Early1800s In the early 19th century, the Nicaraguan government decided to encourage development of a coffee industry by offering a $5 rebate, in gold, for every coffee plant under cultivation. Other Central American nations were already enjoying success in coffee production, and the terrain and weather promised similar success for Nicaragua.

Late 1800s With word of this new opportunity spreading in the United States, as well as in Europe adventurous Germans, Danes, English and others heard the call to emigrate to Nicaragua. Upon arrival these newcomers blended into the local populations, and together they forged a new industry. By the late 1800's, Nicaraguan coffee, transported to the Pacific port of Corintovia mule train, and was being exported worldwide.

Early 1900s Santa Rita, the original family estate (or "finca"), was first planted by English immigrants. In the  early 1920's, world coffee prices plummeted and the owners lost the property. Native Nicaraguan Julio Cisne Monteagudo purchased the estate in 1922, and it has been continuously in production under the family's watchful eye ever since.

Early 2000s The fifth generation of the family had sold their green beans in Austin for many years and decided in 2004 that it was time for them to be roasted here as well, ensuring that every batch was fresh and treated with the same care each handpicked bean had grown to deserve.