Ricky Hidalgo Opens Viva Barista in Winston-Salem
The 18-year-old shop owner brings specialty coffee preparation techniques to downtown Winston-Salem.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Coffee

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Entrepreneur Ricky Hidalgo has officially opened his new coffee shop, Viva Barista, located near 5th Street in downtown Winston-Salem. The shop emphasizes high-quality preparation methods and specialty coffee.
Why it matters
The shop introduces specialized brewing techniques to the downtown area that were honed through professional training in El Salvador. This arrival adds a unique craft-focused option to the local coffee scene.
The shop is owned by Ricky Hidalgo, who is 18 years old. He holds specialized certifications in coffee production earned in El Salvador.
The players
Ricky Hidalgo
He is an 18-year-old entrepreneur and the owner of the newly opened Viva Barista coffee shop in downtown Winston-Salem.
Viva Barista
This is a new coffee shop located near 5th Street that specializes in pour-over brewing techniques.
The details
Viva Barista operates near 5th Street, focusing on the pour-over brewing technique that allows for manual control over water temperature, flow rate, and grounds saturation. Hidalgo leverages his international certification to maintain these precise preparation standards.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: The article is published.
Culture Shift
This opening reflects the rise of independent specialty coffee micro-roasters, a trend prioritizing craft techniques over traditional commercial volume. By focusing on manual brewing methods, the shop marks a shift toward artisanal consumer experiences in the local downtown economy.
Residents in the downtown area now have access to a new coffee destination centered on manual, pour-over brewing. Visitors should expect a focus on precision-crafted beverages that prioritize individual control over standard automated preparation.
The takeaway
The shop demonstrates that precise preparation techniques like pour-over brewing remain a staple of the specialty coffee movement. Customers looking for a more deliberate brewing experience can support this local business to access higher-quality, manually controlled coffee.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the local Coffee scene in Winston-Salem.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Myfox8.
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