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NOW OPEN: Downtown Espresso Brings a Taste of Community and Quality Coffee to Coral Springs

Downtown Espresso. {Sharon Aron Baron}

Residents craving a fresh cup of coffee and a bite with flair now have a new destination: Downtown Espresso, the latest venture by longtime Coral Springs resident Juan Carlos Fernandez-Stoll.

Located at 3111 N University Drive, the café sits next to Fernandez’s first restaurant, Embarcadero 41 Gastropub.

Opening Downtown Espresso was a natural step for Fernandez, a 25-year Coral Springs resident. The opportunity arose when Lady and the Mug coffee shop closed its doors, leaving a vacancy he felt compelled to fill.

“It was next door—it’s a no-brainer,” Fernandez-Stoll said. “A couple of businesses door-to-door makes it easier.”

But convenience isn’t the only driving factor behind Downtown Espresso. Fernandez aims to set his café apart by focusing on dynamic, high-quality offerings.

“I want to blow people’s minds with my food,” he shared, adding they already have Lavazza, a top-notch Italian coffee, but he’ll soon be adding more Latin-inspired bites and possibly some kosher options.

“I don’t want to be tied to one thing,” he explained. “The menu will evolve, offering something fresh and exciting.”

Among the standout menu items are guava chocolate empanadas, a treat Fernandez hopes will entice customers to step beyond the ordinary.

Born and raised in Peru, Fernandez-Stoll spent much of his professional life as an airline executive with Avianca. His career required a grueling daily commute to Miami—until the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a life change. In January 2022, he opened Embarcadero 41, bringing authentic Peruvian flavors to Coral Springs.

Owner Juan Carlos Fernandez-Stoll, and his friends Juan Manuel Mujica, and Ernesto Servat on the left at Downtown Espresso. {Sharon Aron Baron}

His roots in the community run deep. Two of his children graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and one still attends the school. The 2018 tragedy at MSD deeply affected Fernandez-Stoll and his family, but he credits Avianca for allowing him the time to process the shock.

“That event changed everything for us,” he said. “It made me appreciate the importance of being close to home and part of a supportive community.”

Since opening Embarcadero 41, Fernandez-Stoll has embraced his role as a local business owner, building relationships with customers and neighbors.

Downtown Espresso. {Sharon Aron Baron}

“Being part of this community has been incredible,” he said. “These past three years, I’ve really felt connected.”

That connection extends to first responders: Downtown Espresso offers free American-style hot coffee to Coral Springs Police and Fire Rescue, a gesture Fernandez says is his way of giving back to those who protect and serve.

With Downtown Espresso officially open, Fernandez-Stoll hopes to create a welcoming space where residents can enjoy quality coffee, innovative cuisine, and a sense of community.

“We’re here to make a difference,” he said. “In the food, in the service, and in the way we bring people together.”

Downtown Espresso is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

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Author Profile

Sharon Aron Baron

Editor of Talk Media and writer for Coral Springs Talk. CST was created in 2012 to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Coral Springs and the rest of South Florida.