How often do you visit your local cafes? For me, it’s pretty often. I love seeing what’s around me and even when I’m traveling, I check out the coffee shops that are locally owned. And truthfully, I planned on talking just about mom and pop standalone locations- no chains or franchises but there’s places like Buddy Brew that have several locations within in Tampa Bay and they still give that down to Earth and homey vibe I so appreciate.
Also, as I’m typing this I’m sitting at a local cafe that’s a single location yet it’s not giving me that cozy vibe. Yes, it’s super cute but its giving “we just come here to work. Head down on the laptop.” and less of a warm, communal vibe. I sneezed and no one said “bless you.” I know it sounds silly but every room has a vibe, and energy. I can categorize this cafe into a bucket for when I need to get work done but know it’s not a place for me maybe come and read my book or work on a craft.
Let’s talk about the vibe and the energy of my favorite cafes
What makes a space inviting to me is
the atmosphere
it’s hearing people talk and laugh together
it’s saying ‘hey,’ ‘bless you,’ and starting conversations with strangers
the mixture of activity from reading to writing to working
it’s intentionally curated while also having delicious food and drinks to match that energy (what’s a cute place if the food isn’t good?)
seeing the owner come out and mingle with guest
The art of a local cafe is the community that brings it full circle.
First, it’s someone pouring love into setting it up from the decor to the food and drinks then it’s people coming together to support the space. It’s guest creating, or indulging in art (reading, writing, knitting, communicating) while honoring the art (the cafe) their sitting in.
It’s a team effort.
It’s the barista remembering your order and you asking how they’ve been.
It’s being mindful of a shared space.
It’s inviting friends to also experience the awesomeness.
It’s welcoming of all backgrounds, ages, races, and sexes.
There’s an art to local cafes.
You get to know a town by their cafe. You get to see creativity within a cafe. You get to delight your taste buds on an adventure at a cafe. You can have beautiful conversations in a cafe.
Cafes are a meeting point.
A big shout out to the ones who are living out this explanation. Who are bringing the warmth and respecting the people.
