What's Happening?
King Coffee, a popular coffee shop that has operated in Tempe for over a decade, is preparing to move its operations to a larger space in Mesa. The relocation was prompted by the impending demolition of its current building for a new development. Owners
Sallie Figueroa and Joshua Weems identified a former Zio’s Pizza location on University Drive and Longmore Road in Mesa as their new home. This new space offers significant expansion opportunities, including a full kitchen, nearly double the seating capacity for over 50 people, and dedicated areas for community gatherings and art displays. The move is planned to be completed before the holidays, with a full remodel of the new premises currently underway. The family-owned business aims to evolve its offerings to include in-house baked goods and a weekend brunch concept, while also highlighting their Filipino-American and Mexican heritage through food and local art.
Why It's Important?
This move signifies a strategic expansion for King Coffee, allowing the business to grow its culinary offerings and enhance its community engagement. The addition of a full kitchen enables the creation of in-house pastries and breads, which can attract a broader customer base and increase revenue streams. The planned evolution into a weekend brunch concept also positions King Coffee to tap into a different market segment, potentially increasing its appeal beyond its traditional coffee shop clientele. For the city of Mesa, the arrival of an established and community-focused business like King Coffee contributes to the local economy and cultural landscape. It provides a new gathering space for residents and students from nearby educational institutions, potentially fostering a more vibrant community hub in the area. The emphasis on showcasing Filipino-American and Mexican heritage through 'Mexipino fusion' also enriches the local cultural scene, offering unique experiences to patrons.
What's Next?
King Coffee plans to complete the remodel of the former Zio’s Pizza space and aims to open its new Mesa location before the end of the year. The current Tempe shop will remain operational throughout most of the transition, with only a brief downtime expected for equipment transfer and staff training. The owners are actively working on developing new in-house baked goods and a weekend brunch menu to leverage the expanded kitchen facilities. They also intend to continue their tradition of showcasing local artists, with a dedicated wall for rotating artwork in the new space. The business will focus on retaining its existing customer base while attracting new patrons in Mesa, particularly students from Mesa Community College and other nearby schools. The exact opening date will be announced as the remodel progresses.
Beyond the Headlines
The relocation of King Coffee highlights the challenges faced by small businesses in rapidly developing urban areas, where redevelopment projects can displace long-standing establishments. Despite the disruption, this move presents an opportunity for King Coffee to reinvent itself and expand its vision. The owners' decision to infuse their Filipino-American and Mexican heritage into the new concept, dubbed 'Mexipino fusion,' reflects a growing trend of businesses celebrating cultural identity through their offerings. This approach not only differentiates King Coffee in a competitive market but also contributes to the broader cultural tapestry of Mesa. The emphasis on creating a community-oriented space, complete with areas for studying and events, underscores the evolving role of coffee shops as more than just places for beverages, but as vital social and cultural hubs within neighborhoods.
