas, La Gloria prides itself on being the first of its kind and making authentic Mexican coffee.
David and Saul, a dynamic duo hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, possess talents that extend beyond brewing a perfect cup of coffee.
Equipped with expertise in psychology and business, the two brothers have embarked on a distinctive mission, not only to serve exceptional brews but also to preserve and promote their native language through engaging conversational Spanish classes.
David and Saul envisioned a space where Toronto residents could savour not only the rich flavours of Mexican coffee but also immerse themselves in the beauty of the Spanish language.
Fueled by their passion for fostering inclusivity and community, they opened La Gloria Coffeehouse a year ago.
They host conversational Spanish classes every Tuesday, inviting patrons to explore the warmth of community, connection and coffee. Each lesson provides the participants with a deeper look into the Mexican culture.
Saul Navarro posing with two of his regular customers. Photo credit: Niharika Nayak
Saul Navarro said the journey to opening the café was deeply personal and rooted in his struggles with integration upon relocating to Canada.
“When I first moved to Toronto, I didn’t speak much English,” Saul said. “But through group meet-ups with others like me, I improved my language skills.”
He said his experiences inspired him to create a welcoming space where language served as a bridge, rather than a barrier, to friendship and camaraderie.
David, the designer behind La Gloria’s logo, said the two most important women in his life, his mother and his wife, served as the inspiration for their mascot, the woman featured in their logo and on their to-go coffee cups.
“At our core, we take pride in curating a hand-picked selection of the finest Mexican coffee blends,” David said.
The coffee shop creates a space where visitors can immerse themselves in the magic of Mexico. It displays a collection of artworks paying homage to Mexico’s rich and diverse heritage.
However, the cafe steps beyond the realm of coffee and invites patrons to indulge in the authentic tastes of Mexico with an array of traditional Mexican pastries and treats.
Their menu includes classic Mexican dishes like Chilaquiles, Ya’ Ax’ Salad, and their signature La Gloria (The Glory) Breakfast. Each dish is a celebration of time-honoured recipes passed down through generations.
La Gloria Coffeehouse features a bookshelf with a couple of items from Mexico like a sombrero, a few traditional dolls and some interesting books about Mexican culture and Spanish. Photo credit: Niharika Nayak
La Gloria Coffeehouse celebrated its first anniversary on Feb. 10 by throwing a big bash for family, friends, loyal customers and, well, everyone who stopped by.
David, Saul and their team prepared a scrumptious Tres Leches cake for everyone and gave a heartwarming speech about how they wouldn’t have succeeded without the support of their family members.
Anastasia Martin, a regular customer at La Gloria, said she had been visiting the coffee shop for some time now.
“There’s just something about their coffee. It has this special kick to it and always keeps me coming back for more. It’s a very homely environment,” Martin said.
La Gloria Coffeehouse has become more than a café. It’s a cultural hub, an immersive experience, and a language school. The Mexican café is a place for forming bonds that go beyond borders.