Melanie Wexler Running Latte Café, recently soft-launched and already receiving great feedback, is located at 189 North Washington Avenue in Bergenfield. Still in their soft-launch era, Running Latte Café will host their grand opening on March 28th, 2026, which will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a live band, and brand-new menu items. Sisters Missy Duque-Alonso, Linny Duque-Philips, and their cousin Gio Barreto run the café. BG sat down with sisters Missy and Linny to hear the full story behind the business. Read on for more about Bergenfield’s newest cafe, Running Latte.
Background
Missy and Linny grew up in the Clifton/Paterson area and spent many summers on their family’s coffee farm in Colombia. Naturally, coffee became an integral part of their lives. For years, sisters Missy and Linny talked about starting something that connected them back to their Colombian roots. The sisters originally called themselves “Missy and Linny Coffee Company,” and during COVID, they began selling coffee beans and continued for roughly three years.
In 2025, Missy and Linny’s father had a vision for his daughters to open a café. He encouraged them to collaborate with their cousin Gio, who has had years of experience in the restaurant business. The group held meetings for a year. Then, in January of 2026, Missy quit her corporate job to open Running Latte alongside Linny and Gio. Missy and Linny’s father found the spot on Facebook Marketplace, and from there, it was a done deal.
The name “Running Latte” was inspired by a couple of different things. “We’ve been through so many names,” Missy explained. “Us Filipinos and Latinos are always running late, and running was also an inspiration for the name. Linny, Gio, and I love to run. The pun was perfect.” The three coffee cups in Running Latte’s logo represent the three owners: Linny, Missy, and Gio.
About Running Latte Café
The owners proudly call themselves “coffee nerds” which means they’re passionate about coffee, what they drink, and where they source it from. “We are still working with farmers in Colombia; we are never removing them from the equation. From the soil to the bean to the picking… it all matters,” says Missy.
Missy and Linny emphasized that the café is “not just Colombian, it’s a mix of culture and community.” The menu draws inspiration from Colombia and is crafted with the active community in mind. Some popular items include chia bowls and the avocado toast, which is a must-try. The sandwiches and empanadas are great for people coming in hungry. The current drink menu ranges from classic lattes and cappuccinos to cold brew, matcha, and specialty drinks. One of the most-ordered lattes is the Dirty Ube Latte, which combines espresso with ube, milk, and sweet cream.
One thing that sets Running Latte apart from other cafés is its spacious layout. When people think of cafés, they often think of small spaces. This location allows customers to sit and work for long periods of time. There are numerous outlets, and there’s also a parking lot. The team rents out the back room space, or what they like to call “la sala” (Spanish for “living room”), for parties, meetings, or book clubs. When asked about sources of inspiration, Missy and Linny shared that they visited many local cafés to help with ideas. Missy has also received support from fellow business owners in her circle, including Bloombox Flowers, Walnut Street Kitchen, and Vesa Brides in Montclair, as well as Trim & Tassels in Fairfield and Cupily in Nutley.
The owners’ favorite thing about working in Bergenfield has been the warm welcome and embrace from the community. Members of the community have shared that they’ve been wanting a café like this. Missy said, “We are so happy to give this to the community; they deserve it.” Running Latte’s team goals are practically endless. They want to continue championing their community, create holiday specials, host different events, and grow as a team. They also hope to open a second location within the next five years. When asked, “What advice would you give to someone wanting to run their own business?” Missy answered, “One thing I’ve noticed is that we are so dehydrated. Stay hydrated. This is a long journey.”
Running Latte Café is located at 189 North Washington Avenue and is closed on Mondays, open Tuesday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5 PM, and open Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 3 PM. Follow @runninglattecafe on Instagram to see what’s next.
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