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If you were to ask some celestial higher power to distill sunshine, passion, and joy, then pour its essence into someone’s soul, you’d have the owner and operator of Espressoul Café, Eris Movahedi.
I first got to sample their drinks when they had their truck set up at the Tucson Hip Hop Festival, keeping the artists and patrons refreshed and hydrated throughout the day. Movahedi and their partner Derek James have a charisma that leaves a lasting impression — even after a single encounter.
I observed folks walking around with these bright, vibrant drinks and I knew I had to track them down.
I have a large weak spot for all things prickly pear and they had one on their menu: The Mt. Lemmon. This glass of liquid velvet infused with the soul of the desert sun left me speechless.
Espressoul also has a selection of tasty treats on offer that perfectly compliment the drink companions. There is a myriad of tasty drinks, and fun places to get them around town, but Espressoul is one that you will absolutely want to seek out.
Tucson Foodie: So, how did the cart get started?
Eris Movahedi: Growing up Persian, flavor has always been as important as poems to us. I grew up watching my grandparents and my mother create incredible flavors with the most simple ingredients. I have been gaining inspiration from them since I was nine years old. I developed a passion for creating flavorful creations, both for food and drink.
I was blessed to start Espressoul with the help of my mother and my pops who did everything in their power to bring Espressoul to life. We converted an older U-Haul truck to the rolling artwork you see us working out of today. My pops handled the building aspects; from purchasing to building it piece by piece.
I wanted Espressoul to look like a canvas, so my Mother blessed me with her beautiful artwork by hand painting the truck front to back. The end result is a beautiful home for teamwork with lots of love that allows Espressoul to serve the community.
TF: You said your prickly pear is locally-sourced. Can you elaborate on that a bit?
EM: As a small business owner, I am very motivated to collaborate with other small businesses and become a bigger part of the community. I’m grateful to have found Arizona Cactus Ranch prickly pear, as they produce pure nectar of prickly pear. It has 73% percent of your daily Vitamin C among many more health benefits. It’s important to Espressoul to provide healthy and tasty refreshments to our customers.
Two of Espressoul’s most popular drinks are made with prickly pear — the Arizona Sunrise, which is pineapple juice and prickly pear, and the Mt. Lemmon, which is lemonade with prickly pear.
TF: What is your five-year goal?
EM: One of my biggest dreams is to create jobs for the community and be blessed enough to give as much as possible. Without the Tucson community’s support, Espressoul wouldn’t be where it is today so we are striving to give back however we can. We aspire to have multiple locations all over Tucson and potentially different states.
TF: Where can people find you?
EM: At this time, Espressoul is mobile on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On Thursday through Sunday, you can find Espressoul at Rozet Nursery, located at 7707 E. 22nd St. from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. They have a beautiful and green lounge area that is perfect for summertime.
We are also available to be booked for private events, corporate events, employee and teacher appreciations, and more. Espressoul is fully-licensed, insured, and equipped to serve you and your guests.
If you spot this rolling art, drink, snack, and love-fueled machine, be sure to stop by and ask for a Mt. Lemmon and a hunk of baklava.
To keep up with Espressoul Café, follow them on Instagram, where they frequently post their location and samplings of what they have to offer.
