Group Ride

Presta Coffee Roasters was founded in 2014 by Curtis Zimmerman in Tucson, Arizona, stemming from a desire for better coffee and a passion for sharing exceptional coffee experiences. The company's name reflects Zimmerman's love for cycling, referencing the Presta valve commonly used on bicycle tubes, which connects to his broader vision of bringing Nordic-style coffee culture to Tucson—a culture characterized by slower, more intentional approaches, lighter roasts, and strong community focus. Zimmerman's goal extends beyond simply serving coffee to introducing Tucson to the European cycling community's approach to coffee, where coffee shops serve as central gathering places. This philosophy emphasizes building community around the shared experience of enjoying high-quality coffee, reflecting the deliberate, slower brewing processes and social connections that define Nordic coffee culture. The roastery operates with careful attention to preserving the work that coffee producers invest in their craft, while simultaneously sharing knowledge about coffee's many facets with customers and the broader community. Presta handles coffee with care, roasting in small batches using a 15kg Joper Roaster to maintain quality control and develop each coffee's unique characteristics. Their sourcing approach combines consistency with exploration, working with various importers and farmers while maintaining relationships with some of the same farms year after year. This strategy allows them to offer both traditionally processed coffees—natural, washed, and honey—alongside beans processed using innovative and experimental methods. Presta actively seeks out unique processing techniques in hopes of encouraging coffee evolution, supporting producer innovation, and expanding understanding of coffee's potential. The company operates two downtown Tucson locations: one on 9th Avenue near Historic 4th Avenue surrounded by bike routes, offering a mix of shaded outdoor seating and cozy indoor bar seating, and another on Avenida del Convento in Mercado San Agustin. Their commitment to community engagement and quality has earned national recognition, including being named the best coffee in Arizona by Food & Wine, while maintaining their focus on sharing coffee with integrity and passion through experiences meant to be enjoyed with loved ones.