The Sonoran coffee chain, Caffenio, opened its first store in Mesa, Arizona, marking its entry into the U.S. market.

Ricardo Amador/NORO

Caffenio, a coffee chain originating from Sonora, took an important step in its business with its international expansion by opening its first store in the United States.

The new store, located in Mesa, Arizona, officially opened its doors on Tuesday, March 4. With this opening, the brand aims to introduce its distinctive mexican flavor to the growing coffee market in the United States.

The new Caffenio is located at 1262 W. Southern Ave., at the intersection of Alma School Road and Southern Avenue, within the Fiesta District.

This inauguration marks the beginning of Caffenio’s expansion strategy into the U.S. market, where it will compete with major coffee drive-thru chains such as Dutch Bros and Scooter’s Coffee.

Caffenio’s U.S. Expansion was planned for over a year

Caffenio’s expansion process into the United States was carefully planned for 18 months. In October 2023, Arizona-based architectural firm Stewart + Reindersma shared on social media that they had finalized the design for the first store store prototype in the U.S.

Then, in February 2024, Caffenio confirmed on its digital platforms that its arrival in Arizona was underway and that the new store would open in 2024.

The Mesa opening adds to the recent inauguration of Caffenio’s U.S. headquarters in Phoenix, established in January 2025.

With these moves, the company aims to solidify its presence in the U.S. market and attract consumers looking for new experiences in fast-service coffee shops.

The impact of Caffenio’s arrival in Arizona

From the first day of operations at the new location in Arizona, long lines of customers were visible outside the store, eager to try the coffee flavor that has captivated Mexican consumers.

The demand was so high that the company had to post a message on social media thanking visitors for their patience and assuring them they were working to streamline service in the following days.

Currently, the Mesa location is the only one in the U.S., but the positive reception could pave the way for more stores in other cities. With over 200 locations in 50 cities across Mexico, Caffenio has experience in expansion and managing successful franchises, providing it with strong backing to compete in the demanding U.S. market.

What’s on the Menu at Caffenio in Arizona?

One of the main attractions is its menu, which offers more than 90 options for hot and cold drinks. Its offerings include specialties like the Kfreeze, a frappuccino with ice cream and toppings, the Rockaccino, a combination of espresso with milk and sweetener over ice, and their popular lattes made with homemade ice cream and flavors like Nutella or strawberry.

In addition to its coffee, sourced from Pluma Hidalgo, Oaxaca, the chain offers a selection of paninis, bagels, and traditional Mexican pastries. Its business model is based on speed, with a strong focus on drive-thru service and digital ordering through its mobile app.

With its arrival in the U.S., Caffenio is not only looking to expand its market but also to position itself as a reference for Mexican coffee abroad.

Its entry into Arizona is just the first step in an ambitious growth plan that could take the brand to new territories within the country.

Are you tempted to visit Caffenio in Arizona?

Sources: AZ Central, World Coffee Portal, ABC 15