Downtowners anxious to try Cartel Coffee Lab’s new craft beers, which were launched at the Tempe location last week, will be pleased to learn that Cartel’s downtown location hopes to soon add alcohol to its menu.
Cartel applied last week for a liquor license for their new downtown location on First and Washington streets, just a few steps away from their previous spot.
Revae Krueger, an office administrator for Cartel, said when they moved into their new digs in December, Cartel also inherited military offices — located on the floors above them — which prevented them from obtaining a liquor license.
Those offices have since moved, Krueger said, and Cartel is hoping that the addition of specialty beers will help them develop into a more community-based business.
“We want a customer base we see repeatedly,” Krueger said.
Journalism junior Shelby Moore said he’s been going to Cartel for about two years and thinks the addition of craft beer at the downtown location will blend in well with the community.
“The downtown community is currently embracing small and craft-minded businesses,” Moore said. “Serving craft beer would be a much appreciated addition to Cartel’s business plan.”
Krueger said she is not sure when the license will be approved, but she doesn’t expect resistance from the community. The only problem she foresees is the sheer number of applications the city receives for liquor licenses.
Joe White, a Phoenix School of Law student who occasionally studies at Cartel, said alcohol could fit into the coffee shop’s setting, but he doesn’t think he’ll be going there for a beer at night.
“I spend so much time here during the day as it is that I just want to get out (of Phoenix),” White said.
Krueger said Cartel’s owners decided to start making craft beer because it’s always interested them.
“We always had the means to do it, so we decided to do it,” she said.
If the application is approved, the downtown location would most likely extend their business hours and are currently considering extending the food menu as well. The focus right now, Krueger said, is on the Tempe location.
Contact the reporter at bsporte2@asu.edu
