WASHINGTON, D.C. – The District of Columbia Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) is pleased to recognize La Coop Coffee, as the April 2025 Location of the Month. This vibrant, film-friendly coffee shop and roastery is not only a local favorite for its rich flavors and warm ambiance, but also a visually striking venue with a meaningful story rooted in international impact and community empowerment.
Nestled in the heart of the northwest Kennedy Street corridor, La Coop Coffee has transformed a historic 1920s art-deco building into a cozy and creative hub. Originally home to the Sanitary Grocery Co., the space sat vacant for years before being revitalized with the help of a Great Streets grant. Today, the café features original tin ceilings, wood floors, leather seating, a library wall, and décor inspired by Guatemalan culture—all anchored by a central coffee roastery, providing a perfect backdrop for film and media productions.
“La Coop Coffee represents everything that makes Washington, D.C. an exciting and dynamic destination for creatives,” said LaToya Foster, Director of OCTFME. “From the global roots of its founder to the local flavor it brings to the Kennedy Street corridor, this venue is a testament to the power of storytelling, entrepreneurship, and community. This coffee shop is a film set waiting to happen, and we’re proud to spotlight it.”
Founded by Juan Luis Salazar Cano, an agronomist and the son of a coffee farmer from Union Cantinil, Huehuetenango, Guatemala, La Coop Coffee was born out of a vision to empower small farmers and create a sustainable, equitable model in the coffee industry. Since opening in D.C. in 2018, the company has created jobs both in the District and in Guatemala, sourcing directly from Juan Luis’ family and other smallholder farmers in his hometown. Most recently the DC Lottery campaign was filmed at La Coop.
“We are honored to be featured as the Location of the Month by the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment,” said Stefanie Fabrico. “Our Washington, D.C. café and roastery has been a film location in the past, and we’re excited to welcome even more media productions in the future.”
With ample space, natural light, cultural charm, and a welcoming vibe, La Coop Coffee is ideal for media productions, events, and filming. The venue also provides catering services for crews, and a gravel area behind the building can be used for staging or parking.
To book La Coop Coffee for filming or private events and/or for information contact [email protected] and [email protected] or Lucy Sparks, Operations Coordinator, [email protected], (516) 965-6183.
Follow La Coop Coffee on Social Media, Instagram and Facebook: @lacoopcoffee. Location: 500 Kennedy Street NW, Washington, DC 20011.
The "Location of the Month" initiative is part of the agency's mission to market and support District locales as entertainment destinations, and media production locations. LOTM brings attention to the wide range of cinematically compelling locations available for events, and to film and television productions.
If you have a suggestion for a future OCTFME "Location of the Month," we would love to hear from you. If you own or manage a DC business, venue, or location to be considered as a "Location of the Month," please use this nomination form and tell us all about it.
About OCTFME
The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), an award-winning District of Columbia Government agency, leads the city’s extensive efforts to build and support a sustainable film, music, and entertainment creative economy and labor market. Additionally, OCTFME serves as the city’s cable television service provider regulator and as the customer service hub for cable subscribers.
OCTFME’s extensive portfolio includes:
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The District’s government cable access channels District Council Channel (D.C.C), the District of Columbia Network (D.C.N), and the District Knowledge Network (DKN)
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D.C. Radio (96.3 HD4), OCTFME’s owned and operated digital radio station, in partnership with Howard University’s WHUR.
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District of Columbia Entertainment Network (D.C.E), OCTFME’s 24-hour streaming platform available worldwide on ROKU, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV as well as iPhone and Android mobile devices (download the D.C.E Network App or at D.C.ENetwork.com).
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The handling of all of the District’s filmmaker production needs including permits, city services, and logistical support, job placement assistance, workforce development and the D.C. Film, Television, and Entertainment Rebate Fund (D.C. Rebate Fund).
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Providing additional support to the creative community through the Creative Affairs Office (CAO) and Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents: 202Creates initiative. CAO showcases and preserves the District of Columbia’s rich creative communities throughout all 8 Wards.
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