So, apparently Lux Coffee Bar is going to do something about their enormous success and expand. However, from the article in the Arizona Republic it sounds to me like the new focus will be a beverage-driven-pub (with a bar) and coffee will be just a component of the new “public house.”
Instead of a full-service restaurant, it will a “beverage-driven pub” with small plates served at the counter and bar. He promises “manicured cocktails” that emphasize the classics.
You’ll still be able to get a caffeine fix — “coffee will be a component,” he says.
Sounds interesting, and I’m guessing they’re not going to abandon their coffee success… but it makes me curious what will happen to the current building?
Update: Chow Bella says the move will probably happen in May.
Lux Coffee Bar
4404 N. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (602) 696-9976
I learned about a new coffee roaster this morning called Arcadia Coffee Roasters. I actually discovered them on Twitter, and thought I’d share.
From their web site and Tweets, I gather they’ve been in business since last year and officially began roasting for customers in December.
ACR does coffee roasting a bit different than most establishments. Arcadia roasts coffee in a custom built drum which is fashioned for use in a traditional (albeit, a very nice) Grand Turbo Grill. No computers, no buttons, no bells to tell us when the beans are done!
This approach requires us to pay careful attention to the coffee as it makes its way through the roasting cycles. We roast with our senses, paying close attention to a pleathora of variables but relying on smell, sound and sight. With Arcadia, you are truly getting roasts which have been “crafted”. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
Press Coffee has quickly been improving the appearance of the shop at Scottsdale Quarter. They got rid of the hospital-green walls, added some new comfy lounge chairs, and have been adding new artwork.
I recently stopped by to take some photos, and am including a few of them here. You’ll notice a few shots of their amazing 3-group Synesso. They have the only one like it in Arizona, and if you’re into gadgets — especially espresso machines — you’ll want to check it out!
Which shops have the best menu design? Here’s a photo I took today of the menu board at Giant Coffee (downtown Phoenix). It’s all chalk (I think) and I love the colors.
Rhino Caffe in Queen Creek is so far away, I rarely have the opportunity to visit. That’s why when I saw this write-up by Caroline Vega I asked to republish it.
by Caroline Vega
A vibrant new coffee shop café is creating quite a stir in the heart of Queen Creek. The family-owned Rhino Caffe encompasses a coffee shop, ice cream parlor, deli, bakery and local artist gallery, all in one. It’s perfect for a quick bite or for business networking with large tables available, free wifi and lots of locally roasted coffee.
Rhino Caffe specializes in using the freshest, local ingredients for creating appetizing salad and sandwich selections such as the Italian Rhino ($6.99 full, $4.49 half) which features a trifecta of classic Italian meats served with roasted red peppers, lettuce/tomato and feta vinaigrette served on a baguette. Lovely vegetarian options include the hummus and grilled pita ($4.99) or Caprese Baguette ($5.99 full, $3.99 half) with mozzarella, tomato, pesto balsamic/olive oil served on a baguette.
Royal Coffee Bar has opened a second location at the Biltmore shopping center. They announced the opening this morning on Twitter.
OFFICIALLY open at the Biltmore! Come by and enjoy a beautifully prepared coffee!less than a minute ago via webHayes McNeil royalcoffeebar
Rumors of this location opening have been coming for a while, but only recently was the spot discussed and mentioned on Twitter by @matthewpetro, @brian_clemens, and @sirobins. They have apparently been waiting for about a week to open due to inspection delays (gossip).
I’m excited about visiting, and checking it out! Royal will be located on the south side facing Camelback Rd. near the Ralph Lauren (thanks for the directions, @sirobins!)
To answer that question, I believe email is still the number one app on the web. Everybody uses it, and it’s a really great way to connect with people.
For that reason, I am considering starting up the Arizona Coffee email newsletter again, after a year or so on hiatus. If I were to start it up, I’d probably do something every 3-6 months and keep it short and sweet. What kinds of info would you want to see? Maybe a list of new coffee shops since the previous issue? Maybe a guest article? Perhaps some sort of contest or promotion?
I understand there is a new coffee shop in Anthem called Java Worx. They’re serving coffee roasted by The Roastery of Cave Creek (that’s actually how I heard about it, from their Facebook page).
I emailed Jim Mulvihill of Java Worx and asked him to tell me a little bit about the shop, and he told me that it “features Premium Organic Coffee, Chai tea, Real Fruit Smoothies, Italian Sodas.” He added that they also serve “Fresh to Order made Wraps and Salads and a varity of desserts.”
Java Worx
3668 W Anthem Way Ste B150
Anthem, AZ 85086
Phone: (623) 551-7979
I’m pleased to introduce the newest sponsor of Arizona Coffee, a company called Canyon Oats Food Company. They’re based in St. George, Utah, and specialize in oatmeal to-go products made specifically for coffee shops.
On New Years Eve I went over to Village Coffee in Scottsdale to get a drink with my wife. I’m not sure why, but I was amazed by how many people were there. Here’s a photo. My wife and I literally got the last two seats in the back. There were at least 30 people there, and more were arriving when we left. This is pretty typical for a place like Lux, but it’s just interesting to me for the day, and place.
So, apparently Lux Coffee Bar is going to do something about their enormous success and expand. However, from the article in the Arizona Republic it sounds to me like the new focus will be a beverage-driven-pub (with a bar) and coffee will be just a component of the new “public house.”
ACR does coffee roasting a bit different than most establishments. Arcadia roasts coffee in a custom built drum which is fashioned for use in a traditional (albeit, a very nice) Grand Turbo Grill. No computers, no buttons, no bells to tell us when the beans are done!
by Caroline Vega 
I understand there is a new coffee shop in Anthem called 
