SEPTEMBER 2026 38 I ced coffee. Cold brew. Latte. Mocha. The options are endless when it comes to a cup of joe, and Arcadians are lucky because there are plenty of spots to choose from when you’re in need of a morning, afternoon or evening (we don’t judge) pick-me-up. These local favorites have been around for a while, so you know they’re worth a sip. 4730 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix blackcatcoffeeaz.com Black Cat Coffee House originally opened in 2011. The shop has become a familiar gathering place for families, thanks in large part to owner Tanya Nygard. After moving to the area from Iowa, Nygard began working at Black Cat in 2016 as a part-time barista under the shop’s second owner. Within a few months, she was promoted to manager, and just a month later, she was asked if she wanted to buy the business. She took ownership in February 2017 and has continued to make the shop feel less like a coffeehouse and more like an extension of the neighborhood. “Our shop stands out from others because it feels like coming home,” Tanya said. “We’ve been in the area so long we have gotten to know so many families in the neighborhood. We’ve watched their kids grow up from going to Tutor Time to Hopi or Ingleside to Arcadia High.” The signature Black Cat Bomb is a frozen coffee drink made with espresso, chocolate, peanut butter, protein and banana, but lattes and iced teas remain among its top sellers. Beyond coffee, the menu features Italian sodas, matchas, sandwiches and muffins from Baked by Grace (check out Grace’s story in the June 2026 edition) . “When customers walk through our doors, they can expect to be met with a team that is glad to be their neighbor. We will probably even greet you by name!” Tanya said. 3214 E. Indian School Road dlitehealthyonthego.com For nearly 20 years, Brooke and Chad Knudson have been building a business around one idea: healthy food and coffee should be accessible – even for those on the go. What began as a mom-and-pop operation has evolved into a family- owned and operated franchise model. For the Knudsons, expanding the business is ultimately about making healthy choices easier to find. The coffee program mirrors that commitment, with premium-grade, small-batch beans and a farm-to-table approach that maintains close relations with the farmers and growing regions. “We utilize a blend composed of 100 percent Brazil Mogiano beans. This coffee is produced by farmers organized around cooperatives in the Mogiana growing region in Brazil,” Brooke said. “This region has rolling hills and uneven terrain lending to small- to medium- sized farms.” For a signature drink, Brooke said the d’Breakfast Buzz is a favorite. The meal- replacement shake combines chocolate whey protein and vitamins with espresso shots, nonfat milk, banana and peanut butter, all blended with ice. “We also just launched a Zen Cold Foam that tastes like ice cream! It’s actually a chaga shroom base which is antioxidant and adaptogen-rich,” Brooke said. “The cold foam pairs amazingly well with iced matcha and iced lattes.” Everything on the menu is made to order. The California Club is the most popular food item, featuring two fried eggs, bacon, smoked turkey, tomato, avocado, pepper jack, cream cheese and pesto on toasted artisan bread. “While we offer dine-in quick service with a friendly atmosphere, the drive-thru is truly where health and convenience are optimized.” The drive- thru is the niche that encourages people on-the-go to choose a healthy alternative to fast food. 3712 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale jojocoffeehouse.com JOJO Coffeehouse owner Michael Melton grew up in the East Valley and has been an entrepreneur since he was 19. In 2016, he began developing the idea for a coffee spot centered around community. He asked his brother, Andy, to be part of the venture and the duo opened JOJO Coffeehouse in Old Town Scottsdale in 2018. “While there are a lot of things dividing us in the world, I wanted to counter that division by offering an enjoyable space that brings people closer together. There is no better way to do that than through good coffee, food, and music,” Michael said. JOJO’s original roast, a proprietary medium blend developed with a roaster before the restaurant opened, is what anchors the business. The blend combines subtle chocolate notes with a wild berry bean for a balanced flavor. The barista team takes things a step further with house-made syrups, purees and cold foams, creating inventive combos built around espresso and cold brew. For first-time visitors, Michael recommends one of JOJO’s Coffee Flights, which have become the most popular order. The Original Coffee Flight offers cold brew, mocha, latte, caramel macchiato and white mocha. The Signature Coffee Flight showcases popular creations, including the Blueberry Vanilla Macchiato, Strawberries & Cream Latte, Salted Caramel Cold Brew, Coconut Cream Pie Latte and Honey Bee Latte. All are also available in full- size servings, hot or iced. Guests can check out cocktails and mimosas, and live music takes place every Saturday during brunch. “I hope customers always feel welcome. Our goal is to provide an inviting, social atmosphere with the heart of hospitality for friends and family to gather over their favorite drinks and dishes,” Michael said. D’LITE HEALTHY ON THE GO JOJO COFFEEHOUSE An Arcadia-area favorite, La Grande Orange brings together coffee, breakfast, baked goods, pizza, wine, cocktails and neighborhood charm. lagrandeorangegrocery.com Lola roasts its coffee in-house daily and pairs its espresso and coffee offerings with breakfast, pastries and organic, fair-trade coffee and tea. lolacoffeebarphx.com A longtime Phoenix coffee shop on Camelback Road, Hava Java invites guests to “come for the coffee and tea, stay for the friendships” with a welcoming atmosphere and free Wi-Fi. havajavacoffee.com Sip Coffee & Beer combines a full espresso bar with beer, cocktails, food and a laid-back atmosphere. sipcoffeeandbeer.com Veteran-founded Black Rifle Coffee Company serves up light, medium and dark roasts alongside ready-to-drink options. blackriflecoffee.com La La Land Kind Café pairs coffee and colorful café culture with a mission centered on kindness and community. lalalandcafe.com A specialty coffee micro-roastery in Phoenix, Moxie focuses on uncommon coffees from unexpected producers. moxiecoffeeco.com Coffee Builders combines beverages with a creative, ever-changing menu. thecoffeebuilders.com Case Study Coffee Lounge keeps things simple with great coffee, vibes and a relaxed space open daily. casestudycoffeelounge.com The Scottsdale café blends specialty coffee roasted in-house with pastries, a shaded patio and a serious love of vintage cars. fourtillfour.com Colados Coffee & Crepes offers specialty coffee and sweet and savory crepes for an easygoing café experience built around a “Crepe it Easy” philosophy. colados.com LUX Central serves coffee from early morning into the evening in an eclectic setting that also makes room for food and drinks. luxcoffee.com
