Fair Trade Cafe (Roosevelt Square Location)

One of the most popular blogs on the Internet, now available in book form, is the inaccurately named but remarkably insightful "Stuff White People Like." Forget any notions about race based on the blog title; this site should really be called "Stuff Urban Liberals Like." Despite their satirical intentions, the site and its companion book seem to have become inadvertent lifestyle manuals in the same way as The Official Preppy Handbook in the 1980s. When SWPL started with its very first post, the subject was coffee. Author Christian Lander not only claimed that the group he profiles loves coffee, but that fair trade coffee was worth a two-dollar premium to its members.

Fair Trade attempts to resolve the gap between pricey lattes purchased by American consumers and rock-bottom commodity prices faced by coffee growers in developing countries. A multifaceted strategy is used at all points in the supply chain in an attempt to ensure a minimum acceptable price for farmers and sustainable practices in coffee production. As with any intervention in the marketplace, there is some controversy over the effectiveness of Fair Trade principles. Nevertheless, the movement is one with a certain level of appeal, especially among the demographic segment most likely to frequent urban coffee houses.

Fair Trade Cafe, at the north end of Downtown Phoenix, is a gentle attempt to put the movement's principles into action. The shop is well situated in relation to its mission and its likely customers. Fair Trade Cafe occupies a storefront in the ground floor of the Roosevelt Square apartment and retail complex, an urbanist project that is an ideal venue for the Phoenix version of the SWPL lifestyle. It's at the gateway to the artsy Roosevelt Row district and just across the street from the Roosevelt / Central Avenue station. Fair Trade Cafe was originally affiliated with the nearby Trinity Cathedral, an Episcopal church, as a non-profit entity. In 2007, the shop shifted to independent, for-profit ownership. Despite the management change, Fair Trade Cafe is still committed to its founding principles. There's also a commitment to the neighborhood shown in discounts extended to Roosevelt Square residents, students, teachers, government employees.

Aside from the various pamphlets and posters promoting organizations and causes, the interior of the cafe looks much like any other contemporary coffee house. Expansive windows face Central Avenue and the light rail station, while the rear of the shop is more secluded and features a small patio near the parking garage for Trinity Cathedral and Roosevelt Square. There are comfortable chairs for lounging and tables for opening up a laptop in order to take advantage of the free wireless Internet access. Expect to see iPhones and MacBooks throughout. Works by local artists grace the walls, and Fair Trade Cafe participates in Phoenix's popular First Fridays program. There are also some gift items for sale throughout the shop.

Of course, no amount of political, economic, and cultural sensitivity can ensure a good coffee house in the absence of solid food and drink. Fortunately, Fair Trade Cafe delivers a quality coffee house experience. The usual espresso, cappuccino, and latte beverages are all well executed, and the baked goods provide good opportunities for snacking. Fair Trade Cafe also offers a variety of lunch options, including quiches, sandwiches, and daily soups such as black bean or vegetable. The baristas are friendly and know their craft. Real ceramic mugs, in lieu of disposable paper cups, are available for customers who consume their beverages on the premises. There's even a high chair for the youngest of coffee house hipsters.

After suffering through seemingly interminable rail construction outside its doors, Fair Trade has recognized the value of its proximity to a transit station and has expanded its hours. Before rail service started, Fair Trade usually closed not long after sunset. Now, in a welcome change, the cafe is open until 10 PM every night. The cafe seems busier now more than ever before, and while not every customer necessarily understands or agrees with the principles of the Fair Trade movement, it's hard for anyone to argue with an inviting coffee house in a key Downtown location.

1020 N 1st Ave., Phoenix AZ 85003 | Map
(602) 354-8150
http://www.azfairtrade.com/