A Good Cup of Coffee

I’m a fan of coffee. I actually enjoy going to coffee shops for it. My go-to is an Americano, which I think of as an upgrade to your standard cup. I love finding local coffee shops with character, and those spots usually deliver.

When I lived in Delta, Colorado, my regular stop was Doghouse Espresso, though I also spent time at Moca Joe’s. Now, in Castroville, I’ve come to appreciate Magnolia Filling Station. Local coffee shops matter to me. They give a community a way to make a statement and often help shape its identity.

Recently, I was in a city for a meeting with people working on local initiatives. I got up early to get a feel for the area, and naturally, I went for coffee. I found several unique, locally owned shops downtown. One was just opening up, so I had the place to myself. Another was a newer building, a fresh addition to the community, and that’s where I ended up. I grabbed a cup and chatted with the folks running it.

This is pretty typical for me. Whenever I visit a new place, I look for what’s one of a kind, and coffee shops usually fit the bill. They tell you a lot about a town. The vibe, the people who come in, the way it’s set up, it’s all part of the story.

Later, I arrived at my meeting in the city and noticed one of the staff holding a national chain's cup of coffee. I’ll be honest, that’s not a good sign. Either the local coffee shops aren’t resonating with residents, or the city leadership doesn’t value the unique character of their own community enough to support it. Either way, it wasn't good.

What kind of statement does your town make? What are the interests that shine through? Where do people gather, and what do those spaces say about your community?

Too often, communities miss the story that local businesses, and especially local coffee shops, can tell. They overlook the opportunity to lean into what makes them special.

When I was a kid growing up in Kansas, you knew a town had “made it” when it got a McDonald’s. I remember judging a town’s success by the number of national chains that showed up. Looking back, eight-year-old me was way off. And honestly, I wouldn’t let that version of me handle your town’s economic strategy.

National chains certainly have their place, but if your community lacks unique, locally owned businesses, you are missing something vital. In Castroville, I often hear people wishing for more big-name stores. The reality is, national chains often take more than they give, and rarely reinvest as much in the community. They are not as likely to sponsor the kids’ soccer team or help fund the Fourth of July celebration. Local businesses do that, and they do it with heart.

From time to time, I get pushback for not promoting national or regional chains. Sure, they bring in tax revenue. They pay their fair share, but I still believe they can't match what a homegrown business brings to a community. I want to support the local entrepreneurs who are investing in our town, and I’d suggest you do the same.

If your focus is entirely on attracting national brands, don’t forget your locals. They’re the ones sponsoring the little league teams. They’re coaching the kids. They’re helping a neighbor put on an event or showing up when someone needs a hand.

Chains have their place. But if you ever find yourself in Delta, Colorado, do yourself a favor and skip the national brands. Go to Doghouse Espresso. Trust me, no chain can compete.