The introduction of coffee did not only produce a worldwide appreciation of this wonderful concoction. It also spawned establishments that are specifically designed for people to socialize over a cup of coffee. Those establishments that serve imported or premium coffee are called gourmet coffee shops.
Gourmet coffee shops are quite unique. They share the features of a bar and a restaurant. However, they are different from any of those establishments. Gourmet coffee shops serve coffee of different blends from all over the world. Aside from coffee, they serve teas, cakes and other light snacks.
In some places, gourmet coffee shops are closer to restaurants than pure coffee shops. Some even serve liquor. Muslim coffee shops even allow the act of smoking through a hookah.
What makes gourmet coffee shops special is their cultural and social impact in the community. They serve as places to congregate. People talk, read, write, argue, entertain one another, do business, or just pass the time in these establishments.
Most of the gourmet coffee shops in existence today generally followed the style from Italian expresso and pastry coffeehouses of Italian-American immigrants in major US cities. When the youth culture emerged, non-Italians, inspired by the coffeehouses, followed suit. In a few years, Starbucks opened. Since then, Starbucks coffee houses became the standard of most coffee houses.
Later, in 1950’s, US coffee shops did not just serve coffee. They became venues for entertainment. Folk singers who perform in singles or in duets were preferred because they could easily be accommodated in a small space. Country music also calmed the senses, a very fitting thing for a place where one goes to relax. In fact, well known performers such as Bob Dylan and Joan Baez actually started their careers in gourmet coffee shops.
Gourmet coffee shops in Europe tend to be a little different. While American coffee shops may offer liquor, British coffee shops do not allow such thing. French gourmet coffee shops, called brassieres, serve single dishes or simple snacks although many do not have a restaurant section. If the weather permits, French coffee shops may extend the seating outside so customers can enjoy the nice weather and the passing people.
Today, gourmet coffee shops integrate technology and traditional style. Many have installed systems that enable to have WiFi access. This further developed coffee shops into centers for business.
So when you walk into a gourmet coffee shop, there is no doubt you will see it as more than a coffee shop. You will see it as a lifestyle center.
Food Review: Club Gourmet (Blogcritics.org)
... '08 in the Washington DC Area Stellar Award winning Gospel Hip/Hop Group 21:03 (PAJAM) and the 17-year old, renowned Minister Reggie Sharpe from Decatur, GA, are scheduled to join Pastor Lyle Dukes, Pastor Deborah Dukes and the Harvest Life Changers Church, International in the highly anticipated 3-day Summer Youth Jam 08, beginning Friday, July 18 Sunday, July 20, 2008. [PR.com - July 05, 2008] These toppings call for top Gourmet Coffee Shops Living A Lifestyle Over Coffee hats, but they still go on dogs (Miami Herald) While hot dog makers duke it out in a wiener war, South Florida restaurants are turning the frank into a gourmet treat. The hottest trend in franks...
FUSSY EATER (New York Post)
... other half - is so devoted to her vegan beliefs, she insists gourmet eateries prepare meat, fish and dairy-free... A little Broadway, much more gourmet - Salt Gourmet Coffee Shops Living A Lifestyle Over Coffee Lake TribuneA little Broadway, much more gourmetSalt Lake Tribune, United States - Apr 10, 2008He notes the south valley is primed for gourmet options, especially since the bulk of the valley's population resides south of 4500 South. ...Detroit's new gourmet grocery, Zaccaro's, draws an enthusiastic crowd (Detroit News) Retail-starved Detroiters are reveling today in the launch of a new fresh-food market on Woodward Avenue. Gourmet store excites Detroiters (Detroit News) "This is the happiest day of my Detroit life!" exclaimed Meghan McEwen, 32, as she walked into Zaccaro's Market, the small gourmet grocery store that opened Thursday in this retail-starved city. Conti Coffee drips into Texas Krogers (Coppell Gazette) It s a business that started in 1928 in...
Woman Wants to Stop Hot Flashes, Start Laughing
... says American Evangelist. Audio Clip of Pastor Miles McPherson's message in Jamaica available here: http://www.mediaexchange.info/portals/2/milesaheadmessagesat.mp3 Audio Clip of former Jamaica national soccer player Paul "Tegat" Davis' message in Gourmet Coffee Shops Living A Lifestyle Over Coffee Jamaica available here: http://www.mediaexchange.info/portals/2/paultegatdavis.mp3 Miles McPherson, [PR.com - May 09, 2008] Royalty Free Music Solution Rocks at Beatsuite.com Beatsuite.com music library, provider of royalty free music for video, film and media professionals, has announced the release of hundreds of new Rock music themes. [PR.com - May 09, 2008] www.outlet-Shops.net Makes Shopping Online Easy Online Shopping Made Simple ...
Tough times have independent coffee shops brewing strategies (Sun-Sentinel)
... eBanyan Adds Web Portal Into Its Popular Ecommerce Application eBanyan Inc., innovative, user friendly and one of leading turnkey ecommerce solution provider has announced its latest release that incorporates the added value and benefits of web portal into its largely popular ecommerce web application, eBanyan. [PR.com - May 18, 2008] China Tourism Industry to Remain Eventful Gourmet Coffee Shops Living A Lifestyle Over Coffee in Future WTO accession and forthcoming international events are bringing cheers for the China tourism industry as the country is experiencing huge tourist influx from all corners of the world. [PR.com - May 18, 2008] ...
Wake Living s Summer 2008 Edition is Here
... JCS Computer Resources Announces Expansion of Chicago, IL Office Gourmet Coffee Shops Living A Lifestyle Over Coffee JCS Computer Resources today announced an expansion of Chicago office. [PR.com - May 15, 2008] BlueStar Distributes LXE Bluetooth Ring Scanner A finger can be used to scan barcodes up to 30 ft away. [PR.com - May 15, 2008] Online Hotel Reservations Company EasyToBook.com Becomes a Major Global Player EasyToBook.com, an online hotel booking agency offering quality rooms for the lowest discount prices, is currently rolling out an extensive and ambitious expansion operation. 2,400 new destinations and over 20,000 hotels...