Our story is about people - those who grow the coffee, those who craft it, and those who gather around it.
Rooted in origin and refined through craft, our story is one of respect, curiosity, and relentless pursuit for better coffee.
Who We Are
The Journey Behind Every Cup - by Gerardo A. Ramos Vivas, Founder and Head Roaster
Our story begins in 1986, when my father, Abdel Ramos Ferez—known lovingly as Don Abdel—partnered with my grandfather, Salvador Vivas, to purchase a small piece of land in the mountains east of Lake Yojoa, Honduras. Surrounded by the peaks of Cerro Azul Meámbar and Santa Bárbara National Parks, the land offered rich volcanic soil, natural shade, and the perfect elevation for growing extraordinary coffee.
I grew up waking up to the mountains, clouds drifting at eye level, and the sound of tropical birds welcoming the morning. Our family farm, located in the Montecillos Coffee Region, soon earned a reputation for exceptional Arabica varieties such as Caturra, Bourbon, and Catuaí.
A New Home, and a Missing Flavor
In 2009, I relocated to Cincinnati after finishing graduate school. I fell in love immediately—with the city’s culture, diversity, love for food, passion for coffee, and vibrant soccer scene. It reminded me of Honduras. But one thing was missing: Honduran coffee. Despite its incredible quality, it was nearly unknown here.
After living in New York, California, Texas, and Mexico, I couldn’t understand why coffee from my home country wasn’t being shared with the world.
A Country in Crisis
During this time, Honduras faced political, social, and economic turmoil. A collapse in global coffee prices struck farming families the hardest. Farms closed, unemployment rose, and many were forced to migrate—including my own family.
Seeing growers and harvesters unable to support their loved ones stayed with me. And it fueled a promise - to one day help elevate Honduran coffee and showcase its true potential.
Lake Yojoa in Western Honduras
Hope in the Highlands
In recent years, Honduras has experienced a remarkable shift in specialty coffee. Through better processing, research investments, and a new generation of growers, Honduran coffees have received global recognition and more direct‑trade opportunities. Farmers are finally seeing fairer prices for their exceptional efforts.
But Honduras is still largely undiscovered in the U.S.—especially in Cincinnati. There is still so much to share.
A Dream Reignited
In 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic, I knew it was time. I purchased a small 250g drum roaster and reignited a dream that had been decades in the making. That same year, I traveled more than 1,000 kilometers through the Western Sierras, meeting remarkable farmers—from an all‑women cooperative in Marcala to a fourth‑generation family in Copán. Their pride, their resilience, and their commitment to their craft inspired me deeply.
With just over 70 pounds of green coffee packed in my luggage, I returned to Cincinnati and began roasting and evaluating every lot with care until I found the coffees that spoke to our mission.
Viva Becomes a Home
In 2023, Viva opened the doors to its first coffee shop in O’Bryonville. This space became much more than a café—it became a home. A place where we connect with our community, share stories, serve our guests with warmth, and welcome everyone who walks through our doors.
What We Stand For
Today, every bag we roast and every cup we serve is a tribute to:
• my family’s legacy in the mountains of Honduras
• the resilience and passion of Honduran farmers
• the bridge between my homeland and the Cincinnati community I now love
This is more than coffee—it’s connection, heritage, and hope. It’s an honor to share it with you.
