As part of our unique coffee shop series, we’re highlighting local gems that are transforming the way we experience coffee culture. Brick Road Coffee, co-founded by Gabe Hagen and his husband Jesse Shank, is a shining example of how a coffee shop can be so much more than its brews—it can be a haven where people feel truly at home.
Located at 4415 S. Rural Road, Suite 10 in Tempe, Brick Road Coffee opened its doors in late 2021. For Hagen, the decision to open Brick Road Coffee was rooted in a personal journey of purpose and self-reflection.
“The COVID-19 pandemic left folks with a lot of time to think and re-think about their mission and purpose, and that’s precisely what I did. I left the world of finance and banking and decided to fulfill a desire to serve my community by way of a local coffee shop owner,” Hagen said. “Coffee shops have always been a place of comfort and refuge for me. They offer a place of connection and community many don’t find at home or school.”
The space is designed to embrace everyone, no matter their background or where they are on their personal journey. Community is the foundation on which the coffee shop is built. With the recent acquisition of a local roasting company, the team aims to bring locally roasted coffee to a wider audience and create a larger space for community events.
“My goal was to create a space where people from all walks of life could come and be their authentic selves without judgement,” Hagen said. “The most rewarding part of Brick Road Coffee has been witnessing the connections and friendships that blossom within our space.”
A design with a message
The cafe’s name and aesthetic are a thoughtful nod to “The Wizard of Oz” and a play on the phrase “Friend of Dorothy,” used by the LGBTQ+ community to identify other members of the community.
Subtle design elements pay homage to the classic film and the LGBTQ+ community. The mural and focal point in the cafe was done by Tempe artist Paige Ressor. There’s also a curated mural by Corie Matte (LA Hope Dealer) that lines the hallway.
“In the film, Dorothy sets out on a journey of self-discovery only to realize that all one needs to find oneself is self-realization and acceptance. We have taken this philosophy and made it our mission to accept everyone as they are,” Hagen said. “Creating a community culture where friends and neighbors, new and old alike, can come together is just as important as creating the perfect latte.”
They also have a LGBTQ+ lending library filled with books by queer authors located right by the projection wall which streams “Golden Girls” from open until close.
Signature offerings and community events
While the atmosphere is a key draw, Brick Road Coffee also shines with its signature drinks and locally sourced treats. Seasonal offerings, like the Wicked drink special, created in partnership with ASU Gammage, add a touch of creativity to the menu. The Flying Monkey, a bold concoction featuring six espresso shots, is a standout for those needing an extra boost.
The cafe's pastries, sourced from local bakeries, cater to a variety of dietary needs, offering gluten-free and vegan options to ensure everyone can indulge.
The space has also become a hub for community activities and partnerships. From queer book club meet-ups and game nights to sexual health outreach presentations and political gatherings, Brick Road Coffee provides a welcoming environment for diverse groups to connect.
More than a coffee shop
Brick Road Coffee is a testament to the power of community and the impact of creating a space where everyone feels welcome.
“It’s where people celebrate their victories, no matter how big or small, and they find comfort and support during grief… There’s something incredibly humbling about knowing that so many powerful emotions and meaningful moments have unfolded here,” Hagen said. “It reminds us every day why we built Brick Road Coffee—to be a space where community thrives, where people feel seen, and where they can come together to share life’s highs and lows.”
For more information about Brick Road Coffee or to find upcoming events visit brickroadtempe.com.
