Coffee shops have evolved into social hubs with multiple activities, not just the imbibing of the delicious brown liquid. In the past, you would go to a coffee shop just to get premium quality coffee and blended drinks that you couldn’t get at a fast food shop. However, as more Starbucks have sprouted up all over the country, few places do not offer at least two or three coffee shops within walking distance of each other. The game has changed from being the only choice in town to competing on more than just the strength of your brewed coffee. To attract a larger clientele and remain competitive against other coffee shops eager to grab market share, coffee shops are becoming social hubs for all types of activities, from business and education to entertainment.
New Coffee Shops Create Social Spots for People to Linger
Today’s coffee shop will endeavor to create an itinerary of activities to keep their clientele coming back. They’re not just targeting the coffee aficionado, but all their friends too, whether they like coffee or not. Some coffee shops will even mix up their drink list to include heavy teas, like Chai, and iced beverages. Many offer pastries and cookies to satisfy a sudden sweet tooth. Here are a few examples how coffee shops are becoming hot social spots for one and all by offering:
Business Opportunities – Coffee shops have been a hub of business activity ever since WiFi became a popular draw for customers. The rise of freelancers in a bad economy has also create a need for social gathering spots, like coffee shops, to accommodate the solopreneur and his loose network of peer workers. With casual spots to sit around a common table, with beverages served upon demand, the coffee shop can easily fill the need that these individuals have in their new working style.
Educational Gatherings – In a bid to attract large groups of people to the coffee house, many have also actively sought to target specific educational groups like the local PTA. By engaging community groups and helping them meet their needs, the coffee shop gains a lot more customers easily and most of become long-term repeat customers, too. Unlike a library, coffee shops allow their patrons to talk while there, making it easier to conduct meetings and social events.
Entertainment – To enhance a sense of community, the coffee shop may offer musicians a place to play or even an open mic night. They may plan sidewalk acoustics or jam sessions in the morning. Struggling musicians who want some more exposure can come in and get started showing their stuff to get more business for themselves and the coffee shop. The community gets to hear the local talent and support their endeavors as well.
Social groups for dating or meet-ups also make use of coffee shops. They can offer a one-on-one spot for intimate meetings as well as bigger spaces for the club meet-ups. Often, the club is organized online, and the actual meeting spot is reserved in a coffee shop to keep rental space costs low. This is just another way coffee shops have integrated into modern social living.
According to Uptown Center, “coffee shops no longer can rely on their quality coffees to bring in the crowds. As a way to draw people in, they have to become social gathering places that enhance the community and build up networking opportunities for both professionals and creatives alike.” Depending on the types of groups near them, they may choose to either support business entrepreneurs, teachers, or even musicians. A coffee spot is no longer just a place to get a good cup of brew. It’s also the best hangout to meet people with like-minded goals and to work together in a space that supports them.
References:
Libensen, D. Chicago Tribune (2014) Highland Park Coffee Shop Offers Live Music. Retrieved from: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-07-05/news/ct-ravinia-coffee-shop-tl-20140705_1_coffee-shop-acoustic-music-sunday-morning
Esswein, P. Kiplinger (2014) Small Business Success Story: Caffe Amouri. Retrieved from: http://www.kiplinger.com/article/business/T049-C000-S002-small-business-success-story-caffe-amouri.html
