Next week, residents and visitors of Houston’s eclectic Montrose neighborhood might do a double-take when they see a bright yellow, red and blue shipping container seemingly appear out of nowhere at 3615 Montrose Boulevard. Coffee fans, though, might want to stop and investigate. It’s a Café Bustelo pop-up that runs only from March 12, starting at 10 a.m., through May 25. Updated 3/7/19, 12:17 p.m.: the pop-up is being extended to May 25 instead of the previously reported March 25.

The brand has a strong history with Cuban and Latin cultures. In 1928, Gregorio Menendez Bustelo founded the Café Bustelo coffee brand in The Bronx. Bustelo was born in Spain and spent time in Cuba. There he was exposed to the (literally) strong coffee culture before immigrating to the United States. In New York, his coffee found favor among Cuban immigrants who started using it in Italian espresso makers, which was less time consuming than pouring hot water through a coffee sock laden with the grounds.

In 2000, Rowland Coffee Roasters purchased Café Bustelo and the J.M. Smucker company acquired it in 2011.

In addition to regular brewed coffee, the pop-up is offering classic Latin coffee drinks, which Café Bustelo says are:

• Cafecito: sweetened espresso
• Colada: a “party-sized” espresso
• Cortadito: a cafecito with an equal amount of frothed milk
• Café con leche: cafecito, but with more frothed milk than a cortadito

There is also going to be a partnership with a local artist and musicians; details on that are still forthcoming. According to a statement from a representative, “Café Bustelo’s Latin roots and their dedication to culture and community, is why, aside from serving up traditional drinks, the café will partner with local art and music organizations to strengthen community ties. Café Bustelo is thrilled to use this opportunity in Montrose to create a space where everyone can come together to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.”

3/7/19, 8:45 a.m.: article updated with Cafe Bustelo drink definitions.

Phaedra Cook

Phaedra Cook has written about Houston’s restaurant and bar scene since 2010. She was a regular contributor to My Table magazine (now closed) and was the lead restaurant critic for the Houston Press for two years, eventually being promoted to food editor. Cook founded Houston Food Finder in November 2016 and has been its editor and publisher ever since.