Sunday, January 27, 2008

Friendly Grounds Coffeehouse in Santee, CA

A new coffeehouse just opened in Santee, CA off of Mission Gorge Rd. This coffee shop is unique in that it is run by a local church. They gave it the name “Friendly Grounds” because they wanted a friendly community coffee shop that will be a place for people to have good fellowship, coffee, music, counseling and prayer. They wanted to live out the Gospel message that Jesus died for sinners instead through having a local business.

I checked it out over the weekend, and I must say...I was surprised with what I saw. The coffeehouse staff were very friendly, so their core values seem to be passed down to the employees. When I told the barista I wanted coffee and told him I did not want cream, both employees behind the counter smiled and said, “That’s the way to drink coffee: black!” They then began to chat telling me a few other coffees I might like that are strong and rich! The coffee could have been a little more hot, but at least it did not burn my mouth like Starbucks does!

Friendly Grounds is a very large coffeehouse with lots of tables, a conference room (for local businesses or church groups), a prayer or Bible study room, leather couches, a couple of big screen TV’s and a play area for the kids. The only thing I really did not like about the whole experience was the lighting. The night before I went into the place, I noticed the coffee shop, and it looked like a BIG ice cream parlor! The lighting was so powerful that it did not give the inviting and warm feeling most coffee shops tend to give out. So, if I could offer one piece of advice, more people will show up and even stay awhile if the owners could put more recess lighting or even more lamps. Besides that...Friendly Grounds is off to a good start. They also just made the decision to open their doors at 5am to catch the traffic folks.

Located
Next to the Santee Public Library off of Carlton Oaks & Carlton Hills Rd. 

Monday, September 10, 2007

Espresso Mia

Another great coffee place in San Diego that you must try when in the area is called, “Espresso Mia!”

Espresso Mia
1920 Fort Stockton Dr # B
San Diego, CA 92103

It serves excellent coffee. I would suggest the Americano with half to 3/4 water (in other words: it would be stronger). The service is good, and the community (Mission Hills) around there love the place. The food that I have tried is not very good. I once went in for a sandwich when I was in between appointments, and it was not the best. If you want a good sandwich, don’t go to a coffee house unless it markets that their food is the best.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Coronado: 1134 Cafe

If you have not had a chance to visit San Diego, put it on your list! Make sure you stop by the “island” of Coronado and stop by the 1134 Cafe on the main street (Orange Ave). The setting is fantastic and so is the coffee. 

Friday, August 03, 2007

Morton’s Steakhouse Coffee

If you are looking for a really nice place to dine and have quality steak, Morton’s Steakhouse is the place to go! You would think that if their steak is $40-60 (just the steak) that their coffee would be extremely gourmet. In my opinion, the coffee at Mortons is not very high quality but it is very fresh and above average. For the price, Mortons needs to make it just a little stronger and richer, but it really is pretty decent. 

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Denver Area Coffee Shop

I recently came across a coffee shop in the Denver area called, “Dazbog Coffee.” There are about six locations in Colorado. I saw a guy wearing one of their shirts recently at a part in San Diego and ask him a few questions about the coffee house. From his “testimonial” it is the place to go! The shirts are very creative and seem to be well received by the public. I guess the coffee is pretty good too. I would love to hear feedback from others who have gone to the shop and their results!

Here is the website

Monday, June 18, 2007

Pacific Bean of Pacific Beach, CA

Thanks to a good friend of mine, Jason Bennett, I was introduced to a local coffee shop in my town called, “Pacific Bean.” I had a brief meeting with the owners, and we area going to try to design some shirts that will help market the Pacific Bean coffeehouse. I am looking forward to working with the owner, Sean. Until everything is all settled and the shirts are in the store, please feel free to stop by and have a cup of coffee if you are in the San Diego area. More to come soon about the Pacific Bean.

Pacific Bean
1886 Garnet Ave Ste A
San Diego, CA 92109

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. 

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”.

