The 5 Shocking Reasons Tres Leches Cafe Almost Closed (And The Mexican Coffee That Saved It)

Tres Leches Cafe (3LC), a beloved institution in Phoenix, Arizona, has recently been at the center of a dramatic and very public battle for survival, turning its story from a simple local business success into a national conversation about culture, community, and activism. As of today, December 10, 2025, the cafe, celebrated as Arizona's #1 Mexican Coffee Shop, has managed to keep its doors open, but the fight against a lease dispute and alleged landlord retaliation has highlighted the fragility of independent, culturally-focused businesses.

Founded on a passion for Mexican flavors and Chicano culture, 3LC’s journey, spearheaded by its visionary creator, ET Rivera, is a powerful narrative of entrepreneurship rooted in community. The cafe’s signature offerings, from the famous Flan de Leches to the unique 3LC Crema, are more than just menu items—they are a testament to the rich culinary heritage that Rivera sought to bring to the forefront of the coffee scene in "The Valley." The recent struggles have only galvanized its loyal customer base, proving that Tres Leches Cafe is much more than just a place to grab a coffee; it is a cultural landmark.

The Visionary: A Complete Profile of Founder ET Rivera

The success and resilience of Tres Leches Cafe are inextricably linked to its founder, ET Rivera, a Phoenix native who turned a simple hobby into a groundbreaking cultural venture. Rivera's profile is one of passion, innovation, and deep community commitment.

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• Full Name: ET Rivera
• Role: Founder and Visionary of Tres Leches Café (3LC)
• Co-Founder: Brianna Aguilera-Rivera (Wife)
• Establishment Date: Fall of 2014
• Original Concept: To create the first Mexican Gourmet Coffee Shop in Arizona, filling a gap in the local market.
• Humble Beginnings: Rivera started by "messing around with coffee" and selling his creations, featuring his now-famous Tres Leches crema, directly from his front porch.
• Core Inspiration: Mexican flavors and Chicano culture, aiming to reflect the local community's heritage in a modern coffee shop setting.
• Signature Innovation: The development of the in-house 3LC Crema, a blend of three milks (hence the name "Tres Leches") that serves as the base for many of the cafe's specialty drinks.
• Cultural Impact: Rivera's work has earned 3LC the title of "Arizona's #1 Mexican Coffee Shop," establishing it as a key hub for Chicano culture and community activism in Phoenix.

Rivera's intention was always to create a new concept for the Phoenix Valley, one that celebrated his heritage and offered a unique alternative to mainstream coffee chains. This vision has become the backbone of the cafe's identity.

The Battle for Survival: How Activism Sparked Controversy

In a dramatic turn of events, Tres Leches Cafe was thrust into the spotlight not just for its delicious coffee, but for a contentious legal battle with its landlord. This dispute, which threatened to permanently close the cherished establishment, became a flashpoint for issues of free expression and small business rights.

The core of the controversy revolved around a lease dispute, but reports from the time suggest the situation escalated following the cafe's display of a "Free Palestine" banner. The owners claimed they were locked out of their business, leading to a legal fight to prevent the landlord from carrying out the eviction. This incident resonated deeply with the cafe's mission, as it has always embraced Chicano culture and acted as a space for community and political expression.

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The community response was immediate and overwhelming. Local patrons, activists, and other small business owners rallied around ET Rivera and Brianna Aguilera-Rivera, viewing the potential closure as an attack on a locally owned, minority-run cultural institution. A temporary restraining order was eventually granted, allowing the cafe to continue operating while the legal discussions proceeded. This struggle, which took place over several months, highlighted the cafe's critical role as a community anchor and a voice for social justice.

The Essential Menu: 15+ Mexican-Inspired Delights You Must Try

The true heart of Tres Leches Cafe lies in its unique menu, which masterfully blends traditional Mexican desserts and flavors with modern coffee culture. Every item is a reflection of the cafe's commitment to Mexican heritage, going far beyond the standard latte offerings. The use of the signature 3LC Crema elevates the entire drink menu.

Here are some of the most popular and unique entities that define the Tres Leches Cafe experience, ensuring its topical authority as a Mexican Gourmet Coffee Shop:

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• The Signature Tres Leches Cake: Available as the classic Tres Leches Cake Slice or the popular Tres Leches Guava Cake Slice, this is the item that gives the cafe its name, a moist sponge cake soaked in the three-milk blend.
• Flan de Leches: Often cited as one of the most popular drinks, this specialty latte incorporates the creamy, caramel flavor of traditional flan into a rich coffee beverage.
• Churro Flavored Coffee: A fan favorite, this drink captures the warm, cinnamon-sugar essence of a churro, blending it seamlessly with the espresso.
• Horchata Coffee: Taking inspiration from the classic Mexican rice milk drink, the Horchata coffee is a sweet, spiced, and refreshing alternative to traditional iced coffee.
• Aguas Sucias: Literally translating to "dirty waters," this is a playful and rich name for their specialty iced drinks and Aguas Frescas, which often feature unique flavors like Prickly Pear Mango Agua.
• Pan Dulce: The cafe serves a variety of traditional Mexican sweet bread, including items like Apple Empanada, Banderas, Niño Envuelto, and pastries featuring Dulce De Leche.
• Seasonal Specialties: Rivera and his team are constantly innovating, offering seasonal items that maintain their cultural roots, such as the fall-favorite Jack White white chocolate pumpkin latte and the spiced Azteca de Calabaza.
• Mexican Iced Coffee (Grandota-32oz): A massive, highly caffeinated, and flavorful option for those seeking a true energy boost with a Mexican twist.

The dedication to these authentic and creative flavors is what cemented Tres Leches Cafe’s reputation. Whether you are ordering a Hot Chocolate, a Tea Latte, or a classic Coffee, the influence of Mexican and Chicano culture is present in every sip and bite.

The Cultural Significance: Chicano Culture and Community Hub

Tres Leches Cafe is more than a business; it is a cultural statement. The cafe's founding principle—to be inspired by Mexican flavors and Chicano culture—has made it a vital community hub in South Phoenix and beyond. It serves as a physical space where Mexican-American identity is celebrated and affirmed.

By blending traditional Mexican ingredients with the modern coffee shop model, ET Rivera created a third space—a place that feels both familiar and new. The cafe’s atmosphere and its commitment to social issues, as evidenced by the recent controversy, solidify its role as a gathering point for discussion, art, and community organizing. It’s a place where the Pan Dulce is served alongside a commitment to local activism.

The cafe’s success story—from a front porch hobby to "Arizona's #1 Mexican Coffee Shop"—is a powerful example of how cultural entrepreneurship can thrive even in the face of significant challenges. The ongoing support from the community is the ultimate proof that Tres Leches Cafe has successfully woven itself into the fabric of Phoenix's cultural landscape, ensuring that its future remains bright and its mission to celebrate Chicano culture continues.