How Specialty Cafes Are Rethinking Drip Coffee

Across specialty cafes, ordering a cup of coffee can mean everything from batch brew to a pour-over. In this story, three cafes break down their approach to drip coffee—and explain the factors that shaped…
by Haley Greene | January 9, 2026

How Coffee Shops Are Thriving by Sharing Space With Other Businesses

Facing high rents and build-out costs, coffee shop owners are finding success by opening inside existing retail spaces.
by Haley Greene | December 17, 2025

SNAP Benefits are Set To Pause—Here’s How Coffee Shops Are Responding

As the government shutdown threatens federal food aid programs, independent coffee shops are finding ways to help, from free breakfasts in Portland to food drives in Tulsa.
by Haley Greene | October 31, 2025

The Small Menu Advantage

Many cafes offer wide-ranging drink menus. But for some, a pared-down menu with just the classics is the best way to express their values and service style.
by Haley Greene | September 19, 2025

Making Room for More Than Coffee: How Non-Caffeinated Drinks Found a Place in Cafes

Espresso still leads, but non-caffeinated drinks are showing up in coffee shops more often. Here’s how two cafes are building intentional menus that meet customers where they are.
by Haley Greene | August 1, 2025

How Cafes Can Get the Most Out of Instagram in 2025

Instagram still matters for coffee shops, but the playbook is changing. These are the strategies that hold up in 2025.
by Haley Greene | July 18, 2025

Want a Cafe That Lasts? Focus on Brand Identity

Brand identity isn’t just about design. For many cafes, it’s what guides service, builds loyalty, and keeps them grounded in uncertain times.
by Haley Greene | June 4, 2025

Want Your Cafe To Have a Line out the Door? Make It Worth Waiting For

Long lines at coffee shops can either draw people in or turn them away. Two busy cafes share how they manage volume, keep quality high, and turn wait time into part of the experience.
by Haley Greene | May 28, 2025

Small Cafe? Here’s How To Design a Winning Food Program

More and more customers expect prepared food when they go to coffee shops, which poses a challenge for cafes with small kitchens. Here’s how they can still deliver a great food program, despite space…
by Haley Greene | March 19, 2025

This Coffee Shop Went Viral. Here’s What Happened Next

Coffee Milano Cafe had its best-ever sales month after a TikTok video went viral. This example of earned media demonstrates how coffee businesses can leverage their own content for powerful marketing.
by Haley Greene | February 12, 2025