Today we’d like to introduce you to Gustavo Cepeda
Hi Gustavo, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our story began with friendship. We met through a mutual friend and quickly discovered how aligned we were in our values, outlook on life, and passion for creating something meaningful. For years, we dreamed of going into business together, but one day, we decided to stop just talking about it and actually make it happen. We took stock of what we could afford and what we could do—and the answer was clear: we could make a great breakfast, and we could start with a food truck.
Through a family friend, we found an old, abandoned food trailer. It was in rough shape, but we saw the potential. With a lot of love, care, and elbow grease, we transformed it into the Vamos Truck. That trailer became the vessel for our dream and the start of a journey that has been equal parts challenging and rewarding.
We launched outside Ghostline Kitchens, which turned out to be an incredible learning experience. It was like earning an MBA in the food business, working alongside seasoned operators like Taco Palenque, Lefty’s Pizza, and Golden Eye Chocolate. Those three months gave us invaluable insights into running a food business and sharpened our vision for what we wanted Vamos Coffee to become.
Eventually, we knew it was time to find a permanent home. That’s when we partnered with the Washaroo Car Wash on East 7th. They’ve been amazing partners, and the neighborhood has been a vibrant, inspiring backdrop for growing Vamos Coffee. Every step of this journey—from finding common ground in friendship to navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship—has been fueled by faith, determination, and the belief that great things happen when you take a leap.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not—it’s been anything but a smooth road. Neither of us came from the food industry or had any commercial experience, so it was a steep learning curve from the start. Just getting the truck to pass the health inspection took nearly six months! Then, in our very first month of operating, we had a grease fire that nearly burned the truck down. It felt like we were constantly putting out literal and figurative fires.
Operating on the East Side has brought its own set of challenges. We’ve had to deal with vandalism, theft, and the difficult reality of drug addiction and homelessness in the area. There have been multiple incidents of our propane cage being robbed, a break-in to our truck, and even someone stealing the cable that powers the trailer.
These struggles have tested us, but they’ve also shaped us. Each challenge has pushed us to adapt, stay resilient, and double down on our commitment to this dream. We’ve learned to take the setbacks in stride, knowing that the heart of Vamos Coffee is about more than just serving food—it’s about creating community and hope, even in the face of adversity.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Vamos Coffee?
Vamos Coffee is an emerging food and coffee company where mornings start with excellent coffee and classic comfort food. Right now, we specialize in coffee and breakfast, but we’re thrilled to share that a new lunch menu is on the horizon!
What sets us apart is our approach: we deliver high-quality coffee and food without the pretense you might find at some independent coffee shops. Our inspiration comes from the Texas Hill Country, reflected in our Tex-Mex comfort-style breakfast offerings. Think hearty, delicious flavors that feel like home, paired with expertly crafted coffee.
From a branding perspective, we take pride in being approachable, authentic, and deeply rooted in Texas charm. We want your readers to know that Vamos Coffee is the best casual breakfast and coffee spot on the East Side. And it’s not just about the food—it’s about the experience. Great service and genuine hospitality are core to everything we do.
We’re also a work in progress. What you see today is just version 1.0 of Vamos Coffee. We’re constantly improving, evolving, and striving to create an exceptional experience for our customers. So come join us—grab a coffee, enjoy a taco, and see how Vamos Coffee is shaping mornings in East Austin.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The food and coffee industry is on the brink of significant transformation over the next 5–10 years, and we believe there are a few key areas shaping its future.
First and foremost, AI and automation are set to revolutionize how food businesses operate. AI is the biggest technological shift of our lifetimes, and the companies that can successfully automate processes like cooking while still delivering an exceptional customer experience will have a major advantage. It’s all about finding the right balance between reducing costs and maintaining the warmth and connection that customers expect.
Another critical trend is the rise of regenerative agriculture. Consumers are becoming more mindful of what they eat, where it comes from, and its impact on the environment. As a result, businesses that prioritize sustainability and support regenerative practices will be at the forefront of this movement.
We’re also paying close attention to the issue of plastic use. With more studies highlighting the adverse effects of microplastics on health and the environment, beverage companies, in particular, will need to move away from the plastic container model. The shift to more sustainable, healthier packaging solutions is not just a trend—it’s a necessity for the future.
At Vamos Coffee, we’re constantly thinking about how we can align with these changes, whether it’s exploring innovative ways to streamline operations or making more sustainable choices in our packaging and sourcing. We’re excited about the future and committed to being part of these positive shifts in the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vamosatx.com
- Instagram: @vamos_atx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Vamos-Coffee-61555525755222/
- Twitter: vamos_atx
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vamos-coffee-austin
