Consider this your morning briefing: Las Vegas is getting a fresh shot of Colombian coffee. The Iwana Coffee shop in the Arts District isn’t just serving brews—it’s redefining how specialty coffee is roasted, sourced, and experienced. Sisters Alexandra and Karol Rodriguez Borrero, who moved to the U.S. seven years ago, have turned their family’s 80-hectare Colombian farm into a blueprint for vertical integration. Now, their Las Vegas café is the first in the U.S. to roast Colombian beans in-house, collaborating with a master roaster from Colombia to unlock the full potential of their harvest.
The result? A menu that’s as intentional as it is immersive. The 2,100-square-foot space is a curated blend of art and function, with purple accents dominating the design—a color symbolizing creativity and transformation, per the sisters. Local artist Pretty Done painted the walls and even the Fiorenzato grinder, while natural wood and potted plants evoke a tropical vibe. Every detail, from the Origami drippers to the Sanremo espresso machine, reflects their ethos: coffee as craft, not just commodity. “Every tool we use is a statement,” they say.
This isn’t just about beans. The sisters’ family farm, Finca La Esmeralda, is a 1,700-meter high-altitude hub for rare varieties like Gesha and Pacamara, grown at 1,900 meters. Their father and brother run FARO Coffee Hub, which processes and exports beans from the farm and others. Now, Iwana is bringing that same rigor to Nevada, offering a Gesha purchased at a $65-per-pound auction. It’s a rare moment where farm and café align, proving sustainability and quality can coexist.
The future? Iwana plans to launch online sales, host public classes, and open two more Vegas shops this year. Their long-term goal? 50 stores nationwide. “We’re not just selling coffee,” the sisters say. “We’re building a movement.”
The café’s design is a deliberate fusion of art and function, reflecting their commitment to craftsmanship.
Key points: The Iwana team’s collaboration with Colombia’s master roaster ensures beans are roasted to highlight their origin. The café’s design is a deliberate fusion of art and function, reflecting their commitment to craftsmanship. Their family farm’s rare varietals, like Gesha, are now available in Las Vegas, bridging continents with precision.
What’s your favorite way to experience coffee’s origin story? Share your thoughts below.
Questions & Answers
Where is Iwana Coffee sourcing its Colombian beans?
Iwana Coffee sources its Colombian beans from the Huila region, known for its high-quality Arabica coffee.
What makes Iwana Coffee’s roasts unique?
Iwana Coffee uses small-batch roasting and fresh Colombian beans to create bold, clean flavors with a smooth finish.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
