It looks like there’s a mess at Citizen Espresso Bar – the old Lola location on Campbell and Central. It appears to have started on April 19th, when the lead barista, Tiffany, was forced out by her mother, Sherry Dew.
Tiffany Dew published this message on the coffee shops public page on Facebook which drove speculation on Twitter:
“This message is to let you all know that Tiffany and her incredible vision for Citizen Espresso Bar and our community is no longer.
As of last week, Tiffany was threatened and forced to leave her own coffee bar for the last time by her investor = mother.
The amazing morning team assembled has also been terminated and so has the in house baker and baked goods. Your new Citizen owner / operator will now be souring [sic] you fine Costco and Fry’s baked goods a portion of the week.
Tiffany and I want to thank all of you for your support in what we truly felt was an amazing opportunity, vision, and concept for the community… and we were just getting started.
There is much to this disgusting story — but for now know our hearts are broken by someone we trusted and approached to partner in the creation of Citizen.
One of the coolest creative spaces in Phoenix is Monorchid, and a new coffee shop is opening soon inside that space. It’s called Songbird Coffee and from what I understand, will be opening in late May to early June.
It isn’t often you hear of a local coffee shop being sold to one of its baristas.
But that happened this week.
Lola Coffee has sold its uptown location on Central Ave. to its barista, Tiffany. They made the announcement on Facebook. Not much is known except the new name — Citizen Espresso Bar. It already has a Facebook and Yelp profile. One exciting change: expanded hours (Mon – Sun: 7am to 8pm).
Citizen Espresso Bar will continue to serve coffee from Lola Coffee but will be adding an in-house baker.
Citizen Espresso Bar
4700 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (602) 265-5652
Here’s a sweet video showing the new Shine Coffee on ABC 15. They show the inside of their Airstream which they drive all around the valley making espresso drinks. Pretty cool idea. In the video, they say it took almost 9 months to fully renovate the Airstream and get set up for business. They buy coffee from a variety of local coffee roasters, according to the video. Laryn Blok, co-founder, says: “Make friends with your local roaster.” Such great advice.
One of my favorite coffee shops in the Phoenix area is Copper Star Coffee. The location on 7th Ave is not far from my business, so on a recent morning I stopped in and did some work. In contrast to many nearby coffee shops (such as Lux), I found the environment to be completely peaceful. The music was nice (and quiet), there was enough open space and empty seats that I could choose where to sit.
In addition, they have that amazing garage door that opens in the winter — did you know their location used to be a vehicle repair shop?
Cozy environment – and they bake amazing muffins and cupcakes. And pies, too.
Black Cat Coffee is now open. It’s in the Safeway Shopping Center on Indian School Rd at 47th St.
They are serving Passport Coffee, a variety of local pastries, and have large open front doors. It’s a couple of doors down from Over Easy (where Sacks sandwiches used to be).
On my way to the office on Thursday morning I stopped at Lux to have a cappuccino and experience the new shop. Just about a month ago is when Lux moved from their old location a few feet away to the larger and more expansive building next door.
My first impressions when entering was that the shop was amazingly detailed inside. It is apparent that a lot of attention and care has been invested into every corner of the store.
It’s unlike any other coffee shop I have ever visited.
My cappuccino was dry (the foam was airy), and that’s not how I like mine (To me, it seems like a waste of a perfect chance to make some frothy, creamy milk). But, I did enjoy a shot of espresso, thanks to ​Jeff Fischer, which was delicious.
Damian Serafine emailed me the other day to let me know about his new coffee shop in the downtown area. He writes:
One Coffee Co, opened 4 months ago at One N. Central, Phx, AZ 85004. I have been in the coffee Business for over 18 years. Actually, Daniel Wayne (Lux, Lola) and I opened the first coffee house downtown Phx! Anyways, would appreciate a listing on your site and you def need to get in here to taste our blend. Yes, I roast, named after my new daughter…Sofia’s Blend.
The new Lux is opening this month and they’ve updated their web site with a time lapse video showing the construction. The new shop, named Lux Central, opens on Monday, August 8th with expanded hours.
It looks like there’s a mess at Citizen Espresso Bar – the old Lola location on Campbell and Central. It appears to have started on April 19th, when the lead barista, Tiffany, was forced out by her mother, Sherry Dew. 
One of the coolest creative spaces in Phoenix is 
Here’s a 
