Fan Girl Friday: Ri's Coffee

Hey, hey it's JJ! It's time for another Fan Girl Friday, where I'll be your ultimate fan girl, shining a spotlight on some incredible small businesses that have captured my heart.

From artisanal crafts to unique services, these gems deserve recognition. Join me in discovering new favorites, get inspired, and show some love to the businesses that make our communities thrive.

Let's celebrate entrepreneurship, creativity, and passion together. Get ready to meet another business that I'm absolutely fangirling over!

This month, I'm excited to introduce you to Ri's Coffee. Some places just have heart baked into everything they do. Ri's is one of them.

Meet the Founder and How We Connected

I first discovered Ri's Coffee through Hustle PHX, a small business program where I served as a facilitator. Ri's was part of a previous cohort and I loved following their journey on Instagram as they worked toward opening their permanent location.

When they finally opened their doors, I knew I had to visit.

Ri's Coffee was founded by Bethany Stanton and named after her older sister Mariah, who has cerebral palsy and is nonverbal. After watching Mariah face limited opportunities after high school, Bethany stopped waiting for the world to change and built something better herself.

That's the heart behind every cup they serve.

What They Offer

Ri's Coffee is a nonprofit coffee shop dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities.

They offer:

• Specialty coffee and espresso drinks

• Teas and specialty beverages

• Their famous waffles on a stick loaded with toppings

• A warm, welcoming space to gather, work, or catch up with friends

  
  

The space is huge, bright, and designed to feel like somewhere you actually want to stay.

Think tables perfect for sitting down with a waffle and cozy couches for a longer visit with a friend.

I always get the waffle on a stick with everything: berries, Nutella, all the toppings. Plus whatever tea is calling my name that day. Zero regrets every single time.

Why I'm Fangirling Over Ri's Coffee

Their mission changes lives.

Ri's isn't just serving coffee. They're creating meaningful employment, teaching valuable life skills, and building confidence one cup at a time.

They built community first.

Walking into Ri's feels different. It doesn't feel like a business asking for support because it's a nonprofit. It feels like a place you genuinely want to spend time. The welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and joyful energy make it a destination all on its own.

Their mission is personal to me.

Before becoming a professional organizer, my first job after college was creating community programs and social events for adults with special needs.

That experience shaped who I am today.

It's where I learned to lead with patience and the deep belief that everyone deserves systems and support that help them succeed. Those lessons became the foundation of the PEACEFUL approach I bring to every Organized By JJ client: Personalization, Efficiency, client centered Approach, Continuous learning, Emphasize well being, Functionality, Uniting community, and Listen to feedback.

Walking into Ri's brought all of that rushing back.

Watching the team greet customers, prepare drinks, and show up with confidence and pride reminded me why that work mattered so much. It's proof that when people are given the opportunity and encouragement they deserve, incredible things happen.

Anyone can learn the life skills to thrive. Ri's is built on that belief.

My Biggest Takeaway

Sometimes supporting a small business means so much more than making a purchase.

It means investing in someone's dream.

It means creating opportunities.

It means building the kind of community we all want to live in.

Ri's Coffee is doing exactly that, one cup at a time.

Join Me in Supporting Ri's Coffee

If you're in the Phoenix area, do yourself a favor and stop by. Grab a waffle on a stick, order your favorite drink, and spend a little time soaking in everything they've created.

You'll leave with a full heart, a full stomach, and the satisfaction of knowing your dollar did something good.

Learn more by visiting riscoffee.com or stop by their café at 1636 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ.