Today we’d like to introduce you to Francisco Vessena.
Hi Francisco, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Francisco Vessena Calahorrano — I’m a chef and bartender, and together with my brother Fermín Vessena Calahorrano — also a chef and barista, both of us with over 15 years of experience in creating and operating hospitality projects — we founded Surry Hills Coffee. Today, we lead the brand’s international expansion, with locations in Argentina, Spain, and the United States.
Our story began in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the spring of 2019. Inspired by the creative, laid-back energy of Surry Hills — one of Sydney’s trendiest neighborhoods — we dreamed of bringing that café culture and Australian-style brunch experience to other parts of the world.
What started as a small coffee shop in Buenos Aires quickly evolved thanks to our passion, persistence, and a clear vision: to become a global reference in specialty coffee. In 2021, we expanded to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and by 2023, we had crossed the ocean to open our first U.S. location in the Little River neighborhood of Miami.
From day one, we felt part of the local community. At Surry Hills, we’re committed to honest food, fresh seasonal ingredients, and a calm, minimalist atmosphere. More than coffee or food, we offer experiences. What drives us is the idea of creating a space where people can slow down, connect, and feel good — one cup of coffee at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a steady and thoughtful journey — calm in rhythm, but filled with real challenges. We opened our first store in September 2019, in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, and just five months later, the pandemic hit, forcing us to completely rethink our plans.
Our concept was designed around a full experience: enjoying specialty coffee in a relaxed space, paired with Australian-style brunch. But overnight, we had to adapt. We set up a small pastry counter in our front window and started offering take-away coffee. We also launched delivery of several dishes from our menu, so our customers could still enjoy what we offered — just from home.
From that point on, our growth was consistent and intentional. Every step we took was done with purpose — not just to expand, but to evolve. Growing in different countries brought not only professional challenges, but personal ones too. Each new location meant learning to adapt to a new culture, a new rhythm, and a new community.
Today, our biggest challenge is continuing to grow without losing the heart of what makes Surry Hills special: being a place of connection, calm, and good energy — no matter where in the world we are.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Surry Hills Coffee is a specialty coffee shop with a global spirit — born in Buenos Aires and now with locations in Palma de Mallorca and Miami. We specialize in high-quality coffee, Australian-inspired brunch, and honest food made with fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
We’re inspired by the café culture of Surry Hills in Sydney — known for its creative energy and laid-back vibe — and we bring that same spirit into every location we open. For us, coffee is a way to create community, spark connection, and build memorable experiences.
One of the things we’re most proud of is our commitment to supporting local producers. Over 80% of our suppliers in Miami are based right here in Little River, which helps us stay connected to the neighborhood and have a positive, direct impact. While our vision is global, our philosophy is deeply local.
Another key part of who we are is our team. We believe in warmth, kindness, and genuine hospitality. Many of our guests have become regulars, and many of those regulars now feel like part of the Surry Hills family.
In 2025, we were honored to be recognized by “100 World Best Coffee Shops” as one of the top 100 coffee shops in the world — a milestone that fills us with pride and motivation.
If you haven’t visited yet, we’d love to welcome you to our shop at 8226 NE 2nd Ave in the heart of Little River. Surry Hills is more than just a coffee shop — it’s a place where quality, connection, and good energy come together to make you feel at home.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
We definitely see ourselves as risk-takers. From the very beginning, our mindset has been about opening new markets and bringing Surry Hills to cities where we feel there’s space for a concept like ours. Launching a brand born in Buenos Aires into a completely different country — with a new culture, language, and consumer habits — was a major challenge. When we opened in Miami, we knew it would take time, effort, and persistence to build brand awareness and connect with the local community. But we never doubted the potential of what we were building.
Today, we’re in a phase of expansion with investors who believe in the brand across the U.S., Argentina, and Spain. That means continuing to take risks — but we do it with full conviction in the value of what we offer and the positive impact Surry Hills can have wherever we go.
For us, risk is part of the journey. We don’t see it as something negative, but rather as a chance to grow, evolve, and challenge our own limits.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.surryhillscoffee.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/surryhillsmiami
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/surry-hills-coffee-no-title
