Gaviña Mourns The Passing Of Two Of Its Leaders – CoffeeTalk

It is with great sadness that Gaviña Coffee Company, a Los Angeles–based, family-owned coffee roaster founded as F. Gaviña & Sons, Inc. in 1967, announces the passing of two of its beloved leaders, brothers Pedro Lázaro Gaviña (September 11, 2025) and Francisco Marcos “Paco” Gaviña (July 29, 2025). As part of the third generation of Gaviña family coffee roasters, Pedro and Paco were central in carrying forward their father’s vision and building the company into one of the nation’s largest family-owned coffee businesses.

Pedro, a co-founder and President of F. Gaviña & Sons, Inc. (now Gaviña Coffee Company), worked side by side with his parents and siblings to help establish the company as the largest minority-owned and operated coffee roaster in the United States. Tireless and devoted, he was admired for his tenacity, generosity, and people-centered leadership. His love of manufacturing could be seen on the production floor he cherished, while his devotion to legacy and community lives on in the culture of the company he helped build.

“My dad Pedro always reminded us that you can be anything you want in life, but you must strive to be the best at it,” said Pedro’s son Michael J. Gaviña. “It is in his spirit that we continue to grow, innovate, and care for our people, our partners, and our community.”

Paco, a civil engineer, helped designed and build the company’s state-of-the-art roasting and packing facility in Vernon, California, which remains the heart of the company’s operations today. He served as Vice President of Operations and was known for his creativity, persistence, and faith. He dedicated his life to both his family and the roasting plant, affectionately calling it the“tostadero,” the Spanish word for roaster.

“My father dedicated his life to building a company based on integrity, quality, and family,” said Paco’s son Frank M. Gaviña Jr. “We are committed to honoring his legacy and continuing his vision for Gaviña Coffee Company.”

The company remains in strong hands under the fourth generation. Lisette Gaviña Lopez, Managing Director of Sales and Marketing; Frank M. Gaviña Jr., Managing Director of Operations; and Michael J. Gaviña, Managing Director of Accounting and Finance, have been part of the company’s management for several years and continue to carry forward the mission and values of the Gaviña family.

The Gaviña family extends its heartfelt gratitude to employees, partners, and the broader coffee community for their support during this time of loss. Pedro and Paco’s spirit will continue to guide the company they loved.

About Gaviña Coffee Company
Gaviña Coffee Company (formerly known as F. Gaviña & Sons, Inc.) is one of the largest family-owned coffee companies in America and the nation’s largest privately held, minority-owned roaster.

Founded in Vernon, California, in 1967 by Francisco and Anatolia Gaviña, and their children, the company draws on over 150 years of coffee expertise. Today, its fourth-generation leaders carry on the family’s legacy of crafting high-quality coffee under brands including Don Francisco’s Coffee, Café La Llave Espresso, Jose’s Gourmet Coffee, Gaviña Gourmet Coffee, and Café Gaviña Espresso. Gaviña Coffee also partners with thousands of foodservice operators, retailers, and private-label clients nationwide. To learn more, visit www.gavina.com.