Names like Starbucks and Seattle’s Best have long been the hip thing for coffee drinkers, but the recent shutdown of over 600 Starbucks stores points toward a frightening trend for the company.
It seems that coffee drinkers are getting a little bored with the big boys and leaning more toward quaint coffeehouses steeped in artistic atmosphere. In short, we’re getting back to the basics. After all, part of the joy of coffee is frequenting the traditional, non-corporate coffeehouses we all fell in love with.
Finding and brewing the best coffees for the varied coffee drinks we enjoy is only part of the experience. Sharing that coffee with friends and loved ones in hip, cozy little coffeehouses where someone strums the acoustic guitar or reads poetry is a big part of the romance of coffee--and one that we’ve forgotten for quite some time.
With the popularity of independent coffeehouses on the rise and coffee conglomerates slipping, it appears as though coffee lovers have remembered what it’s all about.
Conglomerate Coffeemeisters
Are We Getting Tired of the Same Old Grind?
Trend Themes
1. Rise of Independent Coffeehouses - Opportunity for entrepreneurs to create unique, artistic coffeehouses that offer a more authentic and intimate coffee-drinking experience.
2. Return to Basics - Demand for traditional, non-corporate coffeehouses is increasing as consumers seek a more authentic and romantic coffee-drinking experience.
3. Rediscovering Coffee Romance - Coffee lovers are embracing the idea of sharing coffee with friends and loved ones in cozy coffeehouses where music, poetry, and art are part of the experience.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - Opportunity for the hospitality industry to create and support independent coffeehouses that provide a unique and intimate coffee-drinking experience.
2. Art and Culture - Coffeehouses can collaborate with artists, musicians, and poets to create a space where creativity and coffee blend together for a unique customer experience.
3. Coffee Equipment and Supplies - With the rise of independent coffeehouses, there is an increased demand for specialty coffee beans, brewing equipment, and other coffee-related supplies.