Armando Rivera, Puerto Rico
Espuela Coffee
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I recently moved back to my home, Puerto Rico and decide to compete to get involved back with the community and industry in the island, since last time I competed was in 2015 in the Barista Competition. While I was out in the states my wife and I opened Factotum Coffee Roasters in Chicago, IL which we currently serve in our new coffee shop in San Juan, Puerto Rico called Espuela Coffee. Started in coffee in 2010 but getting to compete in the Barista Competition in 2013 and working directly with the farmer's coffee I used to compete was the THING to bring me, into it more seriously and with intent.
What are you excited to do while you visit the WCC city?
Try and enjoy the street food and local culture.
What are your interests outside of coffee?
Into farming and anime.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WCC?
My partner in crime, my wife Leslie who encourages me in all my crazy endeavors and Kathy and Adriana from Brew Stage PR for making these competition posible along with all the local sponsors who contributed
