Stray Dogs Coffee, a Christian-owned coffee shop in Riverside, Calif., brings a distinct presence to the local coffee scene.
Christian Ponce, a shift supervisor who has worked at Stray Dogs Coffee since it opened in February 2025, shared what set the shop apart.
“I think a lot of coffee shops aim at trying to be community-centered, and I’ve worked at a few different shops throughout the city. I think Stray Dogs in particular tries to really engage with [the] community. And then generally just giving back. 10% of our proceeds go to Foster Army every month,” Ponce said.
“That’s part of the mission statement of Stray Dogs. So, knowing that we’re trying to actively help out the animal community, specifically the stray dogs community,” Ponce said. “And then trying to help out just anyone in the community who comes through and try to make this a haven that they can kind of feel at home. I think it is a really central part of the mission of this shop.”
California Baptist University students said the shop stood out both for its faith-based mission and its drinks. Allison Nordquist, junior elementary education major, said she frequented the shop.
“Obviously, the matcha is really good. I would say it’s the best in the town, and I think it’s also cool [they are a] Christian company, and so they always have Christian posters, worship nights [and] Bible studies. I also like the vibes there,” Nordquist said.
Customers described the atmosphere as welcoming, with worship music playing throughout the space. Students often used the shop to study or spend time with friends.
“I mean, if [CBU students] want a space to do Bible studies at, that would be a huge thing for them. [Stray Dogs is] always open for that kind of place,” Ponce said. “On Monday nights, the owners host this thing called ‘Stray Nights,’ where they invite people from all around the community, students or whoever to come through.”
Ponce shared Stray Nights included worship, Bible reading and discussion, offering faith-based programming for the community.
“So Monday nights you do that, and then in general [if] you just want a spot that’s laid back and you can feel a bit more at ease about being Baptist or being Christian, this is a space that welcomes all,” Ponce said.
Lauren Williams, senior business administration major, encouraged others to visit the shop.
“Honestly, I feel like you should just go try Stray Dogs. That’s probably the one thing I can leave you with is like just go try it for yourself and try their awesome matcha and other drinks,” Williams said.
Since opening, Stray Dogs Coffee built a community-centered space in Riverside, offering a Christian-owned business that welcomed students and residents alike.
