Coffee shop culture has changed with the advent of computers, wifi, smart phones, and all other devices that we all use everyday. Conversations and meetings still occur, but many people are there for the sake of productivity. With others working diligently (or at least appearing to do so), the background hum of other customers, and a good, hot beverage and snack, a coffee shop provides a comfortable atmosphere and alternative work space.
The Traveled Cup in St. Albans, VT.
Wherever I’m traveling or whenever I have a considerable amount of writing/studying to accomplish, I prefer to spend time in a welcoming coffee shop. What is welcoming to me: comfortable chairs, various seating options, historic buildings, a nice ceiling, background music, good coffee, a few snack options, good lighting, some warmth to the space (rug or wood floors, not linoleum or stick tiles, for examples). Most often, a historic building that maintains its historic integrity fits all of these coffee shop requirements.
Sitting in a coffee shop on Saturday afternoon, I found it surprisingly empty of customers, except for a few people, all working or studying. Having the table space is much appreciated as well as a choice seat, all while sipping a bottomless cup of coffee and enjoying an oatmeal raisin cookie, but I found myself wondering how these little shops stay in business. There didn’t seem to be enough business over the course of a few hours to even fund the employees working. This particular coffee shop is probably much busier during the work week, and maybe I ended up in one of those weird customer lulls.
Coffee House & Block Gallery in Winooski, VT.
The cost for a cup of regular coffee varies; I’ve seen $1.25 to $2.50, but it generally falls at about $2.00. In some ways, $2.00 for a cup of coffee seems like a lot of money; after all, even buying a $12/lb bag of coffee, I can get so many more cups for $2.00. However, that amount of money would not support the overhead costs of a business (building, utilities, employees, insurance, supplies, food, etc.) It makes sense that the cup of coffee costs more – aside from the fact that someone made it for you – because it is paying for the atmosphere. If we weren’t seeking a coffee shop environment, we’d all swing by the nearest gas station and be on our way.
Still, say you pay $2.00 for a cup of coffee (maybe $2.50 for a bottomless cup or $.99 for a refill), and then proceed to spend hours in one coffee shop, how much should it really cost? It’s a tricky situation. Coffee shops provide wifi and other amenities to encourage customers, but people can routinely stay too long. If space is in demand, this is noticed.
Speeder & Earl’s in Burlington, VT
Coffee lovers, what do you do? Do you make sure to buy food or many cups of coffee? Perhaps a more expensive coffee drink? Do you ever feel like you shouldn’t be monopolizing your table for so long? I do my best to only take a small table, to order more than one item (spaced out over the time I’m there), and to return frequently. I want to support these businesses and the local economy. If there were no local coffee shops, we’d all be subjected to the chain retailers. (Alert! Preservation confession ahead.) And while I do enjoy Starbucks coffee, I do not enjoy spending time in Starbucks. They are cold in temperature, have a tin sound, and are generally not comfortable. It must be by design. Who else thinks so? In order to keep our local coffee shops in business, I’m going to drink more coffee, and remember that when a price seems high, I don’t mind paying it because I like where I am. How do you feel?
Preservation in Pink 
Reblogged this on 1572 E Black Diamond Dr and commented:
I still visit coffee shops for the coffee. How about you?
I agree with you on the comfort level of Starbucks, it’s stiff and entirely too anesthetized, I can never get comfortable, which wouldn’t be such a problem except the coffee is terrible! They over-roast the hell out of it for all those mocha frappa caramel with extra whip cream and a twist concoctions, but if you just like coffee, it’s the last place to go. I’m happy to pay a few dollars for a cup of coffee, bottomless or otherwise, for a nice place with some character to sit and work and/or relax.
I used to agree with you, but I love a regular cup of brewed strong coffee from Starbucks. However, every other drink just seems overpriced, agreed.
The best kind of coffee shop is the one that is warm and comforting! In the shop I work at, we LOVE when people come and spend the whole afternoon doing work/reading/chatting, even if they only buy one cup of coffee…it means we’re doing our job to make the store warm and inviting. Whenever I find a spot I like, I make sure to visit it regularly as a way to support the business. (Especially because I can’t guarantee I’ll want to drink many cups of coffee or eat many cookies!) It’s as much about community as it is about making money. And I totally agree with you, Starbucks are NOT comfortable places to hang out–good observation about the design. That really got me thinking!
Thank you Fran! And good to know, coming from a coffee shop employee. You’ll have to tell me which one!
I love coffee, but do not share your love of the shop, although you did paint then in a pretty light! It’s me, not them. 🙂
Interesting! I’m curious: what do you not like about coffee shops?
Maybe I’ve not found the right place yet. But I’m not into crowded spaces and hearing people talk is distracting if I’m trying to write or pay attention. My idea of a perfect shop would be outdoors with many nooks, like an English garden with a nice violinist. 🙂 Probably not a surprise location.
I love finding a coffee shop I can relax and read or write in for hours, with good coffee and friendly service. I’d add an open fire, an interesting view, and snuggly woolen throws if I was going for perfection, but I also LOVE the sound of Midwestern Plant Girl’s version of perfect! Jx