Buying Local Just Got a Whole Lot Easier!
The Local Coffeehouse Guide App & Website provides a dynamic, searchable, mapping platform for users to effortlessly locate unique, independently owned coffeehouses and micro-roasters across the United States. This not only provides retailers with local visibility but with national visibility. Additionally, consumers can easily find these independent businesses to easily support the local economies they live in and visit.
Why Coffee and Coffeehouses
The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) reports that there are over 29,300 independent coffeehouse retailers in the US.
Our founder, Lisa McIntyre, has personally visited hundreds of locally-owned and operated coffeehouses and micro-roasters and has had many one-on-one discussions with the owners and managers. She learned that these entrepreneurs tend to be more involved in their own local communities. They participate in community happenings, often provide the venue for community gatherings and are always conscious of how they can and do give back.
She also learned that many are struggling to keep their doors open. These small businesses do not have the deep pockets of many of the national chain coffee shops and competing with large corporations is nearly impossible for them.
Brick and mortar coffeehouses, cafes and roasters bring people together, however the coffee itself is also central to American culture. Coffee is part of every office meeting and social gathering. It also expresses itself (with the help of java-obsessed people) creatively when growing, harvesting, roasting and preparing the perfect cup.
The Impact: The Local Coffeehouse Guide Benefits Local Business
The App and Website level the playing field, Little Shop vs. National Chain, by acting as a marketing department (so to speak) for the independently owned business members in the directory. This is facilitated by providing them with free listings in the directory as well as custom tailored robust marketing tools that will significantly increase their online and mobile visibility in their surrounding areas and nationally. Their listings alone, combined with the multi-platform national marketing of the app and website will allow these small businesses to compete more effectively as a community of small businesses against corporate chains. This level of visibility and exposure would typically be unattainable for most small businesses to achieve on their own.
A FREE claimed listing provides a retail location with the following on both the mobile app and website:
- A map marker that automatically geo-locates the user.
- A listing that displays their information; address with a link to directions from the user’s current location, a link to the retailer’s desired URL, a photo of their location and a place to share their story or a brief description of their location.
- We highly encourage our retailers to share their personal story in order to really connect with people even before they walk through the door. This feature truly separates us from the rest.
The additional tools we offer our members are push notes to app users in their area, searchable defining characteristics (gluten free, patio, drive-thru, etc), animated map markers to draw extra attention to their location, and much more.
In early 2016 we will be offering three levels of paid membership which include the claimed listing specifications (above) complimented with the additional tools (i.e. push notes, categories, and animated markers). Also in early 2016 we will be offering all of our tools a la carte to members as well. To learn more about our membership programs and the tools for retailers, please visit our membership page.
Criteria for Inclusion in the Directory
In order for a local coffeehouse, cafe or micro-roaster to be represented in our directory they must meet the following criteria:
- Location must be locally-owned, independent businesses. No corporate chains or franchises are eligible.
- All locations must serve espresso drinks as a primary product offering or be a small batch roaster.
- The business has 10 or less locations in the US.
- Locations must be in the United States.
The Local Coffeehouse Guide Benefits Coffee Drinkers
According to USA Today (4/9/13), 83% of adults in the US drink some kind of coffee daily and the National Coffee Association reports that 34% of adults drink specialty coffees daily.
We currently have over 16,000 coffeehouses, cafes and micro-roasters in the directory and more are added every day. The app is a user-friendly tool for consumers to find the independent specialty shops nearby – anywhere in the US from the palm of their hand. It’s perfect for travelers exploring a new town or for local residents interested in pursuing a new local experience in their own communities.
Website Short video about the App
Apple Download App Short video interview with Lisa McIntyre, Founder
Google Play Download App
Indiegogo Crowdfunding Campaign – For Next Phase of the App & Website
Read More
