Brewing Up Unforgettable Moments: Spotlight on Marcela and Jader of The Coffee Cart SD
At The Hangars, we’re all about creating epic experiences in our unique aviation-inspired venue right here in San Diego. With over 20,000 square feet of versatile space, from our massive Main Hangar with floor-to-ceiling doors that flood the room with natural light, to the expansive Outdoor Tarmac offering stunning views of planes taking off – we’ve hosted everything from high-energy corporate galas and dreamy weddings to milestone birthdays and innovative product launches. Our location, just steps from the runways at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport and conveniently accessible via major freeways like the 8, 15, 52, and 163, makes us a blank canvas for events that soar above the ordinary. But what truly elevates an event from great to legendary? It’s the little details that keep the energy buzzing, especially during those late-night hours when the party is in full swing. That’s where our incredible vendor partners come in, and today, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on one of our favorites: The Coffee Cart SD. Led by the dynamic duo of Marcela Estrop and her husband Jader, this mobile coffee bar rolled into a recent late-night bash at The Hangars with their artisanal brews, creamy lattes, and show-stopping espresso martinis. They didn’t just serve coffee – they infused the night with vitality, ensuring every guest stayed energized and engaged until the very end. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into Marcela and Jader’s inspiring story, the magic behind The Coffee Cart SD, and why they’re the perfect addition to any event you host with us.
The Heart Behind the Brew: Meet Marcela and Jader
Marcela Estrop, the visionary founder of The Coffee Cart SD, is a force of nature. Born in Mexico City and raised in the vibrant Bay Area, Marcela brings a rich cultural tapestry to her work. A proud alumna of UC San Diego, she spent over two decades honing her skills in corporate sales, where she learned the art of building relationships, delivering exceptional service, and thriving under pressure. As a Latina business owner, Marcela credits her success to a blend of unshakeable faith, relentless professionalism, and the resilience that comes from navigating challenges head-on. “It’s about bringing a lot of light in a little cup,” she often says, encapsulating her philosophy of uplifting others through simple, genuine acts of care.
By her side is her husband, Jader, hailing from Brazil, whose passion for flavor and hospitality perfectly complements Marcela’s drive. Together, this power couple infuses every aspect of their business with warmth, authenticity, and a touch of international flair. Jader’s Brazilian roots shine through in elements like their authentic açaí bowls, prepared the traditional way, adding a exotic twist to their offerings. Their partnership isn’t just professional – it’s personal. Married and united in their entrepreneurial journey, Marcela and Jader embody the idea that great things happen when passion meets partnership. They launched The Coffee Cart SD on October 10, 2019, right before the world faced unprecedented challenges with the pandemic, but their determination turned potential setbacks into stepping stones for growth.
From Mobile Cart to Community Staple: The Story of The Coffee Cart SD
What started as a premium espresso catering service has blossomed into a beloved San Diego staple. In 2019, Marcela and Jader saw an opportunity to bring high-end, on-demand coffee experiences to events across the region. They invested in a sleek, self-contained mobile cart equipped with top-of-the-line espresso machines, allowing them to craft drinks fresh on-site without needing external water sources. This innovation made them incredibly versatile, perfect for indoor hangars like ours or outdoor tarmac setups.
By 2022, their success led to an exciting expansion: the opening of The Coffee Cart Café in Sorrento Valley, San Diego’s bustling biotech hub. Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM, the café serves as a cozy spot for locals to grab house-made cold brews, organic teas, vegan pastries from SPLIT Bakehouse, grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and those irresistible Brazilian-style açaí bowls. But the café isn’t just for daily caffeine fixes – it’s also available for private gatherings, like biotech coffee hours or product launches, making it a natural extension of their event-focused roots.
Throughout it all, Marcela and Jader have stayed true to their mission: delivering consistent, elevated service that leaves a lasting impression. Trusted by premium clients for their reliability and attention to detail, they’ve catered to corporate events, private parties, weddings, and VIP experiences, proving that a great cup of coffee can transform any occasion.
The Magic of the Mobile Coffee Bar: Artisanal Brews, Lattes, and Espresso Martinis
Picture this: It’s midnight at The Hangars, the DJ is spinning tracks under the stars on our tarmac, and guests are mingling amid the glow of runway lights. Energy starts to dip – until The Coffee Cart SD rolls in. Their mobile bar, measuring a compact 72” L x 36” D x 41” H, sets up in minutes on any flat, hard surface (no stairs or gravel needed), requiring just a standard 110v outlet and about 30 square feet of space. Professionally trained baristas, handpicked by Marcela and Jader, spring into action, crafting drinks with locally roasted specialty coffee and premium ingredients.
The menu is a coffee lover’s dream:
- Artisanal Brews: Freshly ground and brewed on-site, featuring bold, nuanced flavors from single-origin beans that highlight the artistry of coffee roasting.
- Lattes and Espresso Drinks: Silky smooth classics like vanilla lattes, mochas, and cappuccinos, customizable with alternative milks for vegan or dairy-free guests.
- Espresso Martinis: The star of late-night events! These sophisticated cocktails blend rich espresso with vodka, coffee liqueur, and a touch of sweetness, shaken to perfection and garnished with coffee beans. They’re not just drinks – they’re energy boosters that keep the party vibe alive.
- Additional Delights: House-made cold brews for a refreshing pick-me-up, organic teas for non-coffee drinkers, and sweet treats like vegan pastries to pair perfectly.
What sets The Coffee Cart SD apart is their customization. They offer fully branded carts, personalized cups, and tailored menus to match your event’s theme – whether it’s a sleek corporate branding for a trade show or elegant monograms for a wedding. At our recent event, their espresso martinis were a hit, fueling conversations and dances well into the night. Guests raved about the genuine warmth of the service, with baristas engaging like old friends, ensuring no one waited long for their fix.
Why The Coffee Cart SD is Perfect for Any Event at The Hangars
In a city like San Diego, where events range from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, versatility is key. Marcela and Jader’s mobile coffee bar excels here, adapting seamlessly to any setup. Whether you’re hosting a daytime corporate seminar in our industrial-chic hangar or a sunset wedding on the tarmac, their service adds that extra layer of sophistication and energy. No on-site water needed? Check. Quick setup for minimal disruption? Absolutely. And with their commitment to sustainability – using locally sourced beans and eco-friendly practices – they align perfectly with modern event values.
Testimonials speak volumes: Clients praise Marcela’s professionalism, the team’s seamless execution, and how their presence elevates the overall experience. One recent review highlighted, “Marcela and her coffee cart team were fabulous – very communicative and easy to work with, especially on event day.” Imagine the possibilities: A morning brew station for a product launch, afternoon lattes for a trade show, or midnight martinis for a birthday bash. At The Hangars, we’ve seen firsthand how The Coffee Cart SD turns ordinary moments into memorable ones.
Ready to Brew Up Your Next Event?
If you’re planning an event at The Hangars and want to keep the energy soaring, reach out to Marcela and Jader at The Coffee Cart SD via their website, thecoffeecartsd.com. Their mobile bar is ready to roll into your celebration, delivering delicious coffee, warmth, and that signature “light in a little cup.” Pair it with our aviation-themed venue for an experience that’s truly out of this world.
Contact us at The Hangars today to book your space and let’s collaborate with The Coffee Cart SD to make your event unforgettable. Fly high with us – the sky’s the limit!
Photos: Copyright – Maria Alexander Media for The Hangars Event Venue