Although there are Starbucks all over the United States – over 15 thousand as of October 2022, according to data from ScrapeHero – local coffee shops continue to be an important part of not only the economy, but also life in general.
It’s important to support local coffee shops for many different reasons – and it’s not too hard to stop and get a delicious cup of coffee.
If you’re like me, and want to support local coffee shops, here are 7 ways to do so!
By Mila.
Should You Bother with Supporting Local Coffee Shops?
It’s a bummer when a coffee shop you really liked closes.
Then you realize you don’t remember the last time you’ve been there. You might wish you had done more to support them.
Well, before this sad ending happens, there are things you can do to support local coffee shops!
And there are a few good reasons, why.
Why Is It Good to Support Local Businesses?
Local Coffee Shops boost local Economy
While convenient, mainstream coffee chains primarily concentrate their profits on brand development.
Local entrepreneurs’ independent coffee shops can have a very different impact, according to Brandon Pena, Forbes Council Member.
First of all, they generate job opportunities for locals.
And small businesses are also more likely to get their supplies from local businesses, which benefits the community’s microeconomy.
Local Coffee Shops Bring Variety to Society
While big coffee chains have a standard way to do things, local coffee shops know they have to stand out to attract customers.
This means that small coffee shops will offer not just coffee but a whole new experience, starting with a unique décor, menu items with fun names, a nice ambiance with pleasant lighting, live music and many other unusual things.
Local Coffee Shops Have High Quality Service and Coffee
While coffee from big chains might not be the best quality – you know, quantity over quality thing – local coffee shops will strive to please customers they want to keep.
They know they need to provide an amazing service to keep in business for the long run.
And this includes having high quality coffee.
Support Local Businesses
Here are 7 ways to support local businesses and coffee shops.
Become a Regular
Just going to a coffee shop regularly and being there is a great way to support.
Tip Generously
Being a barista or waitress is not easy, especially when customers demand things and don’t think leaving tips is important.
A coffee shop’s success is significantly influenced by its staff (and how good your coffee is).
Tipping is a nice way to express your appreciation for them and thereby help the company.
Word of mouth (or word of fingers-on-your-phone) is a simple but effective way to support your favorite coffee shops. Here are the best and more proactive ways to do that.
If you want your favorite coffee shop to stay in business, you simply can’t gatekeep it.
Share photos of your beautiful cup of coffee and anything else you order there with friends and family on social media. Tell them how good it is and how underrated they are. This can certainly attract more people to the coffee shop that you love.
Invite Friends and Family to The Coffee Shop
Speaker and writer Daniel Midson-Short shared on his YouTube channel how it’s harder making friends now compared to when he was a kid – and I’m sure we can all relate.
One of the reasons this can happen is simply because teens tend to do fun things together just for the sake of it, like eating out.
Inviting friends and family to have coffee in a local coffee shop might help you bond and become closer, and in the meantime, you will be supporting a local coffee shop!
Leave Good Reviews
Leaving good reviews of the coffee shops that you have enjoyed is a good way to bring positive attention to them.
You can do that even if you’re just visiting the area.
Awaken the Writer in You
If you’re a writer like me, or you wish to be, a coffee shop might give you just the right vibe to put you in the mood for writing.
Get a cup of your favorite coffee, open your laptop and bask in the feeling of being an author for a few hours during the week.
Going to a place like a coffee shop can help you write more.
Why a Coffee Shop is Important
Coffee shops are an important aspect of society.
Coffee shops are a place to go to before work, socialize, meet with important people and work, all while enjoying delicious coffee drinks.
Coffee shops also contribute to the local economy.
Photos by Stocksnap and Afta Putta Gunawan
