Every successful small business starts with a vision.
Local Coffee Shop Expands with Support from the San Juan College SBDC
Every successful small business starts with a vision. For Monica and Joe Gurule, that vision became Oso Grande Coffee, a locally owned coffee company that now serves customers at its original drive-thru location on San Juan Boulevard and at its second café inside San Juan Regional Medical Center (SJRMC).
Their journey demonstrates how determination, community partnerships and expert guidance from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at San Juan College can help entrepreneurs turn ambitious ideas into thriving businesses.
Building a Local Coffee Business from the Ground Up
When Monica and Joe Gurule launched Oso Grande Coffee, they wanted to create more than just another coffee shop. Their goal was to provide exceptional coffee, outstanding customer service and a welcoming experience for every customer.
The business proudly serves 100% certified organic, fair-trade coffee roasted by Desert Sun Coffee Roasters in nearby Durango, Colorado. By focusing on ethically sourced coffee and high-quality ingredients, Oso Grande has built a loyal customer base throughout the Farmington area.
"Our mission is to provide customers with the best freshly roasted coffees with excellent service at a price that is fair to the producers and consumers," Monica said.
That commitment to quality continues to define the business as it grows.
SBDC Helps Entrepreneurs Grow
Growing a business requires more than passion. It also takes planning, expertise and access to the right resources.
For the Gurules, the Small Business Development Center became a valuable partner throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
The SBDC provides free, confidential business consulting and training to entrepreneurs and small business owners across the region. From business planning and financing to marketing strategies and expansion, the center helps businesses overcome challenges and prepare for long-term success.
"The staff at the SBDC were knowledgeable and made the process really easy," Monica and Joe said. "They provided professional guidance and helped us with things we didn't even know we needed. We wouldn't have been as successful without them."
For Carmen Martinez, Center Director of the SBDC, Oso Grande Coffee represents exactly what the organization strives to accomplish.
"They had a vision, and they did their homework," Martinez said. "We love working with clients like that because they have the determination to succeed. Oso Grande is definitely a success story for us. We're here to help our community grow and help businesses thrive."
Community Partnerships Fuel Continued Growth
As Oso Grande Coffee established itself in Farmington, new opportunities followed.
The company's second location opened through a partnership with San Juan Regional Medical Center, which sought to bring a locally owned business to its hospital campus.
The café provides patients, visitors, staff and families with a comfortable place to enjoy fresh coffee while taking a break during their day.
"Oso Grande has been a welcome addition to our campus, providing patients, families, visitors and staff with a convenient place to enjoy a cup of coffee and take a moment to recharge," said Rachel Skoog, Chief Operating Officer at San Juan Regional Medical Center. "Amenities that contribute to comfort and convenience help create a positive experience for everyone who comes to SJRMC."
The partnership demonstrates how local organizations working together can strengthen the community while supporting small business growth.
Staying Rooted in the Community
Although Oso Grande Coffee has expanded, Monica and Joe remain focused on the values that inspired them to open their business.
They continue to support the community through local partnerships, charitable giving and exceptional customer service while looking for opportunities to grow responsibly.
For first-time visitors, Joe recommends trying one of the shop's most popular drinks, the Kermode Bear, a signature latte featuring white chocolate and almond flavors that has become a customer favorite.
