Who and what is Zemi?

The indigenous people of Puerto Rico are called the Taíno. A cemi (or zemí) was both a spiritual force and a physical idol within the culture, representing deities, ancestors, or spirits. Our logo is of Atabey, the supreme Taíno goddess of fresh water, fertility, and the Earth, revered as the mother of all creation.

Where is this coffee from?

We currently source our beans from Cafe El Coquí in San Sebastian, PR run by the Ruperto Family. We are proud to buy directly from them and support the island without a middle man. Learn more about them here.

Do you have a schedule for the carts?

Yes, our goal in 2026 is to be more consistent with our schedule by having two carts. During the school year we are posted up at D97 and Ascension in the morning and afternoons. Find our schedule here.

Do you have vegan or gluten free?

Yes, we carry several vegan and gluten free options of pastries on our cart and at the Avondale cafe. These includes a chocolate muffin that is vegan and a GF blueberry muffin.

Can I book the cart for an event?

Absolutamente! We love a good party and have done a wide variety of events, and strive to be flexible in our cost structure to fit any budget. Please reach out to us here.

Do you have a physical location?

Yes! We operate currently out of The People’s Cafe in Avondale and our HQ for the carts is at 248 Madison Ave in Oak Park. We hope to continue to expand on that space and expand on our mission.

What are the dimensions of the cart?

We have two carts to service. Larger cart is 36W and is attached to a bike. Our second cart, built for catering is 28W by 36L and can "popup" anywhere!

Can I buy coffee directly from you?

Yes! Starting in April 2026 we will have a new line of coffee under our Zemi Coffee brand called The Heritage Series. This highlights our unique roots in Puerto Rico, bringing to life our family members in each bag. Pick up can be at our Avondale shop, Oak Park HQ and soon online.

About

Mission

Values

Guided by Mission. Driven by Vision.

Our mission is to share the soul of Puerto Rico, from the farm soil to the cups we serve in Chicago, through coffee, food, and connection. We honor our heritage with every step, building a company rooted in tradition, powered by thoughtful practices like recycling and composting, and driven by a commitment to bring people together through the flavors and stories of the island.

Vision

To build a true soil-to-cup company that includes revitalizing Dominique’s father’s family farm in Canóvanas, Puerto Rico into a working coffee farm and a hillside retreat woven into the landscape. Grounded in the distinctiveness of Puerto Rican coffee, an under-recognized treasure, along with other drinks and food, we seek to create a unique, neighborhood-driven experience.

Zemi Coffee Cart icon for authentic Puerto Rican values.

We aim to create a human-centered company built around our customers, employees, and community. By prioritizing people first, we strive to grow a brand that nurtures belonging, celebrates Puerto Rican culture, and makes a positive impact everywhere we serve.

Guided by Mission.
Driven by Vision.

We aim to create a human-centered company built around our customers, employees, and community. By prioritizing people first, we strive to grow a brand that nurtures belonging, celebrates Puerto Rican culture, and makes a positive impact everywhere we serve.

To build a true soil-to-cup company that includes revitalizing Dominique’s father’s family farm in Canóvanas, Puerto Rico into a working coffee farm and a hillside retreat woven into the landscape. Grounded in the distinctiveness of Puerto Rican coffee, an under-recognized treasure, along with other drinks and food, we seek to create a unique, neighborhood-driven experience.

Our mission is to share the soul of Puerto Rico, from the farm soil to the cups we serve in Chicago, through coffee, food, and connection. We honor our heritage with every step, building a company rooted in tradition, powered by thoughtful practices like recycling and composting, and driven by a commitment to bring people together through the flavors and stories of the island.

Close-up shot of fresh espresso pouring into a clear glass, highlighting Zemi’s specialty Puerto Rican coffee quality.

Guests working and relaxing at The People’s Cafe, featuring aesthetic seating, bookshelves, and a cozy community vibe.

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Happy Customers

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Years of Service

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Delicious Menu Items

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Coffee Cups Served

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Happy Customers

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Delicious Menu Items

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Coffee Cupos Served

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Years Of Service

The Betancourt Family Farm

In 1912, a 12-acre hillside farm in Puerto Rico was entrusted to Reyes Vázquez Calderón, matriarch of the Betancourt family. Fed by the rainforest waters of El Yunque, the land has supported generations; more than a property, it has always been a promise.

Today, we continue that legacy with three guiding goals:

Restore the family farm into a thriving coffee estate
Build intentional, nature-connected stays for family and guests
Champion Puerto Rican coffee in Chicagoland through true farm-to-cup sourcing

A Coffee Legacy, Reclaimed

Icon symbolizing Zemi’s deep Puerto Rican roots and our commitment to preserving island coffee heritage

Rooted in Heritage

Farm-to-Cup With Purpose

Coffee cup icon symbolizing Zemi’s farm-to-cup mission

Stay Connected to the Land

Icon of a plant and roots, symbolizing Zemi Coffee’s deep connection to the Puerto Rican land and ethical farming.

Vibrant pink tropical flowers representing the authentic Puerto Rican soul and natural beauty of Zemi Coffee.

Dominique as a child with her father on their family coffee farm in the hills of Puerto Rico, the roots of Zemi Coffee.

Restore the family farm into a thriving coffee estate
Build intentional, nature-connected stays for family and guests
Champion Puerto Rican coffee in Chicagoland through true farm-to-cup sourcing

Today, we continue that legacy with three guiding goals:

In 1912, a 12-acre hillside farm in Puerto Rico was entrusted to Reyes Vázquez Calderón, matriarch of the Betancourt family. Fed by the rainforest waters of El Yunque, the land has supported generations; more than a property, it has always been a promise.