The Coffee Shop
When you think of a Coffee Shop what comes to mind? Do you think of friends, hanging out, business meetings, soft serve ice cream, lunch or free internet? Many coffee shops these days focus on things like these. If you are like me when you think about a coffeehouse the first thing you think about is coffee. Good coffee is my first and primary reason for going to a coffee shop.
If the coffee is not good I will probably not be back anytime soon, if ever. Many people have dreamed about opening their own coffee shop. Quality coffee must be a key part of the equation if you own or plan to one day own a coffee business of your own.
Choosing a Coffeehouse
With over 20,000 coffee shops in the United States, an unprecedented number of closings, (over 2,500 from 2009-10) and a struggling economy people like you and I are making informed choices on where to spend our money. There are many things that make a coffee shop experience awesome but if the primary reason you chose the venue is a bust you will probably pick a different place to meet the next time.
Starbucks Syndrome
Many new coffeehouses try to copy Starbucks. This is understandable because of their huge success but it is a monumental mistake. Copying Starbucks will not work to draw me in especially in today’s economy. There is only one Starbucks and they have over 11,000 stores which makes up over half of the coffeehouses in the United States. The only thing you will accomplish with this strategy is a slow death of your monetary investment and life long dream. What I am saying here is simple, if you own or have a dream to own a shop: Make extremely good coffee and make this your number one focus. Do not focus, to much, on your chair or cushy couch decor, soft brown, purple, green and red color scheme, circle logo design and all the peripheral things that won’t keep people coming back.
Coffee is Community
Community is any shop owners ultimate goal. Coffee is the avenue to that desired community. That is why having and continue to gain as much coffee knowledge you can is so huge. If I walk into a coffee shop and ask a question about the coffee and the person behind the bar doesn’t have an adequate answer I am underwhelmed to say the least. However, if the owner or barista is able to not just give information but tell the story (where it came from, why it has the notes it does, how it was brewed and who roasted it, etc…) behind the cup I am drinking I am intrigued and want to learn more. I then am reminded to come back not only because I loved the coffee but because I want to connect with the person that invited me into a world of knowledge I had never encountered before. Coffee then becomes the avenue by which you get the community you desire.
Great Coffee makes The Coffee Shop Great. – Remember this and you will keep me coming back.
How much does good coffee factor into your decision on where to get or meet for coffee?
photo by josepha
Depends on who I am with. For important events yes, quality definitely makes a difference. For regular hangouts we always choose Starbucksz
Exactly right. I’d go to a shop that looked like it had furniture from Sandford &Son if the coffee was exceptional. I just may not eat off the tables
When we want a good cup of coffee we will go to the deli, coffee house or restaurant to get that great cup of joe. When we want to hang out in town or the kids want a dessert drink we will go Starbucks.
First is a good coffee like yours, next comes the ambiance!
I agree the coffee is of course most important second to the atmosphere. I cant get over some coffee houses that are set up to get in and get out. They should be comfortable, have things to read, maybe a fireplace… whatever it takes to get you to hang out and drink more coffee BUT, you wont drink more if it is not good. I also agree with the person behind the counter needs to know what they are doing. Coffee is actually overwhelming. It is a treat form most people, they want to try something knew and receive sound advice from the person serving them!
“When you think of a Coffee Shop what comes to mind?” If I’m in amsterdam, a big fat joint.