Las Perras Café in Houston’s historic Second Ward is not just a coffee shop, but also a vibrant cultural hub where everyone is welcomed and recognized over a cup of coffee. From the moment guests step inside, the spacious café charms visitors with its artistic décor and warm atmosphere, a space lovingly crafted by owner and founder Andrea Arana with the help of her community.
The walls themselves tell a story: murals, photos, and handcrafted details highlight a rich Latino heritage and a mission of inclusivity that goes far beyond brewing coffee. Arana’s vision has always been to serve culture alongside caffeine, making Las Perras Café a gathering place where people feel a sense of belonging with every sip.
Originally from El Paso, Texas, Arana grew up as a military kid and even attended high school in Japan experiences that exposed her to many cultures and taught her the value of diversity. With a Chicano heritage on her mother’s side and a passion for social causes, she found herself longing for a career that aligned with her values.
“I’ve always wanted to start a company that would allow me to be very forthcoming with my values and to build that into my brand,” Arana told the Houston Landing, explaining her decision to leave a successful corporate hospitality career in search of something more authentic.
After losing her job during the pandemic, she dove into learning about coffee as well as developing a business plan around community and culture. The result was Las Perras Café: a coffee venture rooted in inclusivity, heritage, and empowerment.
From the outset, Arana infused activism into her coffee business. She first built a following through pop-ups at local markets, where she introduced her own homemade cold brew recipes named after female changemakers.
Each specialty brew paid tribute to a woman who inspired Arana, such as Dolores Huerta and Angela Davis. Arana collaborated with local designers to create unique label artwork for each activist-themed blend, adding a personal touch to every bottle. In this way, something as simple as a cold brew becomes a conversation starter about culture and social justice.
With such a background, it’s no surprise that when Hispanic Heritage Month comes around, Las Perras Café is at the heart of the celebration. This year, Arana is collaborating with fellow artisans and community leaders to host a lineup of culturally inspired events throughout late September.
From hands-on workshops to festive gatherings, each event is designed to honor Latino heritage, teach traditional arts and bring people together. The featured events at Las Perras are intended to showcase the diversity of Hispanic culture and invite Houstonians of all backgrounds to participate.
