Kalamazoo's Matchacita Café: A Health-Conscious Haven for Coffee Lovers and Community

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Matchacita, the newly opened café by Yazmine Vargas Root and Tyler Root, has quickly become a beacon for health-conscious coffee lovers in Kalamazoo. After launching their venture with a simple iced matcha latte stall at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market in May 2022, the couple has transformed their passion into a bustling brick-and-mortar café located at 120 W. South St. The move to a permanent location comes after the couple's experience assisting Vargas Root's sister in establishing her own matcha café in Arizona. This exposure ignited their desire to bring a unique offering to their hometown, particularly focusing on gluten-free and vegan options. "We wanted to create something that feels a little more unique to the Kalamazoo area," Tyler Root explained, acknowledging a gap in the local market for such fare. Nestled conveniently a block from the Kalamazoo Mall, Matchacita fills the void left by the closure of Something's Brewing last December. The café's vibrant pink and green interior, reflective of the colors associated with matcha, invites patrons into a cozy atmosphere that feels both refreshing and welcoming. The café’s menu caters to an array of dietary preferences, featuring a selection of gluten-free and vegan baked goods, such as chocolate chip banana bread and vegan pecan cinnamon rolls. For those seeking heartier fare, options like avocado toast and waffles are available, with add-ons for non-vegan diners. The beverage menu is equally appealing—highlighting an impressive range of matcha drinks, from the classic matcha tea to innovative seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice matcha. Matchacita is also committed to supporting local businesses, partnering with Kalamazoo Coffee Company to serve their coffee and providing a pickup point for local orders. “We’re excited to support local artists, businesses, and community events,” Vargas Root stated, emphasizing their intention to nurture a sense of community within the café. The couple’s dedication to inclusivity shines through their menu, which is accessible to those with dietary restrictions. “We’re not looking to get rich off this by any means,” Vargas Root added, “We just want to provide a space for community where people feel welcome and comfortable.” Since opening its doors, Matchacita has seen an enthusiastic response from loyal customers who have followed them from their farmers market days. The café’s first day was met with eager patrons waiting to enter at dawn, highlighting the anticipation surrounding its launch. As they settle into their new location, the Roots plan to enrich the café’s environment further by showcasing local artists, creating a space that is as much about the community as it is about the food and beverages they serve. With business hours set from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends, Matchacita is poised to become a favorite spot for Kalamazoo residents seeking healthy yet indulgent treats. The café aims to grow its community of regulars while remaining attentive to the dietary needs and preferences of its clientele. For those interested, more information is available via their website or Instagram.