Stellar Coffee Co. closes after serving San Marcos for decade

By Yaa Antwi

News Reporter

SAN MARCOS — Stellar Coffee, a well-known coffee establishment, has officially closed after serving the San Marcos community for years.

On Sept. 9, Stellar Coffee hosted its last event, filled with bitter-sweet goodbyes, an open microphone, and a dance party to thank the San Marcos community for their support.

Despite the major role Stellar has played in bringing the San Marcos community together, the store is coming to a close. The owners will be focusing their energy on their family this upcoming season and turn their attention to family matters.

“I mean it’s unfortunate that it’s closing, but I totally understand with the times that we are in and people are having to make decisions for their best interest,” Ez Maldonado said. “In the end, the owner also has to think about their family.”

Stellar Coffee has had an overall impact in the San Marcos community, not just for their beverages, but for open microphone nights for people to explore their creative talents. The coffee spot has been home to many students, as it’s also been a space for students to unwind or study.

“I think it’s been a really sweet space for the community,” Manager Katy Slack said. “Really it’s been such a space for the younger community in recent years and as a whole, Stellar has been a San Marcos staple for 10 years and there are people who have been here since the beginning and those are the people, I feel like it’s impacted the most.”

The communal impact from Stellar has allowed for growth, not just for San Marcos residents, but for the employees as well. Employees of Stellar believed the coffee shop was akin to a home with a welcoming energy that allowed space for growth.

“It’s been a place of a lot of growth and friendship foundations,” Slack said. “I’ve grown up coming to San Marcos but having a space that I could call my own and people know me and I know them is something special to me.”

As Stellar closes, the San Marcos community continues to expand and grow remembering what Stellar has provided to us. Stellar has allowed San Marcos the opportunity to be reminded of the importance of community and artistic talent.

“It’s unfortunate and really sad, but when one door closes, another door opens,” Maldonado said. “Working with them and the team they had, and the overall camaraderie was a magical experience.”