Episode 06: Taza Coffee
In this episode of the Small Business Voice, Jeanette Forney is joined once again by co-host Cassandra Augusto, publisher of Neighbors of East Turlock, for a warm and inspiring conversation about community, coffee, and one woman's remarkable journey.
The featured guest is Cece, owner of Taza Coffee — a cozy, community-centered coffee shop located at 112 Bonita Avenue in historic downtown Turlock, right around the corner from the Greenery Nursery. The name Taza holds double meaning: "taza" means coffee cup in Spanish, and several people have also told Cece it means new beginning or fresh start in Arabic — both of which perfectly describe what this shop represents for her.
She didn't start with a storefront. Taza began as a mobile coffee cart, catering events and popping up at local venues including the lavender farms in Turlock and a micro wedding venue downtown. It was while driving down Bonita Avenue one day — a connector street she described as practically calling to her — that she spotted a building with a beautiful green door. She stopped, put her hand on it, and prayed. Then she went home and started Googling who owned the building. That persistence paid off, and she eventually secured the space.
Her three daughters have been central to the business from the beginning — one of them had already spent seven years as a barista through college and graduate school, and the others jumped right in. Cece left her daughters running the shop the morning of the interview with complete confidence.
Inside Taza, it's more than just coffee. The space hosts local vendors — artists, crafters, and makers who don't have their own storefronts — with shelving available for their goods. There's also a photography backdrop set up which doubles as a free selfie spot for guests. Events include Bible study on Wednesdays, paint nights, trivia nights, DJ events, and a Y2K thrift pop-up happening at the time of the recording. The shop also has a beautiful outdoor patio with umbrella seating in the back, and a capacity of around 30 guests — keeping the atmosphere intentionally intimate and welcoming.
Specialty drinks include the Caramello Marshmallow and the Banana Matcha, with pastries sourced from local vendors. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with plans to extend into the evenings as spring and summer arrive. Catering is still very much part of the business — at the time of the episode, Taza was preparing to serve a 400-person wedding and a golf tournament hosted by the Turlock Chamber of Commerce.
As a special offer for Small Business Voice listeners, Cece is offering 10% off drinks when you mention hearing about Taza Coffee on PowerTalk 1360 KFIV.
Reach Taza Coffee at 209-226-5088, follow them on Instagram at taza_coffee, or stop by 112 Bonita Avenue in downtown Turlock.
Left to Right: Guest CeCee Gallegos, Host Jeanette Lorentz-Forni