Better Buzz Coffee Roasters, a Southern California-born coffee shop known for its vibrant branding and strong local roots, is getting ready to open a new location in Mesa at 2333 S Val Vista Drive.
The company’s newest Valley site is set to move into the former home of Roll-Em-Up Taquitos, and before that, Sodalicious, according to East Valley Now. It’s unclear when this location is expected to open, but with this confirmation, it’s unclear if Better Buzz is continuing the development of a new location at The Gilmore on Val Vista Drive and Germann. Customers can expect a vibrant cafe experience featuring Better Buzz’s signature drinks, such as the “Best Drink Ever” and Buzz Energy selections, all made with ethically sourced, freshly roasted coffee. The new location will offer a stylish and welcoming space with a mix of cafe and drive-thru convenience, tailored for fast-paced lifestyles.
The new location comes after Yoshinoya America named Paul Nishiyama, former COO of Better Buzz Coffee, as president effective June 1, as the brand seeks to reverse its U.S. store decline from 106 units in 2021 to 100 in 2024. With approximately 100 locations in California and over 2,000 globally, Yoshinoya aims to capitalize on rising consumer interest in bowl-based fast-casual dining and strong growth trends in Asian restaurant concepts to expand its U.S. presence. Nishiyama’s departure from Better Buzz is expected to prompt leadership adjustments as the coffee chain continues its rapid expansion.
Better Buzz Coffee Roasters is accelerating its expansion across the Western U.S., aiming to double its store count from 24 to 48 locations by June 2025. In the first half of 2024, the company opened three new locations, including its first out-of-state store in Phoenix, Arizona, which achieved a record-breaking opening day. Plans are underway to launch 12 additional stores, with three slated for Las Vegas, six for Phoenix, and others in Southern California. The brand is also introducing a line of Buzz Energy drinks, available at all locations, to diversify its product offerings. This rapid growth reflects Better Buzz’s strategy to broaden its presence in Arizona, Nevada, and Southern California markets.