17.Nov.2010 On Being a Community Coffeehouse

It is easy to get caught up in industry trends, in growth projections, and in marketing maneuvers. For awhile, this was my coffee world — trying, in my own little, under-capitalized way, to be on the cutting edge, to do everything “bigger, badder, awesome.” I’ve even entertained dreams of growing to be a regional competitor on the roasting side of things. But I felt lost in all of that.

Instead, I find that focusing on here, Beaver Falls, is the place I need to be. I don’t roast, bake, blend, cook or brew for the industry or for coffee-istas; I do it for my neighbors. The people that I know, who have faces and names and opinions, some of which I revel in disagreeing with. These are the folks that, when the chips are down (as they often are), come through and encourage and patronize us. These are the people that are helping Bethany and Jenny get the Harvest Food Co-op of Beaver Falls off the ground (look for them on Facebook!); the ones that constantly prod me to develop my baking, whether breads or sweet treats; the ones that help us maintain this place and beautify it with their presence. We love these folks and know they love us right back.

So, to them, I offer my labor, my tears, and my dreams. And my coffee and bread.