Monsoon Baristas Shut Down After Five Years of Brewing in Maricopa

Monsoon Coffee Co., a cherished mobile café operated by a father-son duo, has officially closed its doors as of last month, after five years of serving the Maricopa community.

Founded in 2020 by Dave and Gunnar Verlennich, the coffee trailer quickly became a local favorite, often found at venues like the Maricopa Community Center and Central Arizona College’s Maricopa campus.

The venture emerged following a personal tragedy, as Dave and Gunnar sought a way to honor the memory of Dave’s wife and Gunnar’s mother, who passed away from cancer. This emotional backdrop fueled their desire to create a meaningful business, as highlighted in InMaricopa magazine’s August 2023 edition.

In a joint announcement, the Verlennichs expressed their decision, stating, “After a lot of thought and discussion, we’ve decided to close down Monsoon Coffee and sell the trailer. It’s been a pleasure serving you all for the last five years, but it’s time for a new chapter of life.”

Throughout its operation, Monsoon Coffee gained a loyal customer base, offering a range of artisanal espresso drinks that became integral to many residents’ morning routines in Maricopa.

The business was featured in the May 2024 edition of InMaricopa magazine, which showcased local residents with “dream jobs” in the age of AI. Gunnar called their café his dream job, with Dave taking on the role of chief barista.

Their success represented a shift towards local, community-focused entrepreneurship amid rising automation and corporate presence.

Messages of gratitude and farewell flooded social media from customers and fans, reflecting the impact Monsoon Coffee had on the community.