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Posted by on Nov 28, 2012 in Blog, Local Coffeehouse Visit | 4 comments

Ancient Grounds Coffeehouse, Seattle WA

One of the best things about local, independent coffeehouses is the unique experience they offer their communities. In Seattle, for example, Ancient Grounds is the epitome of self-expression.  Fommer’s (www.frommers.com) said “Ancient Grounds is hands down the coolest and most unusual espresso bar in Seattle.”  No THAT says something being in the hometown of Starbuck’s.

Seattle Coffee house, Ancient Grounds

Rolland, the owner, is deeply passionate about his coffee and his ancient artifacts from around the world.  The masks from various native culture surround the space and make one feel comfortably observed.

Inside Ancient Grounds, Seattle WA

In our conversation, he shared his biggest challenge in owning a coffeehouse ~ good, trustworthy staff.  He has opted to run the entire business himself.  He is open Tuesday-Saturday and takes a two days to refresh.  In between preparing espressos for the customers that come in from his 1st Avenue location in Downtown, he trades his artifacts online with people he has met in his international travels.

According to him: the best part of his coffeehouse?  The people.  He fully enjoys being of service in the world.  Rolland even hand-writes thank you notes to his guests and customers, personal and from the heart.  He called it his “integrity homework”.  How does it get any better than this?  🙂

One pointer he would give to a someone considering opening a new coffeehouse is to diversify the offerings, even if it is to merge it with a business completely different from coffee.  After 14 years of operating Ancient Grounds, it should prove to be some sound advise.

You can find Rolland at:
1220 1st Avenue 
Seattle, WA 98101‎
(206) 749-0747

To integrity!

Lisa

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Posted by on Oct 14, 2012 in Blog, Coffee News, Local Coffeehouse Visit | 0 comments

America’s Best Coffeehouse Competition debuted at CoffeeFest Seattle 2012

Although I spend most of an average day immersed in coffee culture and coffeehouses, CoffeeFest Seattle was the first industry event I have ever attended.  I was surrounded by people who speak my language and share my passion.  It was absolutely invigorating!  Or … maybe that energy came from all the espressos and lattes I sampled while navigating through the rows and rows of exhibitors.

The CoffeeFest is held every four months and rotates between Seattle, Chicago and New York City.  This  event featured the first annual America’s Best Coffeehouse Competition, sponsored by DaVinci Gourmet.   According to The Gourmet Retailer, it took 60 days to determine the top coffeehouses in the western U.S. with a “60-day process of elimination by secret shopper evaluation and public vote”.  Eight semifinalist coffeehouses were chosen based on ratings in categories like customer service, drink quality, ambiance, cleanliness, organization and efficiency.

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Posted by on Sep 24, 2012 in Blog, Local Coffeehouse Visit | 0 comments

Cornerstone Coffee, Bremerton WA

 

Dawn is the happy, welcoming barista AND the owner of the light-filled, corner location in downtown Bremerton. It its just a ferry ride away from Seattle across the Puget Sound.

If I understand it correctly, the community has been hit heavily with high unemployment numbers. But you’d never know it, the people are very kind and generous here.

Maybe it because they can get a good cuppa joe at Dawn’s place. Stop in when you’re in town!

Cornerstone Coffee
435 Pacific Avenue
Bremerton, WA 98337
360-479-3334
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Posted by on Sep 15, 2012 in Blog, Local Coffeehouse Visit | 2 comments

Wild-Flour Bakery, Cafe & Espresso, Lead SD

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This space used to be an Eagles Lodge once upon a time and now is home to a fabulous bakery owned by a mother-daughter team.  Mom was baking in the kitchen and her daughter The space is large enough to house the entire Denver Broncos football team and they have the sweets to satisfy their taste buds.  My favorite was the cinnamon and sugar raised twists …. just like my grandma on my mother’s side used to make at her bakery in Glendale, AZ.

My father, Fred, was raised here in Lead, South Dakota.  I remember when it was a community full of people going places and doing things.  The economy started to slow down when they legalized gambling in Deadwood, its sister town, but it came to a screeching halt when the Homestake Gold Mine closed in 2002.  Now Downtown Lead only gets a few visitors as they are passing through exploring the Black Hills.

This local family took a leap of faith and decided it would be a good time to invest in a business.  And they are not alone.   A block or so down the street is a building that will house a micro-brewery to be started by a family from Oregon.  Then a block from that is the old Masonic Lodge, the one my grandfather and grandmother were members of for decades.

Today is auction day at the Lodge and the streets are lined with cars.  The building and all of its’ belongings were sold to Dakota Plains Auctions as their new primary location for their very successful family business.

As you can see, things are starting to stir again in Lead.   I love that my Dad’s hometown is making a resurgence!

Lovin’  life, Lisa

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