Al Gusto Coffee Company: An Around-Town Staple

In Latin American countries when you order something “Al Gusto” it’s tailored to the customer ordering it. Meaning the dish, or even drink – in this case, is created to suit your taste.

That’s how Aldo Boccaccio started his business, Al Gusto Coffee Company, back in 2020. Serving bags of his roasted coffee beans to those coming and going at his table stand at outdoor markets across town, with only a cottage license to sell at that time.

“My customers would ask me, what kind of coffee is that?” Boccaccio shared. “It’s ‘Al Gusto’ meaning it’s what I put together that day for the roast.”

Having an Italian last name, it was a phrase Aldo commonly used, and one that led to his well-known Marana staple, Al Gusto’s Coffee. While some think it’s his name – it’s not, it’s his business that continues to make its presence known across Arizona.

After living in California for 20 years, and working two jobs, Aldo and his family fell in love with the up-and-coming community of Marana during a visit to Southern Arizona

“I just looked out and said this is a great new community that is just starting out,” he explained.

Al Gusto’s Coffee has been running strong for the past five years and has grown significantly from where it began.

It started with a stand and a cottage license, selling beans, but after so many guests had requested brewed coffee, Aldo knew it needed to expand.

“I came across this hot dog cart, and I was like, this is awesome, it already has a hot water sink, and I can change the top,” he shared. “We wrapped it around with coffee signs and a coffee logo, and got it approved to sell coffee.”

His success with coffee and his cold brew creations allowed for another opportunity to expand his business and his options. The once tabletop hot dog cart turned into an enclosed trailer, protecting the business from the elements and allowing for additional drink options.

“We were able to offer frappes, iced teas, sodas, and just different options for different interests,” he shared how it also became easier to travel around southern Arizona promoting his coffee and caffeinating his customers.

“The loyalty is great, it keeps customers coming back,” he said.

Anyone can see where he is traveling on his website, where he updates his daily routes and places he plans to be at. He can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.

His wide variety of coffee beans come from all around the world, and anyone can order a bag from his van or online. One thing he loves to mention is that the shipping is free when ordering it, making it the perfect gift to send. And if you are buying it at his van, he can grind the beans for you – no extra charge.

He also has Keurig K-cups with roasts named after signature areas in Southern Arizona like Catalina Sunrise (medium roast), Arizona Cowboy Blend (medium-dark roast), and Ironwood Blend (medium dark roast)

“Giving you great coffee, great customer service and hopefully a great smile in our friendship, that is what I strive to do every single day,” he shared; however, he is not done growing yet.

“I think we are at a good spot right now, where do I see myself? I hope I can have my own roasting facility, I hope I have my own brick and mortar store together in the same building, and at the same time my own space to supply my two or three vans,” he expressed.

Aldo and his coffee can also keep you caffeinated during the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show every year, where he expands his operations to serve his coffee and treats to those attending at the main exhibit.