Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m 19,
and coffee shops are basically my second home. Whether it’s working
on projects, meeting new people, or just hanging out, they’re where
everything happens for me. Over time, I’ve noticed how much they’ve
changed—and how they’re so much more than just a place to grab coffee.
🟦Hybrid Coffee Shops: The New “Office”
Let me paint a picture: You walk into a coffee shop, and half the
tables are filled with people on laptops. Some are on Zoom calls;
others are deep into spreadsheets or editing photos. It’s not just
a coffee shop anymore—it’s a co-working space with a great vibe.
Based on statistic here’s why:
Co-working spaces globally are projected to hit 40,000 by 2024, and
74% of people feel more productive in spaces like these.
Honestly, I know it. I’ve written some of my best ideas sitting in coffee
shops with nothing but a latte and good Wi-Fi. On a remote work, good ideas
don't come to you when you're at home.
🟦Coffee Subscriptions: What are they? New business models?
Subscriptions used to feel like a gimmick, but now they’re so legit.
Take Pact Coffee | B Corp™
(UK based delivery) for example—you can get
specialty-grade coffee delivered straight to your door starting at just
£7.95 per bag. Same with Atlas Coffee Club (Only Canada and US), which
sends out single-origin coffee for $9 per bag that makes you feel fancy.
People are spending more on subscriptions like this because they’re consistent,
high-quality, and, let’s be honest, way more convenient than remembering to
reorder online every few months or running to the nearest coffee shop.
Here’s what they’re do:
🔹Pact Coffee: Specialty-grade coffee with flexible delivery (For UK).
🔹Atlas Coffee Club: They’re doing the same (for Canada and US).
🔹Even offices are doing this—check out Panera Coffee Club. They’re doing the same (for Canada and US).
And by the way, calculations how much profits they made - Pact Coffee pulls
in about $21.6M a year, and Atlas Coffee Club makes $15M annually.
With industry profit margins averaging 20-40%, that’s roughly $4-8M in
profit for Pact and $3-6M for Atlas. Not bad for shipping coffee, huh?
🟦Coffee Shops = A Gen Z Lifestyle
Here’s where it gets real. For me (and most of my friends), a coffee shop
isn’t just where you grab coffee—it’s part of your identity. It’s the
backdrop for Instagram stories, TikTok videos,planning for the next month,
thinking about solutions and all the random conversations that happen in-between.
And we’re picky. The vibe matters. I once sat down with my notebook and laptop
in a no_name coffee shop, and the staff kept staring like they wanted me gone.
I stayed, but I never went back.
Starbucks
Green Caffè Nero
Costa Coffee
and
Vita cafe get it—they make
you feel welcome, and that’s why young people love them - we don't like pressure.
🔹The vibe and overall mood of your shop matters.
🔹The sustainability of your packaging matters.
🔹The story behind your brand? Yeah, that matters too.
Big brands like Starbucks get it. Their campaigns aren’t just about coffee—they’re
about who you are when you’re drinking it. (Green Café Nero is killing it here too.)
Also check out my analysis of marketing campaigns starbucks and green cafe nero.
If you check out TikTok or Instagram, it’s clear that’s where all the attention
is—especially from young, high-earning audiences. Honestly, I don’t know
anyone my age who still watches TV. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m pretty sure
it’s a trend. If you’re targeting young people, don’t just look at the posts—pay
attention to the captions and comments. That’s where the real insights are.
🟦Quick 3 thing to do checklist :
Here’s what I’ve seen work (as someone who spends way too much time in coffee shops):
✅Micro-Influencers: Forget the big names. Find local creators with under 50k followers. They’re authentic and know how to connect with their audience(also check out how to find your influencer).
✅Ask Your Customers: Seriously, just ask. “What can we do to make you want to bring your friends here?” You’ll get ideas you wouldn’t have thought of.
✅Host meetups: Some of the coolest coffee shops I’ve been to partner with local groups to host events. It’s a win for everyone—you get more traffic, and the group gets an awesome space.
🟦Try it out and tell me what you think! Drop your results, concerns,
disagreements in the comments—I’m all ears.
Kseniya H.
Founder od Desai agency, product designer, ML optimist, coffee shop
lover
