Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Decaf Coffee: No Bad

I have still been cutting back on my regular coffee and drinking more decaf. The first 1-2 weeks were brutal, but I am surprised to report that I am enjoying decaf coffee. I must admit that I have been using my own coffee from our roaster instead of buying cheap decaf at the grocery store. That has made a difference, I am sure. Most decaf still has caffeine in it, but it does have quite a bit less than regular coffee beans. On my site, I don’t advertise selling decaf, but if you would like to try a dark roast decaf, send us an email. 

Friday, April 06, 2007

You Can Compete with Starbucks

I am a stockholder with Starbucks, because I believe it is a solid company with big and strong ideas to grow a business. However, I love seeing small businesses do well and grow. This is why I write on this blog and sell t-shirts. I want to encourage small coffee shops to think outside the box like Starbucks.

Coffee shops can learn a lot from the Starbucks company. Most coffee shops still are too “Mom and Pop.” There is nothing wrong with that style, but I guarantee that if it continues, Starbucks will become THE monopoly. In order to grow your business and become more consumer friendly, you need to see what your competition is doing, and right now, Starbucks is your big competitor. Here is a good example: A number of years ago, there was a coffee shop in San Diego called, “Kensington Coffee.” This place was very popular during the early and mid 1990s. They soon expanded the idea into two Great locations around town. Then something happened. Their quality, service and marketing plan began to slide downhill. They closed their two expansions and were left with the main store in Kensington. That store too became a dump. I went in one time to find flies buzzing around in the pastry display. To make matters worse, Starbucks opened up across the street. Kensington Coffee was a strong symbol of this small community for years, and then Starbucks landed. At first, I wondered what the community would do. Some people were upset and continued to go to Kensington Coffee. However, it did not take long for Kensington Coffee to begin to enter a slump of depression. This caused more and more people to start going to Starbucks.

The store about Kensington Coffee does have a relatively happy ending. They finally sold the place and began to clean house. Today, the store looks a lot different. It is cleaner and friendly. It also is still in business with Starbucks right across the Street. Any coffee shop that is unique and high quality can stay in business, even with a marketing giant nearby. Commit to making your coffee house the best it can be. Determine what you want to be known for: Great Coffee? Great Service? Great Music? Great Prices? Whatever it is, stay focused and separate yourself from Starbucks. 

Starbucks Serves Hot Food!

Starbucks* has done it again! Last Tuesday, I was in an early morning business meeting at Starbucks with a client, when a chef came up to offer us a free taste test of an egg sandwich. It looked and smelt great, so we both said yes. I was very impressed with the flavor of this sandwich and with the whole concept. I had no idea Starbucks was up to this new idea of introducing Hot Food. In the past, I have asked if they would heat up a pastry, and they would say, “We don’t have a microwave.” Now, the marketing geniuses at Starbucks have installed quick ovens in most if not all Starbucks. It is simply amazing the way this company works. A tip to coffee shop owners, check out what Starbucks is doing and see in what ways you can be more creative and market to your customers.

*Just a quick side note, I have said this before and I will say it again, I do go to Starbucks. I am not a lover of everything they do. It is just convenient, and there are not enough small and good coffee shops nearby when I have meetings. Therefore, Starbucks will have to do.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Coffee Shops in Maine: Rockland

Senior Bean: I recently received information from Jenni Plum about a great coffee and book store in Rockland, Maine. I have been through this town when I was on my honeymoon a few years ago, but I did not have the privilege of knowing about this place. It is called “Rock City Books & Coffee.” The midland area of Maine is SO beautiful. If you all are ever in main, stop in at this coffee shop and send us your comments. I would also drive further north and stop in at my favorite town, Camden, Maine. The Camden Deli has excellent food and customer service.

Here is Jenni’s review of the Rock City Coffee Shop:

“Hi there! I would suggest you check into Rock City Books & Coffee on Main Street in Rockland Maine. (Formerly known as “Second Read Books and Coffee”

They have second hand books for sale or to read while sipping one of their most excellent selections of coffee. They have it all from steamers to lattes. They even offer soy substitutes for those that are lactose intolerant or have special diet needs. In the summer they offer all kinds of live music. From acoustic, to blues, to jazz. My personal fave would have to be the “Raspberry Kiss Latte”.