Withdraws
| So, CoffeeFest Atlanta is going on as we speak and one of my buddies is there as his first trade show. I have been to the past two CoffeeFest shows in Seattle and love being a part of them. While Cafe Evoke Catering is not in need of new products or equipment, it is just great to be around the people, to get the latest buzz, to feel the excitement and passion that comes with each show. I'm having withdraws. The coffee industry here in Bozeman is not alive. Shops - from what I have seen - do not get together, baristas do not get together to play with new machines or go to events, and it seems we are in a season where it is mainly "our shop is better than your shop" attitude. What is that all about? How can we get things going like inter shop comps? Exchange programs? Barista Jams? I even heard of a shop owner in town telling a person that they were the very first Certified Fair Trade coffee retailer in Bozeman. For one, who cares. For another, that is totally not true. I know of about 3 shops that serve certified coffees and teas years before this other company existed. I am having withdraws. I want the passion of the coffee industry to take over Bozeman Montana. I want to be able to talk coffee, taste coffee, and just be around people that love coffee as much as we do. I want real relationships with other coffee professionals in our market. Yes, Cafe Evoke will be in this market at one point or another but we are all here for the same reason - we love coffee! I read Barista Magazine and wish I could be a part of something that has the culture and passion of the industry like Alterra, Bellissimo, Just Coffee, Ritual, Stumptown, or Progress Coffee just to name a few. We are doing everything we can as a coffee catering company to try and up the bar for coffee in Bozeman. There are a few places that are doing a great job but I want more. I am having withdraws.... ...be bold The Global Exchange Fair Trade Store is your Online Source for Socially Conscious Gifts |
...a thought by Cafe Evoke Coffee Catering at 6/02/2007 08:59:00 AM
Comments on "Withdraws"
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PfinBilly said ... (6/03/2007 07:35:00 PM) :
post a commentJason,
You’re right on about coffee shops in Bozeman. Back in my caffeinated days, the atmosphere and service meant as much to me as the coffee. When I first arrived here 8 years ago there was innovation, creativity, and people who actually knew things about coffee at the local shops. I’m afraid it has become something less... high school students who can’t work a steam wand and cough all over your mocha (in most Bozeman shops, but not all). Coffee is more than the brew, it’s the culture created by those who really get it, and love it.
Also, somehow, the people with poor homogenized service have business models that work, and they’re propagating… spreading their “auto-brew and crap service” along Starbucks lines.
You got it right though. There, needs to be some intellectual commerce for the betterment of the local industry and the betterment of the community. I’m glad you’re on it.