A small coffee shop chain in Arizona named Noble Ground Coffee has unexpectedly shuttered all of its units.
The chain, which as of last year had up to eight locations in Phoenix and elsewhere, according to TikTok, was operated by Thrive Services Group and 100% of proceeds supported charitable causes, such as education and housing programs in underserved communities.
In 2023, the chain announced a three-year partnership as the official coffee of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, including an outlet at Footprint Center.
On the chain’s website, a note says the cafes are “temporarily closed.” But in a statement to Phoenix New Times, the chain’s operators said Noble Ground Coffee had ceased operations. No details were offered.
“Like many others in the restaurant and coffee industry, it is a challenging time to operate,” the statement said. “We are proud and thankful for the efforts of our team at Noble Ground Coffee, and grateful for the support of our community over the past few years.”
Founded in 2022, Noble Ground was promoted as “coffee with a cause.” The chain was launched by Thrive, which describes itself as a taxable, not-for-profit led by Tim O’Neal, who is also CEO of Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona. The goal was to establish Thrive as an “engine for social innovation,” according to the website, and to establish businesses that “further advance much-needed social services.
Thrive officials did not immediately respond to requests for more information.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.