A long-held dream has taken shape inside Royersford Commons.
Ulew Café, opened in March by brothers Gerson and Zack Lucas, is the result of years of persistence, shaped by cultural identity, language barriers, and a belief that the right opportunity would eventually come.
“We started this dream 10 years ago,” Lucas said, reflecting on a decade spent planning, overcoming setbacks, learning the craft, and studying coffee.
Today, the brothers have opened their first coffee shop in Royersford, bringing that vision to life.
A Name Rooted in Heritage
The café’s name carries deep personal meaning.
The Lucas brothers are indigenous Guatemalan. Gerson explained that the word “Ulew” comes from their native language, K’iche’, and is connected to the idea of “earth,” a reflection of both the land and the origins of coffee itself.
That connection to origin is central to the café’s philosophy.
“For me, each cup of coffee has a history,” Gerson said.
Gerson emphasized that the focus is on more than flavor. It’s on the people behind the beans Ulew sources from Central America.
“It takes a long time to cultivate coffee, and so many people,” he said, noting the labor and care involved. “It’s not just a machine. It’s more than that.”
That perspective shapes how the café presents its offerings, from traditional drinks like a Mayan-style hot chocolate to house-made food inspired by Guatemalan cuisine.
Overcoming Barriers to Get Here
Reaching this point was not straightforward.
Gerson said one of the biggest challenges came from being an indigenous immigrant navigating language barriers and others’ perceptions. He grew up speaking K’iche’ before learning Spanish — and later English — after arriving in the United States 20 years ago.
That made communication difficult early on, particularly when trying to secure a location or gain support for the business.
“We knocked on the doors of maybe 15 places,” he recalled.
At times, he felt that being indigenous and not speaking fluent English made it harder for others to believe in the vision. Despite those obstacles, Gerson said persistence and faith played a key role.
“The first thing is: believe in God,” he said. “God opened the door.”
Finding a Home in Royersford
Gerson believes that door opened in Royersford.
He described the community as welcoming and supportive, saying the response since opening has reinforced that they chose the right place.
“This community, it’s amazing,” he said, pointing to a unique energy in Royersford that’s hard to describe. “We just knew this was the best place for us.”
Customers have not only shown up but have also offered feedback and encouragement as the café finds its footing in its first weeks.
“We have only been open two weeks, so we’re learning,” he said, noting that customer input is helping shape the business in real time.
Building a Different Kind of Workplace
Beyond the menu, Gerson said one of his priorities is creating a workplace that reflects lessons from his own experience. After working for years in restaurants, he said he wants to treat employees differently, placing emphasis on respect, fair compensation, and a sense of shared purpose.
“They’re very important,” he said of his staff. “We are a team. We are a family.”
That approach extends beyond the café walls. Ulew has already begun collaborating with local schools and organizations, with Gerson emphasizing the importance of giving back to a community that’s supporting his business.
Looking Ahead
For now, the brothers are prioritizing consistency — quality drinks, fresh food, and a welcoming atmosphere — while continuing to refine the business based on customer feedback.
Underlying it all is a message Gerson hopes resonates beyond the café.
“For all the young people: believe in your dreams,” he said. “Don’t give up.”
After 10 years of persistence, that message now lives behind the counter of a small café in Royersford.
