Coffee shops have long been vital spaces for social gathering and community building. Public coffee houses were opening in the Middle East in the 16th century, and in Europe, a coffee house opened in 1683 in Venice.
Aundrea Rajamaki and Crystal Co are the owners of up shot coffeehouse, and they’ve seen first hand how their shop plays a role in creating and sustaining lasting bonds amongst patrons.
“We have seen social circles grow here as people get to know one another just through coming at the same time every week,” says Crystal. “They start to look for one another.”
“We also have retirees and some retired cops who meet up regularly,” adds Aundrea.
“We had a daughter once buy her mom a gift card to encourage her to come more so she could find some companionship and get out of the house after her husband passed away,” says Crystal.
Alan Forbes from Bay Village has also noticed the importance of his business in bringing people together. “Starbucks is eliminating all their seating and taking out electrical outlets. They want people to come and go,” says Alan. “I think that independent coffee shops are going to become even more important now, because this is the place where community gathers.”
“For a lot of elderly people, this is their outing,” adds Alan. “We need to provide a place where people can be comfortable, and we really have built a community. We do a fundraiser and you should see how many people come out. They want to support what we support.”
Erin DeLorenzi, one of the owners of Sweet North, tells me that this past summer she noticed people coming in for first dates on their patio at their new location on High Street.
“It’s a safe place for a first date, without too much pressure,” she says. “It’s not a dinner, just grabbing a coffee together.”
She also mentions elderly customers meeting to play cards and even board games outside on the patio in the summer. Their location on Fort William Road still has lots of indoor seating,
and Erin says some people come in at the same time every week to visit with friends.
“Same day, same time, same order,” she says. She also mentions that not everyone wants to go to a bar to meet up as more and more people are looking for options outside of alcohol.
“Anyone can find something they like at a coffee shop. And we can meet dietary restrictions as well,” she says.
Local coffee shops are important spaces where people can come together to form lasting connections. They often host clubs, live music, game nights, and other social events. From students, to tourists, to retirees, folks from all walks of life are drawn to the welcoming, comfortable ambiance offered in our local shops. They truly add to the vibrancy and diversity of the community, and we are lucky to have so many.
