Our roots
For generations, our family has called the highlands of eastern
El Salvador home, where coffee became woven into our daily lives.
Jules Denys,
l’étranger.
1889
1913
Today
A foreigner arrives
Jules Denys leaves Belgium and settles in the highlands of eastern El Salvador.
The first harvest
The family plants their first coffee in the Tecapa-Chinameca region. A tradition is born.
A legacy, refined
Four generations later, his great-grandson Ernesto carries Jules' legacy into the specialty coffee world, shipping Café L'Étranger to discerning buyers across the globe.
Complex flavors.
Volcanic soil.
A heritage worth tasting.
The team.
Ernesto Samayoa Denys Dad · Chief Manager · Industrial Engineer
With more than two decades of experience leading international sustainability initiatives across three continents, he has built a career around creating lasting impact through collaboration and innovation. Rooted in over a century of his family's coffee-growing tradition, he brings a fresh perspective to the industry, advancing direct trade models that connect exceptional Salvadoran coffee with global markets while fostering long-term rural prosperity.
Liza de Samayoa Mom · Marketing Manager · Graphic Designer
With a background in print media and editorial communications, she is the creative force behind Café L'Étranger. She plays a pivotal role in shaping both Café L'Étranger's brand identity and business strategy. By combining creative vision with strategic thinking, she transforms the company's heritage into meaningful connections, guiding its growth while strengthening its presence in international markets.
Rodrigo Samayoa Eldest son · Business Developer Manager · Comercial Engineer
Fluent in four languages, Rodrigo bridges markets and builds lasting relationships — bringing both commercial vision and a genuine passion for people to Café L'Étranger.
Miguel Rosales · Head of Post-Harvest Process
Decades of experience, endless curiosity. The quiet force behind every exceptional lot.
Alex Lara · Post-Harvest Assistant
Alex represents a new generation finding purpose in coffee. What began as an opportunity has grown into a genuine passion, inspiring him to grow his capacities. He oversees inventory management and implements protocols for experimental coffee lots, bringing discipline, curiosity, and care to every stage of the drying process.
Edith Joya · Post-Harvest Assistant
With a lifetime rooted in coffee countryside, Edith embodies the quiet wisdom that only years in the field can bring. She oversees the drying process with remarkable patience and meticulous attention, turning every raised bed into a place where experience and care shape the character of each coffee lot.
Rafael Castillo · Chief Operations Officer
A passion for aromas and flavors defines much of who he is. Through hiking, photography, perfumery, and coffee sensory analysis, he has developed an exceptional appreciation for quality and has participated in Cup of Excellence evaluation panels. At Café L'Étranger, he leads the company's day-to-day operations and ensures every process reflects the same commitment to greatness.
Josué Guadrón · Intern
Curious by nature, he finds inspiration in both the complexity of natural ecosystems and the challenges that demand strategy and discipline. He is driven by continuous learning and discovering opportunities where others see routine. He provides operational oversight for the group's companies.
