Located off Roosevelt Row in Downtown Phoenix, Kahvi is a coffeeshop/bar that specializes in coffee drinks and quality breakfast and lunch foods. The store opened in July 2021 and has become a Phoenix staple since its creation.

Shift Lead David Alvarado Giottonini has worked at the shop for over a year and prizes the store’s unique atmosphere.

“I think Kahvi stands out due to a few things: [Q]uality food that is made by a kitchen that truly values its work [and] baristas and staff that offer a very welcoming, friendly and accepting atmosphere,” Giottonini said. “The building itself, an old and historic building that rose in the [19]20s as a factory, still serves its community as a cafe, among other things, and offers a unique, grand and resilient feeling space.”

Fellow ASU student Stephanie Doty, is a hardworking shift lead at Kahvi that appreciates the shop’s space and what it allows for.

“What makes [Kahvi] different from other coffee shops is the amount of space we have,” Doty said. “Sometimes it’s a slow morning with just a few people, sometimes it’s a busy weekend and it feels like a party.

With Kahvi only  open until 6:00 p.m. daily and being larger than a typical coffee shop, the space can be rented out for the night to host events. Such previous events include comedy shows, DJ performances, weddings and yoga classes.

With Kahvi only being a 10-minute walk from ASU’s Downtown Campus, many students start their morning and end their evenings at the shop.

“For college students, [Kahvi has] caffeine, space for studying and room for people,” Doty said. “As a college [student] myself, I appreciate the versatility and have a three-hour study session, or with friends [where] we can take over an entire table with our notes and cards.”

Despite living in Surprise (about 45 minutes away from Kahvi), Michelle Fuller is a regular customer who appreciates Kahvi’s integration of coffee and bar drinks.

“The atmosphere is cool, comfortable and inviting [and is] a great place to meet a friend for coffee or a glass of wine,” Fuller said. “Having the bar integrated with the coffee shop is a unique touch that large coffee chains do not offer.”

Kahvi serves an array of cocktails, wine and beers from open to close with some of their signature drinks including an espresso martini, Day Drinker Light Lager and mimosas.

Kahvi has built an environment where the employees feel welcomed around one another and push the warm atmosphere in the building.

“I’ve met some wonderful people because of Kahvi, some who are close friends and people I feel great around,” Giottonini said. “We have so many amazing artists, creators, self driven people [and] amazing [customers] I have the pleasure to connect with. Kahvi has a very special draw of people that creates its warm heart.”