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Coffee Shop Guidelines
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As I've traveled to coffee shops recently, I have found there needs to be a "Gold Standard" to what is provided. I know I don't own one (I know a couple guys who do). I know I don't brew coffee. I know I don't own a business (small or large). I get all that. I don't think all of that is necessary for the following to be true:
- Free wi-fi. I mainly say this as a blast against Starbucks. How can you charge to use the internet in 2010? That doesn't even make sense! But in order to provide free wi-fi, you probably should make it faster than 3G speeds on a phone (Panera [cough, cough]).
- House Cup. Knowing that coffee houses have now become the collegiate house of lounge, you should provide a drink that makes lounging appropriate. In an age of coffee connoisseurs, this doesn't need to be the best coffee you offer, just one that those who care to loiter can drink away. Specialty drinks are AMAZING. But I one can't continue to pay $3+ every hour.
- Power Outlets. If the above are true, your probably want to have a plug that computer / smartphone users can plug into. And they shouldn't be above the waist (Fog City). If I need to extend my hand above my head in order to use the plug, it probably isn't at an appropriate location. Or, if there is tension in my power cord, it probably means it is too high. Someone also should consider maximizing floor outlets. That would allow for more usability so you don't have to sit next to the wall all the time. Just a thought.
- Crazy Awesome Indie Music. Let's be honest, it makes everything way cooler when flannel shirts, beards and cabins make up the majority of what your musical selections are into. Either that or old school jazz. Or John Mayer. Be honest. It happens. I'm still waiting for someone to put to good use the Icelandic Ambient Instrumental Post-Rock (Sigur Ros, mum, Leaves).
- Trendy Baristas. Your coffee is only cool as the one who is brewing it. I recommend the above as criteria for hiring. Flannel shirt. Beard (where gender appropriate). Cabin living (or a loft will do). Bicycle or Scooter as the primary means of transportation. Toms or Vans as the shoes. Skinny jeans. At least, that seems to be what's going around.
Thoughts? More that need to be apart of the list. Don't hate. This is all in good fun. Unless you are Starbucks or Panera. Then this isn't fun. You make it worse for all of us. Darn your convenience.
