Our Story


 

The Bredehofts

Who are we? We are Café Rica, Battle Creek's finest café, dedicated to delivering exceptional coffee, food, and ambiance, all aimed at providing you with an extraordinary experience. Our journey began in 2016 when we ventured into the world of online retail being the official retailer for Café Naranjo. Hailing from Costa Rica, our mother Patricia and father George discovered their beloved coffee there over three decades ago.

Driven by our unwavering passion for hospitality, we are committed to crafting the utmost experience for you. We understand that this experience starts with our remarkable staff, who go above and beyond to ensure impeccable service. We firmly believe in providing a livable wage to all our staff, recognizing it as a fundamental pillar in offering the finest hospitality to our valued guests.

We eagerly await your visit, embracing the spirit of "Pura Vida!"

 


Our Mission

      

Café Rica is built on relationships using the power of specialty coffee. We take pride in strong, personal connections that make everyone feel like family. We strive to bring an elevated experience to Battle Creek by providing a service like no other. We source the best coffee and ingredients from around the world and work with partners who share our commitment to ethical practices, sustainability, and responsible production.

We are dedicated to strengthening our local economy by creating meaningful jobs, offering leadership development opportunities, and supporting the small businesses and community organizations that help Battle Creek thrive. We aim to operate responsibly by reducing waste where possible, choosing environmentally conscious materials, and continuously improving our environmental footprint.

We hold a high standard for ourselves and expect the same from our partners. If we do not live up to your expectations, we guarantee we will do what we can to make it right. Our mission goes beyond great coffee. It is about building connections, uplifting our community, and making a positive impact for the people and places that make Café Rica possible.

Supplier Responsibility & Ethical Sourcing

At Café Rica, we believe that great coffee starts with strong relationships and responsible partnerships. Our commitment goes beyond flavor — we choose suppliers who share our values around ethical labor practices, environmental stewardship, and transparent business operations.

To ensure our supply chain reflects these values, Café Rica maintains a Supplier Code of Conduct that sets clear expectations for every supplier we work with. These standards require:

Ethical Labor Practices

  • Fair wages and safe working conditions

  • No forced labor or child labor

  • A workplace free from discrimination and harassment

Environmental Stewardship

  • Compliance with environmental regulations

  • Reducing waste and carbon emissions

  • Responsible use of natural resources

Integrity and Transparency

  • Zero tolerance for bribery or corruption

  • Accurate recordkeeping and honest business practices

  • Cooperation with audits and compliance reviews

Our suppliers are expected to uphold these principles across their operations, and we actively monitor compliance to ensure alignment with local laws, international standards, and Café Rica’s mission.

By choosing partners who share our commitment to social and environmental responsibility, we aim to strengthen our community, support sustainable livelihoods, and preserve the resources that make specialty coffee possible.