In the heart of Gilbert, Arizona, a town known for its close-knit vibe and rapidly growing art scene, one coffee shop continues to capture the spirit of connection, creativity, and community more than any other: Driftwood Coffee Co.

Beloved by both locals and visitors, Driftwood Coffee Co. is more than just a caffeine stop—it’s a full-bodied experience where art, conversation, and carefully curated cups of coffee blend seamlessly.

Hook: Why Driftwood Coffee Co. Deserves Your Attention

Imagine a place where baristas know your name, every espresso shot tells a story, and the aroma alone feels like a warm hug after a long day. In a digital age where everything feels transient, Driftwood Coffee Co. offers something deeply grounding. Recently featured in East Valley Tribune and with a loyal Instagram following that’s growing by the day, it’s clear this small-batch coffeehouse has brewed its way into the hearts of many. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or looking for a refreshing spot to unwind, you won’t want to miss what Driftwood Coffee Co. is serving.

Table of Contents

• About Driftwood Coffee Co.
• Origins and Philosophy
• What Makes Driftwood Stand Out
• Driftwood’s Role in the Gilbert Community
• What Customers Are Saying
• Visual Tour: Inside Driftwood Coffee Co.
• Plan Your Visit
• Discover More Local Favorites on CompaniesByZipCode.com

1. About Driftwood Coffee Co.

Located in the heart of downtown Gilbert, Driftwood Coffee Co. is a specialty coffee shop that has been redefining how the community experiences coffee since opening in 2017. Owned and operated by brothers Luke and Lance Laufenberg, Driftwood is the embodiment of their shared dream: a community spot where high-quality coffee and genuine human interaction come together.

With a minimalist, modern design that avoids pretension in favor of comfort, Driftwood invites customers to hang out, slow down, and enjoy their experience. Their espresso? Single-origin beans roasted by local Arizona roasters, balanced to perfection. Their cold brew? Arguably one of the smoothest you’ll find in the East Valley.

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2. Origins and Philosophy

Before launching Driftwood Coffee Co., the Laufenberg brothers spent years immersed in the culture of coffee. What started as a shared passion led to travels across the country to explore regional roasting styles, brewing techniques, and café cultures. They brought all that knowledge back home and created a brand that underscores intentionality—in sourcing, service, and space.

Their philosophy is rooted in sustainability and interpersonal connection. The shop sources beans from ethically responsible farms, prioritizes eco-friendly packaging, and nurtures a culture where baristas are storytellers as much as coffee crafters.

“We wanted Driftwood to be more than coffee,” explains co-founder Luke Laufenberg. “We envisioned it as a third place—something between home and work—where people just feel like they belong.”

3. What Makes Driftwood Stand Out

There are hundreds of coffee options in Arizona, but what keeps people coming back to Driftwood? Besides the expertly crafted drinks, it’s the intentional experience that stands out.

Signature Drinks & Offerings

• The Lavender Vanilla Latte: A fan favorite, offering floral tones with creamy depth.
• The Cascara Fizz: A unique sparkling energy drink made from coffee cherry tea and citrus.
• In-House Pastries: Sourced from locally renowned bakers and rotated seasonally.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free Friendly: Driftwood caters to a variety of dietary needs without compromising flavor.

Atmosphere

The cafe features hand-built furniture, warm lighting, and often plays local musicians during weekend evenings. Lounge seating encourages relaxation while high-top tables allow for more focused laptop work. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee or spending hours reading, the ambiance molds to your needs.

Local Art and Music

Driftwood’s walls aren’t just for photos—they’re an ever-changing gallery of local artists. There’s also a rotating lineup of acoustic musicians that play live sets, adding another layer of community flavor.

4. Driftwood’s Role in the Gilbert Community

It’s not just about coffee for the Driftwood team—they’re deeply committed to serving their hometown. From sponsoring local high school art showcases to hosting mental health awareness talks and fundraising events, Driftwood uses its platform to support meaningful causes.

Community Initiatives

• Monthly Nonprofit Spotlights: Each month, a portion of profits supports local organizations.
• Open Mic Nights: Gives a stage to emerging local talent.
• Sustainability Events: Driftwood educates the community on sustainable consumption and zero-waste practices.

“We’re constantly inspired by our customers and neighbors,” says Lance. “If we’re in a position to give back, we’ll always choose to show up.”

5. What Customers Are Saying

There’s a reason Driftwood Coffee Co. consistently boasts 5-star reviews on Google, Yelp, and the CompaniesByZipCode.com directory. Here’s what some patrons had to say:

“It’s not just the best coffee in Gilbert—it’s the best vibe. I’ve met some incredible people here.” – Erin L., Gilbert Resident

“Their espresso is rich but smooth, and the staff is always smiling. You can tell they’re passionate about what they do.” – Jamal R., Local Business Owner

“I spent an hour here journaling, and it felt like a breath of fresh air. Will be back weekly!” – Natasha W., ASU Student

6. Visual Tour: Inside Driftwood Coffee Co.

Note: Images used with permission from Driftwood Coffee Co.

Interior View

Signature Drink

Live Music Night

7. Plan Your Visit

Address:
Driftwood Coffee Co.
1020 W. Nielson St.,
Gilbert, AZ 85233

Hours of Operation:
Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday–Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Website: www.driftwoodcoffeeco.com
Instagram: @driftwoodcoffee

Whether you’re in the East Valley or passing through Gilbert, make time for a visit to Driftwood. You’ll walk out caffeinated, inspired, and maybe even with a new friend or two.

8. Discover More Local Favorites on CompaniesByZipCode.com

Driftwood Coffee Co. is just one of the many exceptional local businesses we spotlight here at CompaniesByZipCode.com. Want to discover more trending hotspots, hidden gems, or award-winning local enterprises? Explore our Most Visible Brands section for a constantly updated directory of businesses that are making a difference every day.

Support Local. Sip Local. Live Local.

If this story inspired you, share it with your friends and take a trip to Driftwood this week. Every cup helps build a stronger community.

Looking for more businesses like Driftwood Coffee Co. near you? Use CompaniesByZipCode.com to map out your next great local find.