Laughing Man Coffee

Every generation finds its way to foster community, bringing fresh insights and innovative approaches to meet timeless human needs. While the tools may evolve, the core need for connection remains evergreen. The art and science of hospitality is to stay grounded in core principles while considering the whirlwind of tools and possibilities. https://lnkd.in/eFHzfxP5

There will always be a battle between efficiency/cost and customer experience. My first question is always, what is the benefit to the customer? If it's not for the customer's benefit, stop, do not pass, go.?If it is, then will the benefit be clear to the customer? This has a lot to do with implementation; too often, the customer feels like something has been taken away. An example that drives me crazy is not being able to call a company but being forced into email. With automation, AI, remote customer service, etc., this efficiency/cost-benefit will become more compelling. But keep sight of the customer experience and the human element. Customers might be apathetic and numb to the feeling that they are getting less and less, so they might be silently resentful. Great hospitality inspires people and meets customer needs at a deeper level.

Hospitality comes from the Latin hospitalitem, meaning friendliness to guests. It does not matter what year, trend, or global circumstances; just be friendly to your guests. Is there any business that is not in the hospitality business?

“... the nostalgia for the small town need not be construed as directed toward the town itself: it is rather a “quest for community” - Ray Oldenburg - Great Good Place 3 ways cafes play a vital role in the "quest for community" 1. Support for one another – Whether through a warm cup of coffee, a kind word, or simply being present. 2. Staying informed – Engage in meaningful conversations and stay updated with credible news. 3. Promote mindfulness – Take a pause, breathe, and reflect. Mindfulness can lead to better decision-making and a stronger sense of community.

THIS JUST IN... ACCORDING TO TIME OUT NY WE ARE A VIBE! What is a Meg Ryan fall, you may ask? In today's lingo, it's a?vibe. A Meg Ryan fall is that feeling you get as summer draws to a close, school starts up again, and the possibility of all things new suddenly becomes concrete. Let’s be clear: if Ryan’s character in?You’ve Got Mail, Kathleen Kelly, is of any indication, New Yorkers committed to her lifestyle should only try to buy coffee from independent purveyors, also avoiding creative concoctions that have recently drenched the American coffee market (we’re looking at you, frappuccinos). That is to say: a flat white at?Laughing Man Cafe?is probably acceptable, but Blank Street Coffee, Dunkin’ and Starbucks (blasphemy!) absolutely aren’t. https://lnkd.in/ehSTM4Z2

GO COFFEE GO! We could have told you that coffee is the elixir of eternal life, but it's nice that science has our backs. Pump up the polyphenols. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other plant foods, like nuts and legumes, are rich in polyphenols, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that some research suggests can support healthy aging. Coffee, for example, is a major source of polyphenols. Drinking as much as?three to five cups per day?has been linked with reduced risks for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, Parkinson’s disease, cognitive decline, and?earlier death, Dr. Hu said. Green tea may have similar benefits, he added, though the research is less robust. https://lnkd.in/g86zUm5N

Another example of being good/doing good is good business. So many societal factors today create a perfect storm of increased individual isolation. From COVID carry-over to social media effects to polarized politics, people are craving togetherness. The coffee industry has a unique opportunity to create a strong community that offers consumers the added value of feeling "with" people beyond just product attributes. This is an excellent article on how important it is for brands to build community, but it applies to all areas of life. https://lnkd.in/e5v86-ar

The Power of a Simple Greeting Feeling alone is a horrible feeling. When we welcome people into the cafe, we let them know they are not alone. Newcomers might not know right away what kind of place they are walking into. Our behavior, whether it's nice, rude, apathetic, etc., can alienate or embrace. Are we on their side? Are we together in this thing? So, a simple greeting can go a long way, and it's our responsibility to make it welcoming. With coffee being grown worldwide, I often think about the various cultures, coffee traditions, and greetings you might hear. Recently, I came across the traditional Zulu greeting, "Sawubona," which beautifully encapsulates the essence of welcoming. It means, "I see you, and by seeing you, I bring you into being." It's a powerful reminder that you are not alone.

Happy World Entrepreneur Day! Thank you to all those who risk creating, leading, inspiring, solving, and serving. Thank you to all the family and friends who support us and put up with us. Nothing is ever done alone. Every day, I have the privilege of contributing to the joy and unity of our community, creating opportunities for people to experience their ALL BE HAPPY moment. What a way to spend the day! Keep up the great work, everyone.