King Coffee Will Open New Mesa Location by Holidays
The local roastery is relocating from Tempe to a former pizza site to expand its seating and kitchen capabilities.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Coffee
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King Coffee will move its roastery and café operations from Tempe to a new site in Mesa before the holidays of 2026. The relocation is driven by the planned demolition of the business's current building for a new development.
Why it matters
The move allows the business to transition into a new weekend brunch concept while providing increased capacity for customers. This expansion addresses limitations at their current 11-year home in Tempe.
The new site at University Drive and Longmore Road will feature a full kitchen and seating for more than 50 people. The new location is situated approximately 5 miles from the current shop.
The players
King Coffee
This local business operates a coffee roastery that has served the community for over a decade.
The details
The owner is managing the buildout process personally, which includes hiring subcontractors and completing demolition work on the former Zio's Pizza site. The shop will remain closed for a one-week period while equipment is moved and staff are trained in the new facility.
Timeline
King Coffee opened its original Tempe location in 2015.
Landlords notified the owners of building demolition plans three years ago.
The new Mesa location is targeted to open before the holidays of 2026.
Culture Shift
This transition follows a broader trend of independent retailers revitalizing defunct restaurant spaces to gain necessary square footage for modern service models. By converting a former pizzeria into a roastery with a full kitchen, the business is participating in the shift toward more communal, food-centric hospitality environments.
Mesa residents can expect the arrival of a new weekend brunch option by the end of 2026. The new location will provide significant additional seating for the community compared to the previous, smaller setup in Tempe.
The takeaway
Relocating a business requires extensive logistical planning, including managing short-term operational downtime to ensure long-term growth. Entrepreneurs should prioritize multi-use space to allow for future menu expansions like brunch concepts.
Further reading
For more updates on local establishments, visit the Mesa Coffee section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Phoenix New Times.
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