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Cherito Cafe is a Salvadorian business that powers his business and empowers local coffee producers by using bitcoin and the Lightning Network.
In the bitcoin community, many enthusiasts also enjoy coffee, a connection that might be more common than you think. If you're into bitcoin, you probably appreciate good coffee. A look at the global bitcoin community shows several coffee businesses that are getting involved with bitcoin, including “Cherito Specialty BitCafe Roasters” a Salvadoran coffee brand.
Cherito refers to Buddy or friend and also to the first car made in El Salvador, which has become part of the coffee culture. Jorge Cruz, the founder of Cherito Café and a 3rd generation coffee producer in partnership with the BioKrop Project By Tierra Bendita and Finca Agroecologica Las Veraneras in Ahuachapán, has turned this classic car into a mobile coffee shop, allowing the business to serve quality Salvadoran coffee around San Salvador. This initiative not only highlights the quality of local coffee but also makes it more accessible to the community, fostering a connection between the café and its customers. As a Salvadoran entrepreneur and bitcoiner, Jorge has successfully combined great coffee with bitcoin culture. Coffee lovers and bitcoin fans enjoy his Satoshi Specialty Blend and The Genesis Block Blend, both sourced from local Salvadoran producers. His coffee has gained popularity among the bitcoin community and coffee enthusiasts around the world
Cherito Cafe is embracing bitcoin in a variety of innovative ways. They prefer receiving payments in bitcoin, which is evident from their entire setup and product offerings. Bitcoin is prominently featured throughout the café, and their unique bitcoin blends come with eye-catching designs that are perfect for collectors. They utilize several point-of-sale systems tailored to their needs, with the Blink POS system being a favorite. This system enables them to accept bitcoin payments without requiring direct access to a wallet; even their baristas are well-versed in the payment process, ensuring a seamless experience for customers.
But Cherito goes beyond just accepting bitcoin; they have crafted an innovative system using LNbits that features an incentive program for coffee growers. At the heart of Cherito Café's mission is the commitment to give back more to the coffee producers through the lightning network. This is why Cherito allocates a portion of its revenue to the growers, with the volume and quality of the coffee directly influencing the royalties or fees they receive. Coffees that win international competitions or are recognized for their excellence earn higher rewards, encouraging a competitive atmosphere that enhances quality among farmers. The most exciting aspect is that coffee producers receive their payments directly in their bitcoin wallets, establishing a small yet significant coffee and bitcoin economy that could inspire other coffee businesses. This strategy not only promotes a sustainable business model but also aligns with their long-term goal of empowering farmers while leveraging the most effective currency available.
One of the key benefits of bitcoin is its borderless nature. As a fully digital currency, bitcoin occupies no physical space, making it an excellent option for transporting value. It operates on the internet, unbound by any physical location or issuer that might limit its accessibility. This is what makes bitcoin the leading currency for international business transactions. Cherito will demonstrate this at Lugan Plan B in Switzerland, where he will sell his coffee using bitcoin, far from El Salvador. He will be able to access his funds effortlessly, without needing permission or facing restrictions, thanks to Bitcoin and Blink wallet.
If you’re a business owner engaged in cross-border payments, adopting bitcoin could be the ideal solution for you.
You can buy Cherito Café here
And you can follow them on Instagram here
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