We mean (coffee) business

We mean (coffee) business

By Andrew Wright, Director of Strategic Initiatives

The friendly barista takes your order, you select a hot beverage and a tasty pastry and settle into the comfy chair by the fireplace on a cold winter’s day.

Around you, you can pick up on several conversations at the same time. A pair of old friends are catching up. A book club is waiting for their last member to arrive. A woman is talking about a recent date on her Bluetooth while she types up her latest report. Three men discuss their social media rollout for their latest sports club launch.

The coffee shop is abuzz with activity on this Wednesday morning, and, as the business community embraces remote work more after the peak of the pandemic, coffee shops all over have become the new workplace for many professionals. The coffee shop as your office

Benjamin Chauvin, owner and founder of Rockford Roasting Company, explained that these spaces were designed with that in mind.

“We create more open spaces, have an open floor plan, look for tall ceilings and design our layout to inspire creativity. White walls with a feature color wall, with art curated to make the space what our guests need it to be in the moment.”

Rockford Roasting Company has two downtown locations catering to the busy and the casual customer alike.

There are some good reasons to select a local shop for a business meeting or to use as a workplace, but there are some best practices to follow as well.

“You can set a tone for a client by bringing them into a space that you already know. There’s a sense of brand loyalty and social acceptance that comes when a barista greets you by name and has your favorite order memorized and ready to go,” Chauvin said.

While many coffee shops are created as welcoming spaces for remote workers to get out of their homes, they’re able to offer these services because of a steady

customer base willing to support the business side. If you’re planning to use your local coffee shop as a workspace, there are a couple of great rules of thumb to follow that help keep those spaces operating and successful.

“Be aware that this is a public space for your use and for the people around you. When you come into the shop, if you want to set up your workspace before ordering, just let your barista know,” Chauvin said, “And if you’re planning to be there for a couple hours, consider picking up another drink or a snack.”

Take a lesson on coffee

Your local coffee shop can be a good place to learn about which offerings might appeal best to your palette.

“We’ve hosted private coffee brewing and coffee tastings—they’re called ‘cuppings’ for small groups—and even done public coffee classes in the past.” Chauvin said. “Baristas are trained to take your tastes and make recommendations.”

When I talked with him about my sweet tooth, Chauvin designed an iced mocha with oat milk that was rich and just a little sweet. Right in my wheelhouse.

“If there’s ever anything not quite right with your drink, talk with our staff about it. People who work in this space do so because they like people. We want to make your experience more enjoyable,” Chauvin said.

A coffee tasting can be paired with an art opening, live music, a baby shower or any other event. Chauvin remembered a time when Rockford University brought a touring lecturer to speak about the James Webb Telescope. “The speaker came from UW Whitewater to host a science café, and we were packed.”

Coffee with the Chamber

In 2023, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce plans to visit many of our local coffee shops and share the experience with our members. Watch our events page and check in with The Voice Now, our email newsletter, for upcoming dates and locations.

Coffee Appreciation 101

Coffee can be a life saver in a pinch. But not everyone takes it the same way. Here are some coffee etiquette tips and tricks for your next meeting over coffee:

■ Enjoy the scents of your coffee and the sounds of your coffee shop. Baristas have access to tools and machines most people don’t have in their kitchen. Savor the flavor and smells of a well-made cup of joe.

■ Enjoy your coffee your way. Cream, sugar, shots of flavor or straight up black, your coffee should be satisfying to your experience. Don’t shy away from something that adds joy to your coffee.

■ Do try different blends from time to time to see if something might hit your taste buds differently. There are lots of sourced coffees at local shops that might unlock a new experience or an old memory that you’d miss out on if you didn’t get a little adventurous.

■ Not everyone loves coffee, but a hot cocoa can be a great beverage of choice for someone with a sweet tooth. Don’t be afraid to order what makes you happy. People won’t look down on you if you like your hot beverages with marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles.

■ Be kind to the baristas and servers. How you treat people who are serving you will be a significant indicator of how you will work with your vendors or customers. Making a good impression with the staff will go a long way in making a good impression with your business partners.