Beanchain Coffee — Restaurant in Mesa

(Not generated with AI)

(I'm sitting outside the coffee shop and someone approaches)

Someone: Hello Jon.

(Cast: Someone: Elizabeth Woolridge Grant: Lana Del Rey)

Jon: I don't have much time so I wanted to tell you about this place.

Lana: About the coffee shop?

(Lana sits down)

Lana: It's hot out here. Are you alright, Jon?

Jon: I don't have a place to stay, and... they offered me some food. A coffee and a sandwich and chips every day.

Lana: And you do love chips! Didn't you make a film about that?

Jon: Yes, it was 8mm and it was just me eating chips for two and a half minutes. Silly really. (Jon smiles) But yeah... and they're giving me a meal and I'm homeless. It's nice of them, and I'm difficult and... it doesn't matter, but... it's good to see you.

Lana: You could help out, if they want. Being homeless... you can't exactly have a job, but...

Jon: I offered. You know and they could give the free meal to someone else. But today, I was trying to be nice while I ate my meal outside. You know, saying hi to people as they came in. It's funny: the first time I came in to this coffee shop, I actually had money and they played one of your songs.

Lana: Which one?

Jon: "Ride" actually. Which is funny because I used to have a motorcycle.

Lana: And what's your favorite song by Lana? Because you know, this isn't Lana Del Rey. And it isn't Elizabeth Woolridge Grant. And there's still time to critique her music. Before she releases her next album.

Jon: I started a new Instagram, and I intend to finish this time. I'll start over with "Video Games." And, with regard to your question, not-Lana del Rey, my favorite song by Elizabeth Woolridge Grant is "Say Yes to Heaven." And, in the last year, walking around and losing so much, I've certainly found God. The new Instagram is @ArcadiaBodyElectric. And I'll be discussing a lot, including my November 2019 controversial medical treatments, which I refer to as:

Lana: (gazes at Jon deeply) Yes, I know, Jon: you call it...

Great spot to work remote and support a cool business model

First impression: it looked like a small hole in the wall of a shopping strip mall, but it's large and open inside! I was greeted with a big warm smile from Shannon and with a cute little joke I found out she and her husband, David, who was making drinks next to her, are the owners. With a great deal of pride, she explained the concept of Beanchain to me. They opened about a year ago as a worker-directed (co-op) business plan. The idea is to help workers out of poverty by giving them ownership, a say, and profit sharing. This is the only location so far, but I hope to see great things in their future.

My pumpkin chai, with a shot of espresso, was delicious and warmed me to my core. The avocado croissant was simple and yet so good. My taste buds were dancing with the combo of earthy avocado, juicy tomato, and the sweet balsamic glaze.

I enjoyed the comfy couches and coffee table near the book shelves, but there were many tables and booths throughout the space. Each seat has a power outlet and QR code to order without stepping away from your laptop. A 330sq ft conference room is open for a group to rent. Through another door is a quiet space with individual workspaces, but the whole area can also be rented by the hour as well as three private offices for rent. Shelves and tables are filled with items for sale by local artisans, and there's even a small tattoo studio in one of the back office spaces.

I live 30 minutes away and came to check out out thanks to a YELP Elite Squad event. On the drive, I was thinking, what a long drive to try out a place I'll never return to. As soon as I was interacting with Shannon I knew this was a place that I would drive back to and...

I really admire their mission and charter, but I had no idea about that before I went. All I knew from the onset was that I was out for avocado toast and that was my laser focus that morning. The service was great, the atmosphere is pretty chill, but again I was there for the avocado toast. I have been on a e4mission to find an establishment that can match or best The Bakehouse Downtown in Fort Payne, Alabama.

Once I saw that they use a balsamic drizzle on theirs, I had to know. I was pleasantly surprised that they do an excellent job. The croissant is a very unique touch and the portion was excellent. My only criticism would be the tomatoes and seasoning. It was very rustic and very simple, but what elevates what my mind considers the best of the best is the cherry or grape tomatoes, the everything seasoning, and if you are so inclined... A poached or sunny egg on top. Again, the star of the show is the balsamic drizzle. That alone separate the wheat from the chaff. I still have more places to discover, but I will be back. If you are ever in the area or if you are just curious it is definitely worth the trip. I was told they have really great coffee, but I was in a tea kind of mood that morning. So I guess I'm going to have to go back just to try the coffee now.

Not sure when the tattoo artist is there, but the fact that they have one on site kind of like Buddha Brew is pretty epic. (Bean chain beat them too... But their version was unique and good, just no drizzle.) Probably a good thing they weren't there when I was... because my wife would not be happy right now. Not related at all to the review, but I do need to get this right...