39 SEPTEMBER 2026 PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE SHAFF By Alex Gross Over the last decade, Arizona’s high school golf has asserted dominance on the national stage. Those leading the pack of elite desert golfers happen to be Arcadia area programs, with Brophy finishing No. 1 in the nation and Xavier finishing No. 7 after both clinching state titles last year. Arcadia experienced a return to form as the boys placed fifth in the state and the girls made significant strides in rebuilding with a younger squad. Here’s how Phoenix’s top teen golfers are striving not to reach, but maintain greatness this season. Boys The Titans are coming off of one of their best years in recent history in which they finished No. 5 in the state and placed third at the Division II State Championship. Though two of last season’s top performers have graduated, Senior Beck Sage will step into a leadership role. He shot a district- record 62 to win the Scottsdale District Championship and was named District Golfer of the Year in 2025. Arcadia started the season hosting one of the state’s best programs in Notre Dame before facing Desert Mountain later that week – two early tests for this season’s young core of golfers. Girls After progress was made last year to develop a roster with no seniors, Head Coach Dean Lamppa is taking over in his first season with the program. After only rostering seven golfers last season, five new players are joining the squad. All starters are returning from last season, led by senior Captain Annie Dreier. She was the lone qualifier at last year’s State Championship, finishing 60th and later committing to play collegiately at California State San Marcos. “Having her on the team is like having a second coach,” Lamppa said. “I can tell she’s well-liked and respected.” The goals for this season remain centered on improving last year’s core and building chemistry to help underclassmen integrate into a team that will be looking for new talent as early as next year. Head Coach Jon Shores is entering his 20th season at the helm, on the heels of the school’s most successful year ever. The most impressive part of finishing atop state and national rankings? Returning four of the five starters who have won consecutive state titles. “There’s a lot riding on this season for the kids and for the school,” Shores said. “It would be the first time in Brophy’s history that we’ve ‘threepeated’ and put us in the top for most boys’ program wins in state history.” The Broncos’ core has stayed active over the summer, as seniors Evan Tyree and Asher Nelson teamed up with junior Hank Miller to win the Junior America’s Cup for Team Arizona in July. Nelson, an Oklahoma State commit, was the top individual finisher at the tournament at 9-under par. Tyree is committed to Texas A&M and Senior Jack Langbein will be staying local at Grand Canyon University. Heading into the fall means reorienting golfers to not only compete as individuals but on behalf of their team. “It’s a matter of reminding ourselves of what it means to be a Brophy student,” Shores said. “For three months we put the team at the forefront and every one of the 12 guys on the team contributes.” The Papago Invite and Brophy Rodeo will give the Broncos early chances to build momentum in their quest to achieve the fabled ‘threepeat.’ Winning may be part of the culture at Xavier, but Head Coach Tui Selvaratnam doesn’t let it turn into pressure. Last season marked the school’s 40th state golf title and Selvaratnam’s eighth. “I go into every season with the same goals in mind: team building and team chemistry,” Selvaratnam said. “When you work on the individuals, the winning comes automatically for the team. I expect a lot out of them. I have strict rules and regulations, and I want them giving 100 or more than 100 percent.” Senior and team captain Alexis Lamadrid has grown into a leader both on and off the course for the Gators. She recently advanced to the Round of 32 in the U.S. Girls’ Juniors Championship and tied for fifth at the Junior PGA Championship. The team’s younger core is highlighted by Sophomore Addison Taylor, who was the top-placing freshman in last year’s state tournament. Incoming freshmen Claire and Caroline Brooks are also being welcomed to the team after placing fourth for Arizona in the Junior America’s Cup. “The main goal is to win state, and I would like to see Alexis repeat and win a state championship for the third time,” Selvaratnam said. “But overall, I just want the girls to play their best and reach their full potential.” Arcadia-area golfers tee up for winning seasons The most recent title in the 2025-26 season marked Brophy’s fifth consecutive State Championship win. e Preparator y munity that strives to omen of faith with s, and integrity to meet f a changing global ive and productive ing unity. All are welcome! X A V I E R C O L L E G E P R E P A R A T O R Y MADE FOR MORE Faith. Learning. Leadership. Opportunity. 8th Grade Day | Fri., Oct. 23, 2026 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Open House | Sun., Oct. 25, 2026 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Admission/Placement Exam Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026 or Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026 at 7:30 a.m. Affording a Xavier Education Financial Aid Workshops: Thurs., Nov. 5, 2026 and Sat., Dec. 5, 2026 Visit xcp.org for more information. Xavier College Preparatory is a Catholic community that strives to prepare young women of faith with knowledge, skills, and integrity to meet the challenges of a changing global society in a positive and productive manner celebrating unity.