For someone who didn t try coffee till college, Randall Denton sure has made up for lost time over the last 17 years. He’s done it all in the Phoenix coffee scene, beginning as a barista and then manager at The Willow House (the Phoenix coffeehouse and hangout for artists and alternative types in the 90s and aughts). Twelve years ago, he started Xanadu as a roaster and wholesaler. Later, he added machine maintenance to his resume.
This past October, Denton opened Xanadu Coffee Co. in the former Street Coffee spot at 625 North Seventh Street.
Co-owner Jessica Bueno joined Denton four years ago. They met at the now-closed Artisan Food Guild Community Market. Bueno, who was working in hospitality, shared Denton’s love for coffee but also had a knack for business.