In September 2023, the modern and aesthetic-focused space opened as Fleet Coffee. The downtown Phoenix cafe was the first Arizona location for the Austin-based company and it served specialty coffee drinks during the day and then transitioned to beer, wine and craft cocktails in the evening.
It also served a food menu including granola bowls, toasts and sandwiches. It sourced local bread and dairy and the owners shared plans to expand their menu and offerings with Phoenix New Times in October last year.
However, they didn't have much time to expand. Fleet closed and the space transformed into Moontower Social Club.
Moontower Social Club's concept evolved throughout its short tenure. When it opened in the early spring, it introduced itself to the community as a new restaurant and bar, serving craft cocktails and an Italian-influenced menu with panini and bruschetta.
It later became more of a coffee shop, opening much earlier and providing "a classy and elegant atmosphere for your mornings," according to its social media. It hosted events aimed at the young professionals who might live in the building, such as a "Canva and Chill" party where attendees could learn about branding and design their own business cards.
The Social Club celebrated its official grand opening in March, six months after Fleet had launched. Now, seven months after that, a third concept has moved in.
Daydreamer Coffee is another Austin-based company. It has locations in Atlanta and Athens, Georgia and Gainesville, Florida. Daydreamer will be open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily, and will focus on coffee, according to an opening announcement. This will be the company's first Arizona location, although it has plans to expand into Tempe as well, at the upcoming student housing project, Rambler.
For residents of the Moontower building, the changes may not be immediately evident. Each of the concepts has left the space relatively untouched, meaning the cafe looks remarkably the same. Residents can still come downstairs and enjoy a cup of coffee, whether or not they remember the most recent coffee shop's name. Who knows, maybe this one will stick.
811 N. Third St.
