The Barelas Coffee House was founded on February 14, 1978 by brothers James and Michael Gonzales. Soon after the restaurant's opening, they were joined in the business by their sister Benita Villanueva. The Barelas Coffee House was named after the Barelas neighborhood community where it is located. Four generations of their family have resided in the Barelas neighborhood. The Barelas Coffee House would like to thank all of their loyal customers for their many years of loyal patronage.