We’ve all been there — trapped in a drowsy, uninspired heap of slow movements and lethargic responses. Some reach for a sugary concoction of amped-up artificial fruit juices, while others simply get more sleep during the day.
However, it’s hard to one-up a warm (or cold) cup of coffee that’s been brewed here locally. Tucson’s full of wonderful and unique coffee shops, and one of them is Roadrunner Coffee Co.
The very first Roadrunner Coffee shop opened up on the northwest side of town back in 2008, serving hand-crafted espresso and coffee drinks, smoothies, Italian sodas, sandwiches, and pastries. In 2021, the crew took a leap and opened up its first drive-thru stand for those on the run.
Most recently, those on the lobby floor of 5151 E. Broadway Blvd. — the multiple-story tower near Craycroft Road— have been enjoying the aromatics of brewed coffee, fresh pastries, and warm smiles. It’s much smaller than the original location at 9665 N. Thornydale Rd. #110, but it still offers a good amount of drinks and treats.
“We’re offering a wide range of both locally roasted specialty espresso with the help of Tucson Coffee Roasters, as well as locally-baked pastries from Sunrise Baking Co.,” said Darren Mills, owner of Roadrunner Coffee Co. “Plus, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, burritos, lunch wraps, and more.”
Being that they’re now inside a building that’s filled with different businesses, the tenants have been frequent customers, but they’re also open to the general public.
“We’re happy to serve customers in a real office and to make their day that much better with a delicious drink, breakfast, or lunch,” said Mills. “The 5151 tenants and customers have been wonderful and are just as excited to have us in the building as we are to be there.”
“For us, expanding as a small business during COVID has been a challenge,” said Mills, “But with the help from the team at Picor/515, they’ve made the process smooth.”
Hours of operation
The newest location, 5151 E. Broadway Blvd. is open 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Monday – Friday, and the drive-thru location at 1545 W. Wetmore Rd. is open 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Monday – Friday and 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Also, you can’t forget the original location at 9665 N. Thornydale Rd. #110, which is open 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Monday – Friday and 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, visit roadrunnercoffeeco.com. If you’re wanting to get ahead in line, order through the Joe app.
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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.
