Local Coffee Shops - Adding Joe Black to my list of Faves

There are two things that regular readers of my blog know about me.  I am a social justice warrior and I have nothing positive to say about Tim Horton's.  To me, the two things are compatible.  I actually think a big threat to social justice in Canada is Tim Horton's.  If you aren't a regular reader and want links to many rants about Tim's, let me know.  Always happy to share and keep hoping to contribute to their loss in profits, one convert at a time.  But, this isn't about Tim's.  This is about something positive.  

Local coffee shops.  I really don't get why people would go to a chain when a locally owned shop is so superior.  All local coffee shops are really cool places.  Yesterday, I went to Joe Black on Portage Avenue.  It was my first visit but won't be my last.  It was my first visit just because it is out of my geographic comfort zone.  I also have my favorite coffee shop.  It is a lot like Joe Black's but totally different.  

It is impossible not to visit a local coffee shop without comparing the experience to the Evil Empire.  

First of all, I was actually greeted by an enthusiastic young lady who asked me how I was doing.  It doesn't happen at a chain.  They just look at you meaning this is your time to place an order.  At Joe Black, when I was asked, it was an early morning after a long day and I said, honestly, "I'm not quite sure yet."  Without missing a beat, the enthusiastic young woman said, "well, let's get some coffee into you, and then go from there."  A simple, but human response, and it feels good.  I would go so far to say I felt valued.  Now, I like a medium roast.  I have learned that a medium roast at a chain means swill that tastes like used dish water.  So, I hesitated and then chose the medium roast.  It was exactly like I enjoy coffee.  Full body and nice finish.  The gentleman who poured didn't put it on a shelf and take off, he handed me the cup and smiled.  A little thing but I felt valued.  

Local coffee shops want you to hang around.  They want their customers to stay and linger.  They make their living by being a place to linger.  Local coffee shops have a variety of seating options.  Booths, comfy chairs, sofas, something for everyone.  There is always students working on their lap tops, there are friends catching up, there are people having business meetings, and there are lone wolves just wanting to read by being alone but able to be amongst people.  Local coffee shops always have interesting local things to look at.  They all have bulletin boards with useful community information.  They often have magazines or other reading material to share.  They support the community and invite the community to form a sense of community.  Something that is lacking these days.  

I enjoyed by delicious cup of coffee which was slightly cheaper than you would get a chain.  And after having a lovely time of reflection, I chose to have another cup.  And, my refill was free.  It was a little like winning a lottery, just another perk that you will find at your local coffee shop.  

You have an extra hour today.  Go to your local coffee shop for the coffee.  Stay for the connection to the community and support local business who give back to the community.  It should be common sense.