When Littleton’s newest coffee shop opens its doors, it will provide more than just warm, caffeinated beverages to its visitors. With each purchase, it will also donate funds to support initiatives to end child poverty around the world.
Mango Tree Coffee, which currently has a location on South Broadway in Englewood, plans to open its second location at 5624 S. Prince St. in Littleton in March. The coffee shop provides funding for MANNA Worldwide, a Texas-based Christian nonprofit that works in more than 35 countries on initiatives related to nutrition, medicine, orphanages, education, clean water and spiritual growth, according to its website.
Marc Corona, one of the founders of Mango Tree Coffee, said he started the coffee shop in 2021 with a group of people connected to the nonprofit who wanted to be able to support the organization’s mission in a new way.
“Since Mango Tree in Englewood opened, it’s been awesome to see how it’s been able to just kind of become a part of the community there,” he said. “It’s our desire to continue to be able to do that for additional communities here in Denver — but then also, having more locations allows us to have a bigger impact internationally as well, and provide more programs for kids around the world that don’t really have the same opportunities.”
The company donates 100% of its proceeds toward funding relief projects, according to its website.
Corona said the organization recognizes that poverty can’t be solved with a quick, easy fix like simply giving someone food. To make their efforts more sustainable, the organization works with local partners in communities around the world.
“A lot of times, it’s the community development piece, long-term, that really helps to turn those communities around,” he said. “We don’t go into it with a mindset thinking, ‘Hey, we know what you need,’ but more so, ‘Hey, what can we do to help you guys develop your community?’
In addition to coffee — which is roasted in small batches at the Englewood location — Mango Tree Coffee will offer light food options such as breakfast burritos and pastries, Corona said.
He said the company has learned a lot from its first location in Englewood — largely, the benefit of being surrounded by a vibrant business community.
“Littleton is another one of those really awesome small-town-feel towns in the Denver area,” Corona said. “We know it’s a community that is supportive. We know that people are active and they support other local businesses, and we just (are) kind of all working towards the success of everyone, collectively.”
The shop will take the place of Devil’s Cup Coffee, which closed in November, according to an Instagram post from the company, which has since been deleted.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of Devil’s Cup Coffee on Prince St.,” the post said. “We are so grateful for the memories made here, and will cherish the connections we’ve shared with so many of you.”
Corona said the fact that the location was already a coffee shop is a benefit since many people in the community are already familiar with going there for coffee.
As Corona looks forward to the new location opening, he said he is excited to connect with more people in the community.
“Our goal, locally, with Mango Tree, is to be a place for people to come together,” he said. “We’re just looking forward to getting to know everyone and trying to be the best that we can in that space and continue to keep it a vibrant community that’s already there.”