Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rich Abker on November 21, 2008 at 4:02pm

Interesting convo. from the southeast! :-) yep

Permalink Reply by Zechariah White on December 8, 2008 at 2:40pm

There is very little that would get me to drive all the way to NC from Athens, GA just to see a coffee shop. BUT! Say I was in Durham or somewhere up there and I had heard about a coffee shop that was really cool, I might stop in. Of course, being so close to Counter Culture Coffee's roasting hub, and being that I serve CC like a mad man at work, you'd probably have to have a roaster/supplier from somewhere else- especially if it were another local one.

Personally, I think that standards get pushed on this industry a lot. 18 g in the p/f, this much brew time, that much pressure, etc etc etc. I really would like to see local roasting scenes carrying small towns. Each town should have its own roasting scene and it's own barista network. This would make travel to those locations worth while.

This isn't to say I'd like to see an unbelievable amount of variety. I like the way the SCAA divides things into "guilds." Not only is this appealing because I'm a total RPG nerd, but also, it implies some level of pride in what you do- the niche you fill. Frankly, I hate going into stores that have a roaster in the middle of the room. Not only is it a little bit of a turn off to wear the "We roast our own coffee" label on your sleeve, but the truth is that shoppies often don't have the time, will, know how, passion, or even ability to run a successful retail business AND develop their roasting skills. I know this from anecdotal experience.

So, shoppies- support your local roasters. Two or three to a town. Develop this idea of "guilds" and let the artisans there take pride in their work. Roasters- love your shoppies. Create jobs for passionate people and let's f-in save the planet while we do it. As ubiquitous as coffee is in our culture, it is a real shame we're not having more of a social impact.

That's what would get me out of my comfort zone to go see a store- a store that was really impacting its community.

Permalink Reply by Jason Dominy on December 9, 2008 at 5:51am

Great post. And from an ex-Athens townie, it's good to see the coffee scene growing so well down there. I agree with your post, and see that recently you have seen more of a push from retail shops to go more and more local, whether it be coffee or bakery, and I think it's a good thing, honestly. It's investing in your community, not just monetarily, but as person to person, and that's always a good thing. Anytime you are around Charlotte, I would love to take you around!

Zech said:

There is very little that would get me to drive all the way to NC from Athens, GA just to see a coffee shop. BUT! Say I was in Durham or somewhere up there and I had heard about a coffee shop that was really cool, I might stop in. Of course, being so close to Counter Culture Coffee's roasting hub, and being that I serve CC like a mad man at work, you'd probably have to have a roaster/supplier from somewhere else- especially if it were another local one.

Personally, I think that standards get pushed on this industry a lot. 18 g in the p/f, this much brew time, that much pressure, etc etc etc. I really would like to see local roasting scenes carrying small towns. Each town should have its own roasting scene and it's own barista network. This would make travel to those locations worth while.

This isn't to say I'd like to see an unbelievable amount of variety. I like the way the SCAA divides things into "guilds." Not only is this appealing because I'm a total RPG nerd, but also, it implies some level of pride in what you do- the niche you fill. Frankly, I hate going into stores that have a roaster in the middle of the room. Not only is it a little bit of a turn off to wear the "We roast our own coffee" label on your sleeve, but the truth is that shoppies often don't have the time, will, know how, passion, or even ability to run a successful retail business AND develop their roasting skills. I know this from anecdotal experience.

So, shoppies- support your local roasters. Two or three to a town. Develop this idea of "guilds" and let the artisans there take pride in their work. Roasters- love your shoppies. Create jobs for passionate people and let's f-in save the planet while we do it. As ubiquitous as coffee is in our culture, it is a real shame we're not having more of a social impact.

That's what would get me out of my comfort zone to go see a store- a store that was really impacting its community.

Permalink Reply by Zechariah White on December 14, 2008 at 7:39am

Dang! I was just through Charlotte a few weeks ago. I really need to get up there and will DEFINITELY let you know when I'll be there!

Jason Dominy said:

Great post. And from an ex-Athens townie, it's good to see the coffee scene growing so well down there. I agree with your post, and see that recently you have seen more of a push from retail shops to go more and more local, whether it be coffee or bakery, and I think it's a good thing, honestly. It's investing in your community, not just monetarily, but as person to person, and that's always a good thing. Anytime you are around Charlotte, I would love to take you around!

Zech said:

There is very little that would get me to drive all the way to NC from Athens, GA just to see a coffee shop. BUT! Say I was in Durham or somewhere up there and I had heard about a coffee shop that was really cool, I might stop in. Of course, being so close to Counter Culture Coffee's roasting hub, and being that I serve CC like a mad man at work, you'd probably have to have a roaster/supplier from somewhere else- especially if it were another local one.

Personally, I think that standards get pushed on this industry a lot. 18 g in the p/f, this much brew time, that much pressure, etc etc etc. I really would like to see local roasting scenes carrying small towns. Each town should have its own roasting scene and it's own barista network. This would make travel to those locations worth while.

This isn't to say I'd like to see an unbelievable amount of variety. I like the way the SCAA divides things into "guilds." Not only is this appealing because I'm a total RPG nerd, but also, it implies some level of pride in what you do- the niche you fill. Frankly, I hate going into stores that have a roaster in the middle of the room. Not only is it a little bit of a turn off to wear the "We roast our own coffee" label on your sleeve, but the truth is that shoppies often don't have the time, will, know how, passion, or even ability to run a successful retail business AND develop their roasting skills. I know this from anecdotal experience.

So, shoppies- support your local roasters. Two or three to a town. Develop this idea of "guilds" and let the artisans there take pride in their work. Roasters- love your shoppies. Create jobs for passionate people and let's f-in save the planet while we do it. As ubiquitous as coffee is in our culture, it is a real shame we're not having more of a social impact.

That's what would get me out of my comfort zone to go see a store- a store that was really impacting its community.

Permalink Reply by Chris Avirett on December 27, 2008 at 7:31am

I work at a shop called Blackbird Coffee in Milledgeville, Ga. and we actually have our roaster in our front window. We small batch roast everything. We;ve been going at it for about 5 years now. Cool music, easy atmosphere, friendly and creative baristas, great coffee: you should come check us out.

Brady said:

I'd love to see a really good hardcore style shop open... trad espresso - one size only, no espresso in to-goes. Brew to-order only, with a constantly changing selection of really great coffees - COEs, auction lots etc. Maybe a featured espresso - SO or guest. You know, a menu that makes it REALLY hard to make up your mind.

Staff knows what they are doing and is nice to you. Space is comfortable but funky and has cool music on the radio. Heck, lets go for perfect and park a roaster in the front window.

That said, I don't really travel too far to visit shops. I know there are some killer shops within 3 hours that I've yet to visit (Octane, 3 cups, etc). This is just kind of my vision.

Good question.

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