One of the highlights of living at Sterling|Downtown is the fact that it has its very own onsite café. “Phat Beaner Coffee and Burritos” is a woman-owned establishment led by Cynthia Armenta, a local chef and entrepreneur. Phat Beaner started as a food truck in 2016 and has grown to be a wholesale supplier and catering service in Albuquerque. When the Thundercloud Café at Sterling|Downtown closed its doors in February, Phat Beaner quickly took its place, adapting its business model to include this downtown storefront. The café offers burritos, pastries, and, of course, coffee.
“The café provides a sense of liveliness; it brings people together.” Kristy Mentzer, Sterling|Downtown property manager.
The café day-to-day operations are managed by Daphne Gallegos, a niece of Armenta. A bartender by trade, Daphne thoroughly enjoys her new role. “It’s my first time doing coffee but it’s not all that different – I love it!” exclaims Daphne. Daphne has great rapport with the Sterling residents. The café offers a special menu just for the residents and Daphne has already memorized many of the regulars’ orders. “They come every day and I get updates on what is going on in their lives. It makes everything more personal,” says Daphne.
The café is open Monday – Friday, 6:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
For more information on The Phat Beaner and The Phat Beaner Coffee and Burritos, visit www.thephatbeaner.com and follow them on Facebook www.facebook.com/thephatbeaner.
