Name of Business: Hilmar Coffee

Location: 7940 Lander Ave #10

Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 6 a.m. to noon Saturday

Contact: (209) 632-5511

History of Business: Three years ago, Hilmar Coffee was nothing more but a sign on a vacant building reminding residents of Hilmar of a business that used to be.

All that changed in October of 2012, however, when Vince and Francine Arteaga decided to pump life back into the business and bring a mom and pop atmosphere to Hilmar. They kept the name but brought with them a unique mix of food and drink items for their menu. Nearly three years later and the Arteaga’s are experiencing success that has yet to diminish.

“She used to own a coffee shop, so she had the knowledge of it and it was a passion of hers to open one again,” Vince Arteaga said of his wife.

“I’ve always liked the coffee house feel, not the commercial feel. I like the home, mom and pops kind of place and they didn’t have that here,” Francine Arteaga said.

But there’s more than just the vibe behind Hilmar Coffee’s revival, a menu which includes a variety of unique lunch items like wraps — chicken, turkey cranberry, and tri-tip — as well as sandwiches has piqued the interest of a small town that wouldn’t normally have such options.

Still, a coffee house must have good coffee and Hilmar Coffee is no different.

“As far as coffee drinks, we can make anything. I have people come in with creative ideas and I tell them to throw it at me,” Vince Arteaga said.

So far, the caramel macchiato and caramel Frappuccino have proven to be the most popular drink choices.

Ask the owners what keeps customers coming back and you won’t get a list of menu items, however.

“I think people like coming in and they know you remember them. You end up knowing about their family and their kids,” Francine Arteaga said.

“This community supports small businesses so I think that’s good for us and a lot of businesses,” Vince Arteaga said.