PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Phoenix Coqui was born at the intersection of love, culture, and a shared dream. Founded by Alexis Carbajal and Juan Ayala, the restaurant began as a humble food truck in 2017. It was created to fill a gap in Phoenix’s culinary scene and to serve the hearts of Puerto Ricans far from home.
Alexis, raised in Arizona and with a background in Anthropology, traveled to Puerto Rico looking for inspiration and found it in both the island’s vibrant spirit and in Juan.
Juan, a native of Toa Alta, grew up around traditional recipes from his grandmother and brings that same spirit of home cooking to every dish. Together, they set out to recreate not just meals, but memories.
Today, Phoenix Coqui is a warm and colorful gathering space in the Melrose District where the aroma of pernil and arroz con gandules greets every guest like a hug from abuela. From handmade empanadillas to handcrafted mojitos, every item on the menu tells a story of heritage, resilience, and love.
More than just a place to eat, Phoenix Coqui is a space for celebration, reflecting their love for Puerto Rico and the community they proudly serve.
Phoenix Coqui | (602) 768-7894 | 4041 N. 15th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85015 | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok
See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it.
Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send it to us here with a brief description.
Copyright 2025 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.