PHOENIX – On Friday, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) visited Copper Star Coffee to present a statement she entered into the Congressional Record in recognition of their 20th anniversary.
“One of my honors serving as a Member of Congress is the opportunity to submit statements into the Congressional Record recognizing constituents and organizations that strengthen our communities,” said Rep. Ansari. “I was proud to visit Copper Star Coffee and present this recognition in person to celebrate their 20th anniversary and to thank their founders, staff, and supporters for two decades of service, innovation, and community impact in Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District.”
“Ginger and I are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari for recognizing Copper Star’s contributions to our community,” said Bill Sandweg. “For more than 20 years, we’ve worked hard to make Copper Star a welcoming place for everyone. We look forward to many more years!”
READ TEXT OF ANSARI’S CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
Mister Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th business anniversary of a beloved community and coffee institution in Phoenix, Arizona, Copper Star Coffee.
Founded in 2006 by Bill and Ginger Sandweg, Copper Star was built on a simple but powerful idea: if something didn’t exist in their community, they would create it themselves.
At the time, there was no quality coffee spot between their home and Phoenix College, so they set out to build something better: an independent, locally rooted café that reflected the needs and spirit of the Melrose District—a funky and iconic stretch of LGBTQ-owned or oriented establishments.
Copper Star is housed in an old gas station, originally branded as the Copper Star Cafe, which now offers a local drive-thru option for neighbors and continues to serve as a gathering place where artists are showcased, and local culture thrives.
That “do it yourself” ethos continues to define Copper Star to this day. From baking pastries in-house to their bagels, freshly made every morning, their commitment to quality has allowed this small business to power through a recession and pandemic.
But what truly sets Copper Star apart is not just what they make, but how they operate. They have built a business that values people as much as product: paying living wages, maintaining a workplace rooted in respect, and earning recognition as a City of Phoenix Green Business Leader through sustainable practices such as composting and reducing waste. Copper Star also gives back. Most recently, hosting a food drive for St. Mary’s Foodbank when federal funding was cut.
Milestones such as these are the result of vision, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to community. Copper Star Coffee stands as a testament to what small businesses can achieve when they are grounded in purpose and driven by people. Whether through its welcoming atmosphere, support of local vendors, or the simple act of bringing people together over coffee, it has helped strengthen the fabric of Phoenix.
It is my honor to recognize Copper Star Coffee on its 20th anniversary and to thank its founders, staff, and supporters for two decades of service, innovation, and community impact in Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District.
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