Today we’d like to introduce you to Bri Larsen.
Hi Bri, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story starts when my mom was working at a coffee shop in Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. I was 4 years old at the time and something about her working the coffee shop must have stuck with me because it was there that I realized I wanted to work in that industry. My biggest passion has been between archaeology, paleontology, and acting; but the most achievable career out of those has always been the coffee industry. Coffee had gotten me through everything, from severe bullying to a bad day because my dog ate my rug, it was always warming my heart. I had started working at Dunkin Donuts when I was 19 years old and that officially launched me into the coffee world. I had the urge multiple times to start my own coffee shop, but didn’t think I could do it. In early 2026, I was working at my last coffee shop job and finally had enough of it and began looking into how can I open my own. What initially started as a dream of having a coffee trailer bloomed into having a physical location here in San Marcos. It’s been a huge struggle but every step of the way I’ve had my parents, Erik and Mai, my siblings, Karla and Luis, who’ve all been helping me. They’ve been the biggest support system a girl could ever ask for, especially my mom!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has NOT been a smooth road and that’s okay! The biggest struggles have been the financial aspect (that’s a given) or different equipment breaking. It seems that once we fix one thing, 2 more things break.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Coco Loco Brew is a Puerto Rican coffee shop that makes more than just coffee! We make matcha, dirty sodas, energy drinks, AND the most important thing of all; smiles! Aside from our drinks, which are always being praised, we are most known for our customer service. Regardless of how busy we are, we go out of our way to treat everyone like they are family and accommodate them in any way we can. We constantly check in with our customers and give them a promise that if their drinks are not to their taste, we will fix it up for them. Brand wise, I am proud of creating an environment where fellow Boricuas feel safe to come in and bond with us. It always brings a smile to my face when Puerto Ricans come in and tell us it feels like home to them.
I want the readers to know that if you ever feel down, alone, or bored; come on over! Everyone is welcomed and we always have time to talk and listen. Enjoy the taste of Puerto Rico and enjoy the company.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Rambunctious? Hyper? Well-Behaved? That’s what I’ve always heard at least. I recall being hyper and befriending everyone I saw, even if they didn’t appreciate it. As I got older (pre-teen to teen) I became introverted and shy after being horribly bullied. Don’t get me wrong, I had always been bullied throughout all my school years, but it seemed to have hit more once I became a preteen; which fueled the fire in me, allowing me to sit down and figure out my coffee business.
Pricing:
- $2.00-$8.00
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocolocobrew/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584837162456
