Why specialty shops are essential for upholding the coffee industry

When it comes to the coffee industry, specialty shops have emerged as an essential pillar in the space—the reason for which dates back to the 17th century. For what feels like forever, coffeehouses have served as a critical center for socialization, and a cultural cornerstone in communities across the globe. In the post-pandemic world, this is more true than ever. People are not only craving caffeine; they’re craving connection, too.?

While cafés have long been a staple in society, there’s been a recent rise in specialty coffee shops, which serve up higher quality, artisanal products. Generally, these local gems boast ethical beans, intimate and unique spaces, and committed customers. While mainstream coffee chains certainly serve their purpose, there is something decidedly different about specialty shops—and the level of care they put into each cup of coffee they brew.?

Unlike other brick-and-mortar businesses, the vast majority of which have suffered in recent years, specialty coffee shops have continued to succeed and grow, becoming a central force in the coffee industry. Here are some of the reasons why:

1. Canadians’ love for coffee is increasing—and their taste is growing more sophisticated

?For one, Canadians love their coffee, and that seems to be an ongoing trend.

While making a fresh pot at home has become popular amid the pandemic, there’s something to be said for the superior coffee quality at local shops, where each cup is brewed to perfection. Most specialty coffee shops offer only the most premium and often Fairtrade organic beans using methods and equipment to extract the most flavour and offer high-grade dairy and non-dairy products to fit anyone’s fancy.

Although grabbing a cup of coffee from a basic chain is perhaps the easiest way to get a caffeine fix, Canadians seem to be seeking more dynamic flavours, varieties, and environments to lounge in while savouring each sip.?

2. Coffee culture?

One of the central differences between a mainstream coffee chain and a specialty shop is the overall culture and vibe. While commercial chains do the trick, they don’t foster the same sense of community that a specialty café offers.?

At specialty shops, patrons and baristas tend to build a strong rapport from repeated interactions, and often, the store will emerge as a landmark for locals in the area, and a beloved meeting place. At specialty shops, people are more likely to sit and stay, mirroring a similar culture to the earliest coffeehouses, which were domains for discussion and gathering. The coffee culture feels significantly more concentrated at indie shops compared with mainstream coffee joints. This unique community feel draws patrons in—and prods them to stay.?

3. Good food?

In addition to serving premium java, many specialty coffee shops are also known for offering a superior spread of food. Whether it’s pastries or salads, the food available at specialty shops tends to match the quality of the coffee, and is typically trendier.

Whether you’re on-the-go or planning to stay a while and work or chat with a friend, having healthy snack and meal options readily available brings the coffee shop experience to a whole new level, making it more of a one-stop-shop for all your caffeine and nourishment needs.

4. Ethical and sustainable coffee?

Sustainability might seem like a big buzzword, but fortunately, it’s something Canadians seem to sincerely care about. Modern coffee consumers gravitate toward sustainably sourced beans, and brands that prioritize the planet before profit. For many smaller scale coffee shops, sustainability and ethical practices are at the heart of what they do—and this is made very apparent to clientele, who are eager to support their mission.?

From takeaway cups to sweeteners, specialty coffee shops are more inclined to consider sustainability practices for every product they offer, beyond just the beans. This makes them more appealing to consumers who are becoming increasingly environmentally aware.??

5. Workspace havens?

With work-from-home becoming the new normal for many employees, specialty shops have emerged as go-to workspaces. While WFH life has its benefits, it also comes with many downsides—including isolation.?

Specialty shops serve as welcoming work environments where people can get out of their houses and have a place to go every day, and interact with others. Many specialty shops are multi-functional spaces with plenty of power outlets and large desks, making ideal work and study spaces that help foster a necessary boundary between work and life.

6. Love for local

Last, but certainly not least, many are choosing to support local businesses over mainstream giants, which don’t have the same propensity to bolster the local economy.?

Small local shops are more likely to get their products and supplies from other local businesses, strengthening the local economy as a whole.

The coffee industry has become relatively saturated with a slew of big-name brands, so small specialty shops naturally stand out for being more unique, charming, innovative and locally-focused. Generally, in a post-pandemic world, people seem to be leaning towards local establishments, and specialty coffee shops are no exception.

The bottom line?

Coffee shops will always be an important staple in society, and specialty cafés, in particular, are making the industry more dynamic. It’s clear that specialty coffee shops are here to stay.