You’re on a bicycle and cruising down the Chuck Huckelberry Loop (the cool kids call it The Loop), and a much-needed pit stop is on the mind — you’re a little too tired on two tires, so to speak. Dodge Boulevard is on the horizon, and you’re now thinking of a spot you can put your kickstand to work.
Sure, there’s Brandi Fenton Memorial Park with plenty of shade, cold beer is awaiting your arrival at Tucson Hop Shop, and a few other spots in the area would likely suffice. However, if you’re looking for a bit of a pick-me-up, there’s a brick building with a colorful mural on its side eager to take your order.
Last year, Hello Bicycle opened up the doors to its shop, and the crew behind the business is now excited to debut their very own coffee shop: Hello Bicycle & Cafe. The cafe, composed of childhood friends Samuel Lettes, Jordan Lewis, and Marc Padilla, is rollin’ out the theoretical red carpet for its grand opening on Wednesday, August 3.
How it all began
Recalling their memories as kids in Tucson, they wanted to manifest a place they knew their “earlier selves would have been thrilled to stumble upon.”
A little over 10 years ago, Lettes moved to Seattle and began working at a small neighborhood bike shop named Hello Bicycle. At the same time here in Tucson, Lewis and Padilla were getting their first taste of the “entrepreneurial soup they would one day drink together.” The two opened their own IT solutions powerhouse and had “the Geek Squad running for the hills.”
Even though there was a bit of geographic distance between them, the three kept each other up-to-date with their ventures, all while feeding the dream of opening a bike shop with an attached cafe. Turns outs the three friends could only dream for so long before cranking their aspirations into a reality.
When looking for a space that would accommodate their business model, a building on the corner of Dodge Boulevard and Hardy Drive caught their eye. A common path to their post-bike ride hangout, Tucson Hop Shop, they were familiar with the neighborhood.
Like many folks residing in the area, the trio was aware of the lack of coffee shops in the vicinity, and 3702 E. Hardy Dr. seemed like the perfect spot to set up shop.
Keeping the menu local
When opening up a business in Tucson, you get bonus points for involving other local brands. The crew at Hello Bicycle & Cafe has its intentions set on that strategy, including roastings from beloved Yellow Brick Coffee — fancying them up in concoctions such as cappuccinos, lattes, and americanos.
“In the future, we hope to offer roastings from Presta Coffee Roasters as well,” said Lettes.
If you’re craving something else, they’ll have some loose-leaf teas on-hand from the local Maya Tea.
Cycling around The Loop can create an appetite, too, so the cafe will be selling vegan pastries from the popular Houlden’s Rise Above, which is simularly planning to open its own shop very soon.
With the grand opening taking place on Wednesday, August 3, there’s a lot to be excited about. For one, there’s a local coffee shop in the area. Another enticing factor is that the drinks may get you amped up enough to pop a wheelie right into Tucson Hop Shop immediately after. Perhaps most importantly, the childhood friends are planning to keep supporting local in more ways than one.
“We’ll be adding in monthly limited engagement bakers,” said Lettes, “as well as monthly artists displayed in the cafe.”
If you’re an artist and interested in having a pop-up of your own, shoot over a request to info@hellobicycle.com. Plus, Hello Bicycle is currently hiring full-time and part-time baristas, so send a resume to info@hellobicycle.com as well or drop one off at the shop.
The coffee shop will be open from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily. If you’re in the market for a nifty upgrade to your bicycle or have any questions about repairs, the bike shop is open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Wednesday – Sunday.
Hello Bicycle & Cafe is located at 3702 E. Hardy Dr. For more information, follow Hello Bicycle on Instagram or visit hellobicycle.com.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
