January 31, 2025

A Cup of Community: La Taza Coffeehouse Celebrates Grand Opening

Aubrey and Brett Masters, pastors, were no strangers to community service when they decided to open La Taza Community Coffeehouse in Lake Elsinore, California.

As owners of a nonprofit community outreach center known as the Dream Center, Aubrey Masters and her husband Brett had already made a significant impact in their neighborhood. However, when one of their tenants vacated a space in their facility, the couple saw an opportunity to expand their reach even further by opening a coffee shop. Their vision was clear: create a profitable coffeehouse where all proceeds would support the Dream Center, giving customers a tangible way to see how their contributions helped uplift the community.

While the mission was strong, the logistics of opening a food and beverage business were unfamiliar to them. That’s where the OCIE SBDC stepped in to guide them through the process.

November 18, 2025

Overcoming Challenges with Expert Guidance

To ensure they were on the right track, the Masters turned to the SBDC for expert advice. With the help of consultant Jay Allis, they navigated the complex world of business compliance, securing permits from the Department of Environmental Health, obtaining business licenses, and ensuring their food safety certification was up to par. Jay also helped them understand the intricacies of developing their coffee shop’s space, from drafting plans to securing approval for renovations, and ensuring the facility met food service codes.

Finally, Jay helped the Masters strategize their soft opening, set realistic goals for an organic opening, and crafted a timeline for the grand opening.

Clarity and Confidence for the Future

Though the Masters had a strong background in faith-based leadership and commercial property management, they were new to the challenges of running a coffee shop. They appreciated Jay’s approach of breaking down the process into manageable tasks, providing clear guidance and encouragement every step of the way. The couple felt more confident as they moved forward with their plans, knowing they had the support needed to turn their vision into reality.

With the SBDC’s help, the Masters were able to open La Taza Community Coffeehouse on July 23, 2024. “We are extremely grateful for the support from the SBDC and Jay,” said Aubrey Masters. “They helped make it possible for us to open this nonprofit coffeehouse in the heart of our downtown community!”

The coffeehouse has already made a significant impact — creating 14 local jobs and generating tens of thousands in sales. It has quickly become a vital part of the Lake Elsinore community, offering not just great coffee, but a way for customers to directly contribute to making their community a better place.

Looking to Start or Grow Your Business?

Connect with the OCIE SBDC today. Access expert, business consulting, training, and resources — all at no cost to you. Whether you’re looking to launch a new business or expand an existing one, the OCIE SBDC is here to help you succeed.

Call 1-800-616-7232 or schedule a 15-minute intake appointment today.