When Café Victoria opened at Tanger Outlets in Riverhead three years ago, it challenged expectations of what a local coffee experience could look like in a retail setting. Founded by Alexander Escobar and Monserrat Ruiz, the café quickly distinguished itself not just through design and location, but through a deeper mission rooted in Latin American coffee culture.
Named in honor of Escobar’s grandmother, Victoria, the café reflects both personal history and cultural pride. In much of Latin America, coffee is more than a beverage — it is a daily ritual and a symbol of hospitality. That spirit is embedded in Café Victoria’s identity, from its welcoming atmosphere to its commitment to quality and connection.
The sleek, modern café space features natural wood accents, dark interiors, and a striking rainforest-inspired wall that nods to the origins of many of its beans. Café Victoria sources a significant portion of its coffee directly from cooperative farmers in Guatemala, maintaining transparency from farm to cup. The business emphasizes ethical sourcing and reinvests a portion of profits back into farming communities, supporting education and healthcare initiatives for the families who cultivate the beans.
Escobar’s journey into coffee began during travels throughout Latin America, where exposure to traditional coffee farming and preparation sparked a passion that evolved into a decade-long pursuit of knowledge. That dedication shows in the café’s operations, from professionally trained baristas to carefully developed roasting and brewing methods. The beans are imported from Guatemala and roasted in Brooklyn before making their way to Riverhead.
What began as packaged bean sales at East End farmers markets has grown into a full café experience offering house-made hot and cold beverages alongside baked goods. Café Victoria continues to expand its vision, exploring new offerings and collaborations while staying grounded in its original goal: to create a gathering place centered around ethically sourced coffee and the culture that surrounds it.
#Riverhead #CafeVictoria #NorthForkCoffee #DrinkLocal #LatinAmericanCoffee