Kalamazoo Welcomes Matchacita: A New Haven for Matcha Lovers and Healthy Treats

KALAMAZOO, MI -- The vibrant café scene in Kalamazoo has welcomed a fresh addition with the opening of Matchacita, a new café specializing in matcha, vegan, and gluten-free delights. Last week marked the grand opening of this unique establishment, founded by local couple Yazmine Vargas Root and Tyler Root, who were met with overwhelming support from the community that has been following their journey since its inception. The Roots' adventure began in May 2022 at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market, where they initially sold iced matcha lattes. With an eye for healthy options, they soon expanded their offerings to include gluten-free and dairy-free waffles, responding to a growing demand for alternative treats. Their dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive space culminated in the evolution of their brand from Matcha Grove to the newly christened Matchacita last November, culminating in the opening of their first brick-and-mortar location on 120 W. South St., just a stone's throw away from the bustling Kalamazoo Mall. The café occupies the former location of Something's Brewing, which closed its doors last December. With an eye on filling a niche in the café market, Matchacita aims to offer something distinct in both style and menu. “We’re really excited to bring something that feels a little more unique to the Kalamazoo area,” shared Tyler Root, emphasizing their commitment to providing options that cater to a diverse clientele. The inspiration for Matchacita's health-conscious menu was born during a three-month stint in Arizona, where the couple helped Vargas Root’s sister establish her own matcha café. This experience ignited their passion for matcha and holistic dining, particularly as they recognized the growing trend towards gluten-free and vegan eating. They have crafted a menu that reflects this ethos, featuring indulgent yet health-focused items such as chocolate chip banana bread, vegan cookies, and seasonal delights like pumpkin spice matcha. Matchacita’s beverage offerings are equally impressive. The café boasts a variety of matcha-based drinks, including popular choices like traditional matcha tea and iced strawberry matcha, along with innovative options that reflect Vargas Root’s Mexican heritage, such as the iced vegan horchata matcha. They also serve a range of teas, coffee from Kalamazoo Coffee Company, and specialty lattes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. As the couple settles into their new space, they’ve infused it with personality—painting the walls in shades of pink and green to symbolize the beautiful hues of matcha. The cozy café can comfortably seat around 25 patrons and is already adorned with plants from a neighboring shop, creating a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a second home. Future plans for Matchacita include showcasing local artists and supporting community events, aligning with the couple's vision of fostering a sense of community. “We want to support local artists, as well as other local businesses,” Vargas Root mentioned, highlighting their desire to integrate more deeply into the fabric of Kalamazoo. With prices ranging from $2 to $7.50, the Roots are dedicated to keeping their offerings affordable, emphasizing their mission to serve the community rather than focusing on profit margins. “We just want to provide a space for community where people feel welcome and comfortable,” Vargas Root stated. The café’s launch has already been met with enthusiasm, with many loyal customers from the farmers market eagerly stepping through the doors on opening day. “We even had someone standing out there waiting for us to unlock the door at 6:30 a.m. on the first day we opened,” Tyler noted, reflecting the couple’s dedication to their patrons. As Matchacita begins this new chapter in Kalamazoo, the Roots are poised to enrich the local dining scene while promoting healthy, delicious options. Their commitment to inclusivity, community support, and of course, matcha makes Matchacita a promising addition to the café landscape. For more information, customers can contact the café at 269-251-9121 or follow them on Instagram to stay updated on their latest offerings. Business hours are 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.