Our Story

Stella Coffee Company began as a dream between two friends, Alyssa Nishihira and Madelaine Grant, who shared a passion for creating a warm, welcoming space in Reno where people could gather, eat, and enjoy exceptional coffee together.

Originally known as Dreamer’s, then JoStella, Stella Coffee carries forward a long tradition of locally-owned Midtown Reno coffee shops, staying true to its roots while bringing a fresh, community-focused approach. Our cafe has remained in its original home at 701 S. Virginia Street, a recognized historical building with deep roots in Reno’s history - some remember it as the old Del Mar Station. The red tile at the bottom of our exterior is the original tile from the 1930s-1940s.

Our original location, on the corner of Virginia Street and St. Lawrence Avenue, sits in the heart of Midtown Reno, making it a vibrant hub for students, locals, and visitors alike. Every detail—from our welcoming atmosphere to our friendly baristas—is designed to make you feel at home while you sip the best local coffee in Reno.

At Stella Coffee Company, our story is not just about coffee—it’s about community, friendship, and the joy of connection.

Handcraft coffee with locally roasted coffee and espresso, serving latte art

A frozen version of Jack Heric welcomes customers to the entrance of his restaurant in 1943, two years after it opened at 703 South Virginia Street. Source: Joe Granata / RenoHistorical.org

1940s | Pauline Granata and her sister, Tisha Blair, flank an unknown woman at the corner entrance to Heric's Restaurant. The houses in the background, on the east side of Virginia Street, demonstrate how residential much of the street still was in t

Alyssa and Madelaine at the Reno Historical Society plaque ceremony, recognizing 701 S Virginia Street (Frohlich-DaCosta Corner)

In 2016, the building's six storefronts included a theater called Good Luck Macbeth, a vintage boutique called Dressed Like That, Dreamer's Coffee House, Wedge Cheese Shop, a bakery called Crème, and Copper Cat Studio. Creator: Alicia Barber Credit:

At Stella Coffee Company, we hope you come, stay awhile, and come back over and over again. Our patrons are our friends and family, and we want everyone to feel welcomed when they walk through our doors.

We hire local students and pride ourselves on being active supporters of the midtown, Reno, and Northern Nevada community.