While a major coffee house seems to hiccup a little bit, some neighborhood coffee shops seem to offer a differential to loyal locals who are more than happy to support and patronize the independent, hometown local cafe. And that's good. Aside from the unique ambience and atmosphere each offers, the coffee and the company is always fresh,. Supporting these businesses is good for the economy. That's a community coming together. It's very American. SEE CONTEST BELOW!!
I've come across some local cafes who are owned by bright, community-oriented and hardworking business folks who oftentimes open their places of business to others around them to promote local artists and musicians. Plus more.
Like charity causes.
PADDY'S COFFEE HOUSE on Old Alvarado in Union City is open during finals week for study groups to come together and stay past midnight. The owner, Paddy Iyer, stays to make sure the kids are safe. He is quick to offer up his place for meet ups and and events. In good weather, he is likely to host outdoor movie entertainment. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and is quick to introduce people to each other, offering the initial connection. Wireless internet is free at Paddy's.
ZOCALO'S owner, Tim Holmes, hosts pajama parties, music, art and a JavaGym at his coffee house, a town meeting place in the heart of downtown San Leandro.
There's a comfy couch and place for kids to play. The place is full of loyal clients, especially on the weekends. The coffee is excellent and fresh roasted and the place is always buzzing with people. Wifi is free.
In San Mateo, BACIO CAFE hosts comedy hour, acoustic music, poetry and more. We have not visited them yet b ut have heard rave reviews. We will post an update shortly as we will be giving them a visit. Stay tuned!
CAFE ZEN on Boscell Road in Fremont's Pacific Commons Mall offers fresh roasted coffee and milk teas (to die for) as well as a variety of the most visually scrumptious desserts. It also offers wi-fi.. My favorite is their soy matcha green tea latte.
Do you have a favorite coffee house in your town?
If you do, feel free to share the information here so we can highlight the place and promote their business. Send us pictures of the coffee house and tell
us why you think the place is special.
Your entry will put you in a drawing to WIN a THERMOS Thermax Backpack bottle which will keep your beverage hot for over 8 hours and cold for 12. We will give this out end of June.
Visit Paddys, Zocalos, Bacio Cafe or Cafe Zen if you're in their area. Grab some coffee and make a friend. Patronize your local independent coffee houses. They have much more than coffee to offer. They're the heart of our communities and places to come together.