Coffee bar overflow along Phoenix light rail

Posted on 28. Apr, 2009 by Tony Arranaga in News

UPDATE: neighboring business owner reaction, links, picture

Savvy entrepreneurs in Phoenix are snatching up prime property along the new light rail system and turning empty lots or landmark buildings into coffee bars.

Just stop by any locally owned coffee house and you can see why: a line of customers at least four or five deep is typical at any given time either at Lux Coffee Bar or further south on Central Avenue at Fair Trade.

Lux Coffee Bar on Central Avenue in Phoenix (Central and Campbell light rail stop)

According to the National Coffee Association the industry has proven resilient, even in economically challenging times. While there may be a small number of less frequent coffee drinkers across America, 54 percent of the adult population is still partaking in coffee consumption.

“Consumers still see coffee as an integral part of their everyday lives,” says NCA President Robert Nelson.

Two new coffee houses are set to open in the coming months along the light rail. A Dutch Bros. is set to open at Central and Camelback, and not far away coffee lovers will be able to get their daily grind at Lola’s near the Landmark Tower on Central Avenue.

While some may point out national coffee house chains are struggling, others say there’s a need for more locally owned places to grab a cup o’ joe along the light rail. Especially now that new light rail commuters are seeing different parts of the Valley on their way to work.

Northwest Valley resident Matt Petro takes the light rail to commute to Tempe several times a month. Petro says he likes to stop along the way for coffee, and is more likely to come back during his off time to visit a neighboring business.

“I don’t just commute through,” says Petro. “I like to come to First Friday, and spend money at restaurants and other businesses.”

The foot traffic is a welcome sight for any business.

“We’re a destination,” says Lew Gallo of Haus Modern Living, which sits two doors down from the new Lola’s on Central. “So if you get the foot traffic, that person who walks by and picks up a greeting card, 20 times a day, that’s huge!”

Oliver and Annie owner Chris Pulvermacher agrees, as he rings up a bag of dog food and treats at his store in the same mall.

“I’m only six months old,” says Pulvermacher. “People lingering out front will help my dollar.”

Links:

Haus Modern Living

Oliver and Annie