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Permalink Reply by Brady on August 28, 2013 at 6:40pm

I've read this post several times, and am still not quite sure what to say. The biggest question in my mind is what advice you might suppose a coffee-centric community would provide.

I'm always in favor of establishments improving their coffee. That usually requires more than just changing roasters though. It's a change in mindset - committing to pay attention to the details, spend money on beans and probably new equipment, and doing whatever else is necessary to make the coffee be good. In short, the owners have to be 100% behind the change.

That said, I kinda doubt that there's much market share to be gained by this diner simply improving their drip. I'm having a hard time imagining that customers have stopped going to this diner simply because the coffee stinks.

My gut feel is that unless it's really, really terrible, their problems probably lie somewhere outside of their coffee program. There's a difference between "retro" and "tired", and if it's being seen as the latter it probably is. A tired diner full of old people eating inexpensive food doesn't really sound appealing. How's the food? Service? Atmosphere? Menu? Sounds like you love this place - but how would it strike someone that was just passing through? Checked out Yelp briefly, and if it's the one I think it is they might want to address aspects other than their coffee.

If they want to improve their coffee, they should talk to some local roasters and go from there.

If you want more detailed suggestions, it'll cost you a 200mL bottle of something recent ;).

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Permalink Reply by Mike McGinness on August 28, 2013 at 10:12pm

You say it's in an affluent area. Yet say it prides itself on being inexpensive, no mention of quality focus or uniqueness or innovations etc. Affluency usual seeks a cut above, not bottom barrel offerings regardless what product category. If it wants new customers sounds like it needs a new business model approach. Not just better coffee...

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Permalink Reply by Danny Heiss on September 3, 2013 at 4:41am

If they're not getting new loyal customers, then they probably need to overhaul the menu. Customers are more excited about something good then something cheap. They've had cheap. They're tired of cheap. My favorite diner is Plainview diner. Everything is quality food, but diner style. Everything is awesome! It is not cheap though. Their prices accurately represent the quality of their menu. 

I don't really like diner style restaurants. They provide too many options, and I always feel overwhelmed when I go. 

Or maybe the demand for a diner isn't really there anymore. Or not in the form that it used to be. And diner's aren't typically known for having outstanding coffee. It's usually the sandwiches and breakfast, and immensely diversified food menu, and milkshakes/malts, and outstanding ice-cream sundaes. Does this diner have all those things? Is the service good and quick? 

On the other hand, I rather like the idea of doing a diner/ espresso bar. Vintage is very trendy right now. Vintage, as in clean cut, bright, and neat. Not so much old and rustic. 

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