Jorden Tarnoski and Victor Hernandez Jr., owners and operators of Creatures Coffee & Tea Co., always knew entrepreneurship was in the cards for them. After having their first child, the couple set their minds on creating a better work-life balance and started making their small business dreams a reality.
Tarnoski and Hernandez recognized a gap for drink-only mobile services in the area. From selling their first home to invest in their dreams and learning the science of coffee to perfecting recipes and researching everything they could about running a mobile business, they were all in; and Creatures Coffee & Tea Co. slowly began to take shape.
The business’ tagline, “Come one, come all, we’re all creatures here,” is a testament to the couple’s desire to offer welcoming hospitality to any and everyone. “We have always been on our own weird path and we wanted our business to stay true to who we are,” Tarnoski said. “We aren’t coffee or tea experts in any form, we are just two people who wanted to create eccentric drinks and a welcoming [experience] to anyone, no matter who you are.”
As for the truck itself, they wanted something eye-catching and chic while still capturing the unusual and classic horror feeling. Fabricated to resemble a vintage Citröen van, the peculiar look fits right in with the Creatures brand.
Themed signature drinks also fit seamlessly into the horror-inspired brand identity, and the couple’s process for menu curation perfectly marries unique flavor, a hint of nostalgia and a sprinkle of spookiness. The Black Lagoon, an all-time bestseller, is made with two shots of espresso and the perfect amount of rich, black sugar syrup, then topped with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal milk. The Choco Chupacabra also tops the list of fan favorites and combines two shots of espresso, chocolate syrup, Cocoa Puffs cereal milk and marshmallow lava. Available until the end of November, the fall menu includes the Pumpkinhead Latte, Apple Spider Cider and the Dirt ’n Worms Milk Float.
Aside from creating delicious drinks, the pair has truly enjoyed the ebbs and flows of owning a local business and hopes to open a permanent location one day. And just as Creatures set out to provide an inclusive and welcoming experience for its customers, the community has embraced the business all the same. “The most rewarding thing is seeing all the smiling faces, the drink photos we get tagged in from our happy customers, the ones we can now call our regulars, plus the camaraderie from other mobile vendors, local businesses and everyone in our community,” said Tarnoski. “We truly love our city, and had no idea how much love we would receive so quickly!”
Contact: @creaturescoffeeandteaco
