The Phoenix Convention Center celebrated the grand opening of PRESS Coffee and Retail Therapy AZ Monday, January 22. PRESS Coffee, a locally-owned coffee shop, and Retail Therapy AZ, an artisan souvenir market showcasing 80 local makers, hosted a ribbon-cutting for their new locations highlighting the importance of bringing local amenities to the Convention Center’s hub of out-of-state visitor activity.
“We pride ourselves on cultivating unique experiences for our guests, and with Retail Therapy AZ and PRESS Coffee we can continue to make a lasting impact on all those who come to our facility,” said Phoenix Convention Center & Venues Acting Director Jerry Harper.
Aventura Catering, a subsidiary of Aramark Sports + Entertainment and the Phoenix Convention Center’s exclusive food, beverage and retail provider, helped to bring the two businesses to the PCC along with the help of Local First Arizona. Phoenix District 7 Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari attended the grand opening celebration January 22 and offered her excitement at the Phoenix Convention Center’s collaboration with local businesses.
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“The out of towners and locals who visit our Convention Center will be able to purchase local goods to take home with them,
and Downtown residents will now have more retail and coffee options right at their doorstep," Ansari said.
PRESS Coffee was founded 15 years ago in Phoenix and since then has opened several locations across the Valley, all while maintaining the specialty coffee quality PRESS became known for.
“Our presence at the Convention Center marks a significant milestone, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to introduce our passion for specialty coffee to visitors from across the country,” said John Cantu, head of marketing for PRESS Coffee. “Opening our doors in this iconic venue represents not just an achievement for us but a commitment to contributing to the thriving local culture. We’re excited to create memorable experiences alongside other outstanding businesses and welcoming visitors at the center."
Retail Therapy AZ co-owner Erica Jerido said the Phoenix Convention Center location for the artisan market was beyond her wildest dreams. The business started as a dream the two co-owners, Jerido and her business partner Jacqueline Thomas, had of creating a space to support a wide array of small businesses all inside one storefront.
"As new business owners, we never imagined in a million years that we would even be considered for such a monumental and staple location to our city,” Jerido said. “We are so grateful to Aventura, Aramark, and the Phoenix Convention Center for making our small business dreams come true and supporting our local community.”