When Rebecca Tapia de la Torre and her husband, Enrique, returned to Colorado after living in Italy for six months, they wanted to bring back some of the Italian culture they'd grown to love. Little did they know they'd soon be running a cafe inside a furniture upholstery shop. Friends of the Tapia de la Torres owned Rico's Upholstery in Wheat Ridge and wanted the couple to open a coffee shop inside their showroom at 5455 West 38th Avenue.

And so Tazza di Caffe was born. The concept, which opened in early January, includes furniture from Rico's on which customers can relax while enjoying a cup of coffee. Founded in 1986, the family-owned Rico's provides a chic backdrop for a cup of coffee because the rotating set of furniture and fabric samples showcases Rico's services: unique coverings, custom-made furniture and furniture repair.