the story behind the arizona coffee shop directory

By day, I’m a technology architect and engineer. I spend my time designing and implementing complex systems where every little detail matters. But for the past ten years, my true passion has been a different kind of system: the art and science of a perfect espresso shot!

For most of my life, I thought coffee was just… coffee. The dark often burnt stuff you find in a drip pot, roasted months ago and designed simply to get me through the morning. That all changed when I had my first cup of truly great specialty-grade coffee. It was a revelation. Suddenly, I discovered a world of flavors, notes, and characteristics I never knew existed. I was hooked.

My obsession grew. After moving from Northern Virginia to Houston, and finally finding my home in the East Valley of Phoenix, my kitchen started to look like a science lab. I graduated to a Breville Oracle Touch and a Turin DF80-V grinder, dialing in shots and steaming milk for the 2-4 lattes that now fuel my day. (And yes, I’m already dreaming of upgrading to the new Oracle Dual Boiler if my budget ever allows it).

But as much as I loved perfecting my craft at home, my real joy came from exploring. And I fell deeply in love with Arizona.

From the red rocks of Sedona to the historic streets of Bisbee, I spend my weekends hiking, biking, and driving all over this beautiful state. And every journey, of course, requires a coffee stop. I quickly realized that a simple search for “coffee near me” just wasn’t cutting it.

I wasn’t just looking for any caffeine. I was looking for a vibe. A taste. A place with a story. A shop that was meticulously sourcing its beans, or one with a quiet patio perfect for a post-hike recharge. I was searching for the best shop for me right then and there.

That’s when my two worlds collided: my life as an technology architect and my passion for espresso. I decided to build the tool I wished I had.

The Arizona Coffee Shop Directory is the result of countless miles driven, far too many lattes and espresso shots to count, and a genuine desire to celebrate the independent spirit of this state’s coffee scene. It’s a passion project built by an engineer’s mind but fueled by a coffee lover’s heart.

As for those brutal 100+ degree summer days? They just serve as the perfect excuse to stay inside, drink an iced latte, and spend a few more hours coding on this site. There’s always another great shop to discover and plan a trip to!

My hope is that this guide helps you find your perfect cup. Let’s explore this beautiful state together, one coffee shop at a time.

Cheers,

Ozzy Osman