Waco coffee entrepreneur builds business on faith, family and hospitality

WACO, Texas (KWTX) — Andy Mendoza says his coffee business is about more than a cup of coffee — it’s a connection, one he says starts with his faith.

“A lot of people go through a tough time in life, and it’s sometimes dark and lonely. But it’s by the hands of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit that He’s able to guide you out of that place into a place of light,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza says it’s not by his hands, but by the hands of the Holy Trinity that guides him. He named his business Tres Manos Coffee, Spanish for “three hands,” a nod to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

From gas station coffee to specialty espresso

Mendoza started the business nearly three years ago. It is the first elevated catered mobile specialty coffee cart and espresso catering business in Waco.

He says he didn’t even like coffee at first. He remembers his first cup from a local gas station.

“And all the older guys got coffee. And I was like, all right, I’m going to put my cup here, press French vanilla cappuccino and just watch it just vent out. And honestly, it was terrible,” Mendoza said.

Today, Mendoza drinks flat whites or espresso. He says he has grown to not only love roasted beans but respect the process.

Coffee with roots across the globe

The 27-year-old Waco native has roots in Mexico. His coffee sources span the globe.

“I think about the notes. I think about the taste. And then I just go back to the origin of it. It’s like, man, where is this coffee from? Right now we have Ethiopia. We switch back and forth with Ecuador or Chiapas, Mexico,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza says he and his wife have visited coffee farms in Costa Rica and Guatemala to learn more about where the beans come from and the people who grow them.

“A lot of it has to do with hands. You know, it’s, you know, it’s by the hands that we work with as well. Whether that be out on the field, grabbing, you know, the coffee or with my grandpa, just like working out in the field, picking the cotton, working with his grandfather and working hard,” Mendoza said.

Leading a team of nine

Mendoza says he learned that work ethic from his grandfather. He now leads a team of nine, giving them a place to work and nurturing their dreams of entrepreneurship.

“So for those that feel left out, counted out or, you know, that don’t belong, I want to be hospitable. I want to teach my team to be, you know, to have great hospitality with those. If somebody is running across the street and if they drop a jacket, but they don’t see it, I want my team members to be the ones to go get that jacket for them and be, just show the acts of kindness,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza’s business is growing, with clients in North Texas, Austin and Houston.

It is truly mobile. So you won’t see it in a shop.

You can find it at catered, or private events.

Mendoza is one of the many reasons KWTX salutes Hispanic Heritage Month.​