Sister-in-Law Duo Opens RoadRunner Coffee in Redlands

Clean lines and desert vibes have entered the café scene in downtown Redlands with the opening of RoadRunner Coffee on State Street. The women-owned coffee shop, which opened last fall, marks a shift from the dark walls and picnic tables that once defined the space when it was home to Dirtbag Cafe.

Co-owners and sisters-in-law Teresa Baguyo and Sierra Duro Baguyo said they set out to reimagine the location as a community gathering place.

"This is a passion project. It’s always been a dream for both of us to open up a coffee shop,” Teresa said. Their focus is on organic, healthy foods served as quick meals. “We don’t have any quick breakfast or lunch options that leave you feeling heavy or greasy,” she said of their menu.

Two years ago, they acquired the location and worked with both an interior design team from Los Angeles and local Pence Construction to fix the place up, including opening up the space to make room for more seating and a kid nook.

“We walked into the space thinking, it would be ready to go,” she said, but that was not the case. “It was a big transformation.” They also added a full kitchen.

Both co-owners were involved in designing the space. “We gave them our inspiration which was desert inspired. Joshua Tree, Palm Springs and Arizona,” she said. “We wanted to have lots of curves and smooth texture, and we both love minimalism.” Every detail of the new business was important to them, the space, the colors, the menu and even the cups are designed especially for the spot.

“We’ve definitely gotten closer,” Teresa said of starting a business with her sister-in-law. “It’s been really fun.”

Teresa has a background in speech therapy and works as a photographer. Sierra also has a background in education. Both families have roots in Redlands.

“We want to give back to our community, we love it here,” she said.

When Roadrunner opened, people lined up down the street to try the new coffee spot. The co-owners attribute their early success in part to the business’s strong social media presence.

“It’s been incredible and overwhelming in the best way possible,” Teresa said. “It’s been very rewarding to see people appreciate the little details, the food and the quality of coffee.” Their coffee beans are from Moongoat from Orange County and Redlands roaster, Resolute Coffee.

Their espresso beans from Moongoat have notes of dark chocolate, toasted almond, and caramel, undertones of dried fruit. It’s full bodied and roasty or smoky, explained Teresa. One of their signature coffees is the Citrus Bloom with house-made spiced orange syrup, topped with cardamom.

“What sets us apart is our full brunch menu,” she said. Chef Aleia works full-time in the kitchen.

“Our breakfast burrito is one of our most ordered items,” Teresa said. “It’s got really good poblano peppers, sweet potatoes and of course eggs.” She added, “I love breakfast burritos anywhere but this is a healthy take on it.”

Baked goods are supplied by Two Ladds Bakery in Loma Linda, with additional items made by Sierra’s cousin. The coffee shop also exclusively offers the Agave Lune donut from local bakery Deaux.

Connection and the chance to share quality time with friends — especially as mothers of young children — were among the motivations behind opening the coffee shop. “Coffee just does that for everyone. That’s where people like to meet, whether it’s business, personal or just for fun,” she said.

Customers frequently echo that sentiment, describing RoadRunner as especially family- and kid-friendly. “That’s something we really strive for as moms ourselves — to create a space that welcomes families,” Sierra said. She is currently pregnant with her fourth child. Teresa has two children.

“We really strive to make sure everything is a moment,” Sierra said of their business and emphasized, “We are all about the picturesque moment.”

“For both of us this has been a lifelong dream. It’s been about trusting the process, staying consistent, and believing that the vision was worth the risk,” Teresa said. “We are proud to be doing this as busy moms and we hope we encourage other moms out there.”

RoadRunner Coffee is open every day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can follow them on Instagram @roadrunner.coffee