El Kafecito, a local coffee shop with four open locations across San Diego County, is now working on a fifth site in Escondido at 148 W El Norte Pkwy.
The company’s newest location appears to be moving into the current home of Rise Coffee and Boba, which previously housed Baltimore Snowball, within the El Norte Broadway Center, according to documents submitted to the San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality. While an official opening date has yet to be announced, the Escondido expansion marks the next step in the company’s steady growth across the region. Customers can expect El Kafecito’s signature drink lineup and locally sourced snack options.
El Kafecito currently operates locations in Vista at 949 S. Santa Fe Ave., Valley Center at 28630 Valley Center Rd., Otay at 2445 Otay Center Dr., and San Marcos at 500 W. San Marcos Blvd. The business started with a small drive-thru model and has since expanded into larger cafe spaces, allowing for a broader menu and indoor seating. The brand is known for its approachable mix of coffee staples and Mexican-inspired specialty beverages.
Menu offerings include classics such as Americanos, espresso, and teas, alongside specialty drinks like the Mexican Mocha, White Chocolate Mocha, and seasonal lattes. Smoothies and blended drinks are also available, along with daily selections of pastries and fresh fruits, often sourced from local vendors. Larger locations have enabled expanded food offerings beyond the original drive-thru model.
The Escondido site is well-positioned within a busy retail center that receives regular neighborhood traffic and is surrounded by a variety of businesses. Its central location may help El Kafecito tap into a new customer base while reinforcing its presence in North County. As the company continues to expand, it maintains a focus on quality, consistency, and local partnerships. Each new site builds on the brand’s reputation for accessible, community-focused coffee service.
