Eggs & Co. | Serving Up Community, One Artisan Sandwich at a Time
Posted by kayla.banda | Start the discussion
When you step into Eggs & Co., the scent of fresh coffee mingles with the comfort of artisan, handmade sandwiches. It’s the kind of place that feels instantly familiar—a café built not just on recipes, but on love and a sense of belonging. For owners Leticia and Ricardo Luján Valerio, the dream of opening their own café was born out of decades spent working in kitchens and the desire to bring people together through food.
“My husband and I have been working in hospitality businesses for 20 years combined. Both of us became chefs over 10 years ago. We worked in Ashland, Oregon in some of the local restaurants there. When we moved to Portland, we decided to open our own place and share what we know to do and what we love—cooking.”
The Start of Something Warm
Owners Leticia and Ricardo Luján Valerio
Before opening their doors in April 2025, Letty and Ricardo carried with them 20+ years of culinary experience and the dream of creating something of their own. Their goal was simple: to offer a place where people could enjoy good food and genuine connection.
“We really love that our business offers a nice place with great ambience where you can have a menu of artisan sandwiches and coffee drinks,” Letty said. “Also creating a great community that can gather to enjoy the food.”
What began as a shared vision between two chefs has grown into a cozy downtown café where hospitality is served with every cup. Their customers enjoy locally-sourced coffee, warm sandwiches on fresh focaccia bread, and delicious pastries!
Guided by Good People
When Letty first began exploring her business idea, she knew food—but not necessarily all the moving pieces of running a café.
“Before coming to the PCC SBDC, the challenge was how to manage front of the house, POS sales, and more” she said.
Through the Portland Community College Small Business Development Center (PCC SBDC), Letty joined the Business Builders training program, attending weekly trainings on topics like vision-building, marketing, bookkeeping, and beyond. She also received essential support from Hacienda CDC, whose business development programs and advisory services help Latino entrepreneurs gain access to resources and capital.
“The business coaching once a month with Hacienda CDC and the training program at Portland Community College SBDC gave a deep dive into the understanding of all aspects of a business,” Letty shared. “It definitely helped me organize and manage, and by creating a business plan and being guided by it. Being coached once a month completed the process to open my business.”
Letty and SBDC Advisor, Kayla Banda
A Space to Belong
When the morning sunlight spills through the windows of Eggs & Co., the smell of home meets the sound of friendly conversation. For Letty and Ricardo, those small, everyday moments mean everything—they’re reminders of how far they’ve come.
Opening the business itself was a major milestone, Letty shared, along with getting help to purchase key equipment and forming new community ties.
“Overall, we’re making connections that help us bring in more clientele,” she said.
Each new connection—whether it’s a returning customer or another local entrepreneur—adds to the sense of community they hoped to build. What started as a dream has become a place where people feel seen, welcomed, and part of something genuine.
Encouragement is on the Menu
Letty’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but sincere.
“Absolutely recommend them to reach out to the team of PCC SBDC and Hacienda CDC, whether you are thinking of opening or are already open,” she said. “The PCC SBDC team can help to guide you to open or assist you on any struggle you have.”
Eggs & Co. is proof that with persistence, partnership, and heart, small businesses can turn their passion into something that brings our communities together.
Visit Eggs & Co. today at 510 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, Oregon!
Ready to Ignite Your Entrepreneurial Journey with the PCC SBDC?
Are you ready to embark on your entrepreneurial journey or seeking support to take your small business to new heights? The PCC SBDC is here to help. Reach out to us and let your journey begin. The Eggs & Co. story is just one example of the countless success stories our clients have created. Embrace the joy of entrepreneurship and create your unique path to success!
Want to learn more about how the PCC Small Business Development Center can help you start or grow your business?
The Oregon SBDC Network is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Additional funding is provided by the Oregon Business Development Department, and other private and public partners, with Lane Community College serving as the Network’s lead host institution. SBDC services are provided in a nondiscriminatory way to all legal residents and citizens in the US. Language services are available for limited English proficient individuals.
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