Friday, March 02, 2007

Coffee Shops in San Diego: Coffee House on Broadway

I recently needed to work on a few things at work while I was in between appointments, so I decided to google a local coffee shop in San Diego that was near my next appointment. I had to see a client in an area of San Diego called, Golden Hills. I came across a coffee shop called, “Coffee House on Broadway.” I decided to give it a try! I am glad I did.

The location of this coffee house was great: right on the corner of a busy street in San Diego. It was also right in the middle of a residential area, which gave it a community feel to it. The parking lot only had one car parked, so I was wondering if the place was open or even that good. I stepped inside and immediately was greeted by a very friendly barista. Since I have to cut back a little on my regular coffee, I decided to try a decaf Americano. It actually was quite good for a decaf! The lady who greeted me introduced herself to me as Tina, who actually owned Coffee House on Broadway. She gave me a little background on the cafe and her goals to market the shop. It appears that the coffee house is alive at night and asleep during the day.

My suggestion would be that if you are in the area, you need to stop by and support Coffee House on Broadway. It is a family run operation with great service! Tina loves her job, and it shows!

Coffee House On Broadway
2991 Broadway (30th: cross street)
San Diego, CA 92184
(619) 557-0156

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Bucks County Coffee Co. in Philly

Bucks County Coffee Co. in Philly was recommended as a great coffee place to try by Hastings Banks of Philadelphia. They have a great website and q number of locations throughout Philly, Penn, one in Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware and Washington D.C.

Check out Bucks County Coffee and let me know what you think! Thanks, Hastings for the info.

View Bucks Site

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Coffee Shops in Connecticut

Senior Bean: Below is a coffee shop submitted by Sarah Slabaugh from the Delaware area. This place has some of the BIGGEST Coffee Cups ever! Check out the picture I pulled from their site to the right! Pretty Cool. If anyone has been to this place besides Sarah, I would love to hear how the BLACK coffee taste. I hope to get up there someday.

“While we don’t have any in our area, quite possibly the best coffee i ever had was at the victoria train station in putnam, ct. the owners, a husband and wife, are constantly traveling to find the best coffee and espresso to serve. they learn your name rather quickly and make you feel at home each time you visit. it is decorated in a gorgeous range of antiques, including velvet covered chairs and beautiful gilt chandeliers. adjacent is a botique which sells handmade purses and other accessories.”

Putnam Victoria Station Cafe
75 Main St, Putnam, CT
(860) 928-2600.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Coffee Shops in Coronado, CA

One of the best coffee shops I have been to in the San Diego area is in a small city called Coronado. It is about 10 minutes from the San Diego Airport and located on the main street of Coronado. Coronado is a small “island” that is 22 miles long. The coffee shop I am referring to is called the Cafe 1134. The address is 1134 Orange Ave!

Cafe 1134 serves excellent coffee drinks. The atmosphere is very elegant and sophisticated with an Italian design. Their regular black coffee and americanos are my favorite, but I am sure their specialty drinks are good as well. The service is wonderful as well. The first time I went to this place, I told the barista guy that I liked my Americano strong. He was one of the first coffee makers in San Diego to actually get what I was saying. Typically when I tell the staff I want my coffee strong, they just nod their head and say, “ok.” This guy was different. He suggested to me to try an Americano with less water and two shots of espresso. He said that if it was NOT strong enough, he would add a third shot for FREE! That was the best part. I came away from Cafe 1134 with a delicious 3-shot cup of coffee! I have been back several times since when I am in the area. They also serve food as well. I would not recommend the sandwiches. The bread is a little hard, but the desserts are to die for!

I cannot locate a web address, but they do have free internet. Just go to Coronado, turn left on the main street (Orange) and look for 1134! 

