Smaller Coffee Shops Crushed By Rising Costs – CoffeeTalk

Socialite Coffee Bar owner Ayse Karaaslan has faced increasing customer dissatisfaction due to rising coffee prices, which have escalated largely due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration against major coffee-producing countries like Brazil. Despite the U.S. Supreme Court ruling these tariffs illegal, their lasting effects have been felt in local coffee shops. Karaaslan has pointed out that her pricing is comparable to large coffee chains, even as she uses quality ingredients sourced locally. She actively engages with her customers on social media, emphasizing her commitment to quality over quantity and explaining her product sourcing.

Meanwhile, Tim Monson, co-owner of Monsoon Roastery, reports a doubling of coffee bean prices, attributing this to not only tariffs but also decreased availability, leading to fierce competition among roasters. He expressed that while they haven’t imposed all costs onto customers, the prices have risen dramatically from $10 for a bag of coffee in 2018 to between $20 and $25 currently. Monsoon Roastery has adapted by limiting shop hours and offering coffee brewing classes, suggesting a shift to being a ‘weekend treat’ for customers.

Mark Krause, owner of Esselon Café and Woodstar Café, observed a consumer shift toward more affordable coffee options, particularly among larger grocery chains. However, his customer base remains stable, with an appreciation for quality and an understanding of the prevailing economic pressures. He anticipates a potential easing of prices as Brazil prepares to release a significant coffee crop in the near future. Krause remains optimistic about future price corrections in the coffee market.

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