Gourmet Coffee Shops

Gourmet Coffee Shops: Living A Lifestyle Over Coffee

The introduction of coffee did not only produce a worldwide appreciation of this wonderful concoction. It also spawned establishments that are specifically designed for people to socialize over a cup of coffee. Those establishments that serve imported or premium coffee are called gourmet coffee shops.

Gourmet coffee shops are quite unique. They share the features of a bar and a restaurant. However, they are different from any of those establishments. Gourmet coffee shops serve coffee of different blends from all over the world. Aside from coffee, they serve teas, cakes and other light snacks.

In some places, gourmet coffee shops are closer to restaurants than pure coffee shops. Some even serve liquor. Muslim coffee shops even allow the act of smoking through a hookah.

What makes gourmet coffee shops special is their cultural and social impact in the community. They serve as places to congregate. People talk, read, write, argue, entertain one another, do business, or just pass the time in these establishments.

Most of the gourmet coffee shops in existence today generally followed the style from Italian expresso and pastry coffeehouses of Italian-American immigrants in major US cities. When the youth culture emerged, non-Italians, inspired by the coffeehouses, followed suit. In a few years, Starbucks opened. Since then, Starbucks coffee houses became the standard of most coffee houses.

Later, in 1950's, US coffee shops did not just serve coffee. They became venues for entertainment. Folk singers who perform in singles or in duets were preferred because they could easily be accommodated in a small space. Country music also calmed the senses, a very fitting thing for a place where one goes to relax. In fact, well known performers such as Bob Dylan and Joan Baez actually started their careers in gourmet coffee shops.

Gourmet coffee shops in Europe tend to be a little different. While American coffee shops may offer liquor, British coffee shops do not allow such thing. French gourmet coffee shops, called brassieres, serve single dishes or simple snacks although many do not have a restaurant section. If the weather permits, French coffee shops may extend the seating outside so customers can enjoy the nice weather and the passing people.

Today, gourmet coffee shops integrate technology and traditional style. Many have installed systems that enable to have WiFi access. This further developed coffee shops into centers for business.

So when you walk into a gourmet coffee shop, there is no doubt you will see it as more than a coffee shop. You will see it as a lifestyle center.