Mangrove Coffee & Matcha hopes to represent the real Miami
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We love a new coffee cart! Photo: Courtesy Bianca Drevensek.
When Bianca Drevensek set out to open her coffee concept, she wanted it to serve specialty grade coffee while also representing the real Miami — something that could only come to fruition here in the 305.
Why it matters: The conversation about who gets to live and participate in this city has come into sharp focus in recent years, especially in the hospitality industry, as local restaurants close en masse because of high rent.
- More recently, the beloved Gramps Getaway has become the centerpiece of the battle over the proposed redevelopment of the Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium marinas.
What they're saying: "The influx of VC funded chains taking up a lot of our food and beverage spaces can't go unnoticed," Drevensek, a Miami native, told Axios. "I'm trying to do [this] for the community and keep it local."
- "I tried to make [Miami's influences] obvious through the colors, the flavors and [creating] a space for people to come together and be authentic to the beautiful culture that already exists here."
Case in point: The name, Mangrove Coffee & Matcha, is an ode to South Florida's native species that root along the thousands of miles of coastal shorelines.
- The color scheme: not the flamingo pink or turquoise commonly associated with the city, but instead rich, deep greens and oranges.
- The flavors: Latin influences like mango, guava and leche condensada are front and center.
- The logo: an alligator.
The intrigue: She's currently creating the fall seasonal menu, which will feature more signature drinks with local flavors.
What's next: "This amalgamation of things" has manifested into a coffee cart that operates in the lobby of the Freehand Miami in South Beach, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8am-2pm. (She'll be popping up at Magie Wine Bar on Sunday, from 1-5pm.)
- Drevensek says she'll be there for the foreseeable future, but hopes to one day open a brick-and-mortar shop.
- In the meantime, she's having fun making her signature drinks, but also wants to be known for making a good, solid cup of coffee.