Local Coffee Shops Find Success Corporations Cannot In Community-Focused Experiences – CoffeeTalk

Coffee shops are increasingly focusing on community and connection as corporations struggle to compete. Small and mid-sized chains have seen an increase in their market share since 2019, with mid-sized chains like Dutch Bros growing from 10.8% to 17.6% in 2024, while small chains experienced a more modest visitor increase from 3.2% to 4.4% of the market since 2019. Starbucks, a major player in the coffee industry, has been struggling to regain customers and is now refocusing on providing a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather and enjoy the finest coffee, handcrafted by skilled baristas.

Mothership Coffee Roasters, a coffee shop in Las Vegas, has taken hold as Starbucks works to re-establish itself as the “community coffeehouse.” Mothership founder Juanny Romero attributes its success to a strong foundation in community and connection, fostering a sense of belonging for customers from the moment they walk in the door. Romero has cultivated this culture through decisions such as starting a bartering program during the pandemic, where bakers and artists could trade things like bread, cookies, or jewelry for Mothership’s roasted coffee beans.

Creating a good working environment is another company tenet, with every employee feeling like they have a seat at the table. The company sends out monthly reports asking for feedback to fine tune its program to increase retention. Additionally, Mothership’s philanthropic program adds an additional layer of significance to each cup of coffee, with the company giving $75,000 to organizations like Opportunity Village, Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, and St. Jude’s Ranch for Children.

Coffee shops are increasingly focusing on community and connection to attract customers and maintain a competitive edge in the market. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and community involvement, coffee shops can continue to thrive and contribute to the growth of the local coffee scene.

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