Reno’s Coffee Scene Gets a Feminine Spark with Pink Sugar Coffee
Cousins Yajaira and Valerie Valenzuela in front of their coffee truck, Pink Sugar Coffee
By: Lexi Cantrell
Afternoons in Reno have just become more energetic —and a lot pinker.
Two cousins, Yajaira and Valerie Valenzuela, are the women behind Pink Sugar Coffee. This new coffee truck in Sparks has quickly caught attention with its bright pink branding, handmade syrups, and creative drinks. Open just two months, the truck is already spicing up Reno’s coffee scene with drinks as bold as its aesthetic.
The cousins grew up in an entrepreneurial family, surrounded by relatives who built businesses of their own. Inspired by that drive and their shared dream of working together, they decided to create something that reflected both their personalities as well as their roots.
The two girls wanted to open a shop that is unique from other coffee shops in Reno. Their pink and feminine aesthetic inspired them to create a space to bring women together.
The community has responded well to the opening of Pink Sugar Coffee. For only being open for two months, the female response to the business has been the most rewarding to the Valenzuela cousins.
Valerie explains that lots of women have complimented their business and creative direction of the brand.
“We’ve had so many girls come and say, ‘This is exactly what I would have done if I were to open a business.’”
The Valenzuela cousins want to continue portraying their message that anything is possible through Pink Sugar Coffee. With both girls working full-time jobs outside of the coffee truck, their reliance proves Pink Sugar Coffee is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a statement about empowerment.
Pink Sugar Coffee stands out not only because of its tasty drinks, but also the operational hours. The coffee truck is open in the afternoons into the evening, since it’s the most convenient time for the women to run the truck.Most coffee shops in Reno close in the afternoons, so Pink Sugar Coffee reaches diverse consumers who are seeking coffee later in the day.
The hours of the truck also aim to embrace the girls’ Mexican culture. Through Mexican traditions and norms, the coffee truck illustrates the identity and family history of the two girls.
“Hispanics and Mexican culture, you have coffee in the afternoon,” Yajaira explained. “We both lived with our grandma in Mexico, and we would always go to our aunt’s house. We would always watch them sit down with a cup of coffee and bread.”
That tradition inspired the cousins to build a space where afternoons are made for slowing down and enjoying a sweet drink with friends. A signature order might include a flavored latte topped with cold foam or a matcha creation sweetened with one of their house-made syrups. Every detail is designed to feel personal and one-of-a-kind.
Looking ahead, the cousins hope to one day open a full storefront where they can serve customers all day while staying true to their identity. Until then, Pink Sugar Coffee will continue making Reno’s afternoons brighter, sweeter, and just a little pink.