By Marlee Card, Mako Media
What began as a love of coffee and a family tradition has grown into a specialty coffee shop rooted in Cuban culture and community.
“I grew up in a Cuban family where coffee was a big part of everyday life,” Jennifer Espinosa, founder of the coffee shop Whole Latte Monkeys, said. “My grandpa used to give me cafecito when I was just 2 years old. Coffee has always meant comfort, family and togetherness to me, not just a drink.”
Whole Latte Monkeys in Davie began as a mobile coffee shop, serving handcrafted drinks and signature coffee in sealed cans at events and local spots across South Florida. Now, Espinosa operates one location in Davie in addition to a mobile cart.
“What began as a small mobile trailer turned into a mobile coffee bus that turned into a full experience with pop-ups, themed events, and collaborations,” Espinosa said.
Espinosa attributes the shop’s success to her passion for coffee and her focus on community.
“Before this, I thought success was mostly about sales and growth. Now I see that it’s really about people,” she said. “It’s not just customers, it’s neighbors, friends and families all choosing to show up for each other. When people support you, you owe them consistency, kindness and something worth coming back for. That changed how I look at business. It’s not just about selling coffee, it’s about creating a place people feel connected to and proud to support.”
Supporting other small businesses and local artists is a key part of Whole Latte Monkeys.
“We regularly collaborate with local artists, makers and entrepreneurs by featuring their products, hosting pop-ups and creating co-branded experiences that give them exposure to our audience,” she said.
Through a partnership with 2 Little Chicks Coop, a petting zoo, “Cows & Coffee” is a monthly event that brings the community together through coffee and a petting farm.
Nicole Gomez, NSU senior Art+Design major, attended a “Cows & Coffee” event with a friend.
“I feel like getting coffee with friends is a very trendy thing right now, especially with young adults and teenagers,” Gomez said. “So not only do you have this coffee we can go out and get but, especially when they have these events, you can go out and pet some cows, too.”
Gomez added that the atmosphere and staff contributed to her experience at the event.
“The staff was very friendly and answered all of our questions. Everything was very professional and well managed,” she said. “And it was young people running everything, so it was very comfortable.”
Espinosa said the most rewarding part of owning the business has been the connections created within the community.
“The most meaningful moments for me have been seeing people genuinely connect with what we created,” she said. “Knowing something that started as a dream became a place where people make memories and feel joy is the most rewarding part of owning this shop.”
Marlee Card is a reporter with Mako Media Network, Nova Southeastern University’s student-run media, housed in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts
