Spencer's Place

Spencer's Place is a specialty coffee shop in Marley Park (Surprise) with a mission that matters more than any espresso machine or latte art ever could. They also have a newer location on Cotton Lane.

A sign behind the barista bar reads "Brewing a stronger community one cup at a time." That is not just a motto. That is exactly what they do.

The coffee program is a multi roaster setup. The Guatemala single origin (medium roast) is sourced from Clay Coffee and the espresso beans are a dark roast single origin from Nicaragua supplied by Cactus Licker out of Scottsdale. The machine is a Thermoplan Mastrena which is a super automatic. I have shared my feelings about super automatics and dark roasts in other reviews on this site so I will not repeat myself here. I ordered the Spencer Cinnamon Latte (cold, medium size) which is listed as the least sweet drink on the menu. Their menu is organized from least sweet at the top to sweetest at the bottom which I thought was a nice touch. The drink was well mixed with no heavy flavors settling at the base. A hint of cinnamon with caramel came through cleanly. It was good. The menu also features a variety of specialty lattes, frappes and seasonal drinks alongside a large selection of pastries from local bakeries with numerous gluten free options.

The space is warm and inviting. Outside there is a shaded patio with umbrella seating. Inside the atmosphere is cozy and homey. A lush green faux plant wall covers one section. Living room style seating fills the room alongside soft gray walls and warm wood tables. It all feels relaxed and community centered.

Now for the part that matters most. Spencer's Place is known as "a place with a purpose" and that purpose is to employ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The national unemployment rate for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is 80%. That number includes people within our communities, families and schools. People who are capable but have not been given the opportunity or the resources.

Spencer's Place was founded by Karin York after her son Spencer was born with Down syndrome. That experience led her to a career in special education and 31 years later to opening this cafe as a way to show the community the beauty of inclusion

During my visit I met Karin and watched her run the shop and work alongside the team. She was right there with the team. You could tell she built something she is proud of and the people working alongside her felt that pride too. Encouraging, patient and genuinely present. It was inspiring to see.

I review a lot of coffee shops. I talk about beans and roast levels and espresso machines because that is what I enjoy. But every once in a while I walk into a place that reminds me that a coffee shop can be more than a coffee shop. Spencer's Place is one of those places. The coffee got me through the door. The mission is what stayed with me after I left.