One Brand. Two Homes. The Same Radical Belief in Belonging.

Empower Coffee Roasters is officially becoming Brick Road Coffee (brickroadtempe.com), uniting both café locations under one shared name, one shared mission, and one unmistakable commitment: to build the brave spaces we once needed and still need today.

This name change reflects more than growth. It reflects alignment.

Brick Road Coffee began in Tempe as a queer-owned café rooted in courage, community, and the belief that belonging should never be subtle. What started as a single space where queer people could exhale, sober and sober-curious folks felt welcome, and community was lived—not marketed—has grown into something larger, louder, and more connected.

As the brand expanded into roasting, online sales, and a second café in Mesa, it became clear that the heart of the work was already shared. The values were already aligned. The road was already paved. Now, the name simply matches the mission.

“Brick Road Coffee exists to build the brave spaces we once needed and still need today. We center LGBTQ+ people and everyone seeking a place they can show up fully because when queer community thrives, everyone thrives.” Gabe Hagen, Co-Owner, Brick Road Community Corporation 

The Mesa location, formerly Empower Coffee Roasters, introduced in-house roasting, expanded the community space, and made a deeper investment in ethical sourcing. Rebranding as Brick Road Coffee brings these offerings fully into the Brick Road story, honoring the past while stepping forward together. 

The expansion includes Prism Coffee Lab  (prismcoffeelab.com), Brick Road’s B2B arm, and its white-label roasting arm. Prism partners with coffee shops, restaurants, workplaces, and community-driven brands to deliver exceptional, ethically sourced coffee at scale, without sacrificing values. 

Brick Road Coffee’s name is a nod to The Land of Oz and that shimmering yellow path toward self-discovery, with a subtle wink to the phrase “Friend of Dorothy,” rooted in queer history. What was once quiet symbolism has always been made visible, from rainbow doves to bold murals, because pride, joy, and identity deserve to be seen.

Today, Brick Road Coffee roasts small-batch coffee sourced ethically, including from women-led farms, and is committed to expanding representation throughout the supply chain. From café counters to kitchen tables across the country, every bag carries the same message:

You belong here. You matter. Your story deserves a seat at the table. This evolution brings clarity, continuity, and connection, one brand with two physical homes, an online storefront, and a growing community far beyond Arizona. No matter where you sit, sipping a cup of Brick Road coffee reminds you: You’re already home. 

Please direct all media inquiries to Ashlee Singleton at The Felice Agency. ashlee@feliceagency.com or 480-695-2039