COMO Arepas takes its name from the city it resides in, paying homage to Columbia and embracing the essence of Venezuelan cuisine, a symbol that reflects both the roots of our coffeehouse and the rich culture of Venezuela.
Originally, the concept for the coffeehouse wasn't a firm goal for Jose and Yumivia Rojas, the husband-and-wife duo and co-owners. It emerged as a suggestion from our local community. However, fueled by community support, the couple delved into market studies and initiated limited to-go orders with the help of CoMo Cooks, a local shared kitchen space, in early 2021. This test validated the desire for authentic Venezuelan cooking in Columbia.
The success of these endeavors led Jose and Yumivia to seize the opportunity to transform the former Aroma Coffeehouse into COMO Arepas in late 2022. Since then, our focus has remained on serving the diverse flavors and providing impeccable service to the local community members and Mizzou students who played a crucial role in making COMO Arepas a reality.
At COMO Arepas, we strive to serve our community and create a space where people can form meaningful and authentic connections, embracing cultural differences and beliefs, instilling a sense of home and belonging in all who walk through our doors.