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Coffee Shops in Frederick County, Maryland

Senior Bean: Below are three coffee shops submited by a good friend of the family: Alyssa Hjembo. The coffee shops are in the Frederick County area, which is about an hour from D.C. and 45 minutes from Baltimore. Frederick County is a beautiful part of the country, and it is well worth a visit to the area and the coffee shops! Thanks so much, Alyssa, for letting me know about these places. I must say, I have only been to one good coffee shop in that area, and I am eager to try these out when I am back there right after Christmas.

Westiminster, MD - The Pour House, 233 E. Main St. 410/751.9171
www.pourhousecafe.com
“This is a great little shop tucked into a historic house in downtown Westminster. They have created a retro/modern ambiance that fits surprisingly well even in the historic architecture of the building. From their “ build your own” blended drinks to the chocoate almond latte to the simple cup of joe, they offer a full range of fine coffees and coffee drinks. This is not your cookie cutter coffee shop. It is a genuinely local, friendly place, where you’ll find the regulars gathered around tables involved in thoughtful discussions of the issues of our day, all over a smooth cup of coffee.”


Frederick, MD - The Mudd Puddle 124 South Carroll Street
301-620-4323 - Mon 7-5; Tue/Wed 7-8; Thurs/Fri 7-9; Sat 8-10;
Closed Sun (as of 10/1/04) Coffee Shop Website: The Mudd Puddle


Mt. Airy, MD - The Vintage Coffee House, 106 S Main St / 301-829-7722
Great atmosphere, friendly service, unique spot in a rapidly growing historic downtown.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Coffee Shop in Lubbock, Texas

Senior Bean: Ok. I would have to agree with Brack with the following: “Why would you be in Lubbock, Texas to get a cup of coffee?” The only thing that comes to mind is if you have a very long layover from Southwest in that city...then the following coffee shop may be a good place to hunt down.

Here is what Brack St. Clair of Texas had to say about…

“I have no idea why anyone would EVER be there, but if you find yourself in Lubbock, avail yourself of the aroma and flavor of Daybreak Coffee…

that being said, I don’t think it’s worth the 3.75 hour drive (at a very unreasonable speed) from D/FW for a cup of coffee from ‘em....

Website
Daybreak Coffee Shop in Lubbock, Texas
2 Locations
19th & Quaker
82nd & Quaker

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Coffee Shops in Arkansas

Here are a few coffee shops posted by Anna Knight (Fort Worth, TX)

Iron Horse Coffee in Rogers, AR
“This is a great coffee shop in the “old downtown” of Rogers (Northwest Arkansas), right next to the railway (hence the name). The interior is an eclectic mix of tables & chairs, bookshelves with books for reading, brick walls, bar seating, a loft with couches and comfy chairs, and more. The coffee there is very good, in my opinion, whether you’re getting brewed coffee or an espresso drink. As far as I know, most employees are adults, not teenagers who would rather be gabbing on their cell phone than properly making your latte. The prices aren’t outrageous (for a coffee shop Wink), and the food offered is good . . . and they sell T-shirts that say “Friends don’t let friends drink Starbucks.” (Senior Bean Comment: We can’t have people going to Starbucks now can we?!")

Read about what others had to say about Iron Horse Coffee Review on Yahoo!

220 South 1st Street
Rogers, AR 72756-4504
479-631-9977

Kennedy Coffee in Bentonville, AR
Great coffee, whether in brewed or espresso form, and they do all their own roasting. The staff is very helpful and friendly. I love the atmosphere here: modern-retro-art-deco-ish. The only drawbacks are the prices.” (Senior Bean Comments: Yes, but a good cup of coffee or espresso is worth the price. If I want cheap coffee, I’ll go to the gas station or 7/11, but good coffee is worth spending a couple of bucks.)

www.kennedycoffee.com
2501 Se 14th St
Bentonville, AR 72712
(479) 464-9015

Pontiac Coffee House in Springdale, AR
“My dad [Ms. Knight’s Dad] loves this place, and he likes good coffee and doesn’t abide bad coffee. I’ve never been to this shop, but it looks cool--a remodeled car dealership, an antique car parked in the “showroom"-turned-coffee shop.”