Coffee shops are more than just a place for a morning pick-me-up. With the start of the fall season, people are gravitating towards comfortable settings where they can find a sense of community. In a world where there is a lack of places to go unrelated to work, school or home, coffee shops can be perfect for getting away from those everyday atmospheres. Downtown Kent has a handful of local coffee shops, all of which create that sense of comfort and community.
Once known for being a stop-and-go type of location, we now see coffee shops becoming a hub for socializing, studying and meeting new people. In the digital age, we often communicate with people through a screen. This can feel very isolating and coffee shops provide a place for much needed personal interactions. They create a uniquely relaxing environment and the perfect escape from the hustle of the outside world.
The consumption of coffee continues to grow at a rapid pace, and we definitely don’t see it decreasing anytime soon. The average American coffee drinker consumes up to 3 cups per day. It is common for people to start off their day with a cup of coffee. That first cup of coffee is something most people look forward to having each morning.
Due to the increase in popularity of local coffee shops, we have become accustomed to being served the highest quality beverages made by specially trained baristas. This generation knows their coffee and expects nothing but the best. Nearly 60% of coffee served in the United States are espresso-based and brewed from premium beans. More people are becoming fluent in coffee language and are learning how to order exactly what they want to fulfill their coffee cravings.
When it comes to purchasing from a brand or company, Gen Z values supporting businesses that are actively working to uphold more ethical and sustainable practices. In most cases, local coffee shops are more transparent about where their products are coming from than larger cafe chains. Local coffee shops also have the benefit of being able to buy their products in smaller quantities. By doing this, customers are able to enjoy fresher ingredients, creating quality coffee that would be much harder to find at chain stores. Better quality coffee is not the only reason to shop locally. When supporting a smaller business rather than a chain, you are also supporting the community.
Today’s coffee drinkers usually gravitate towards dairy alternatives such as oat milk or almond milk. Typically, at a local coffee shop the menu has a wide range of options that can tend to specific consumer needs. There is flexibility in the menu for baristas to be creative and make unique drinks and flavor combinations. Supporting local businesses provides consumers with a personalized experience that no chain can compare to.
Kent is home to numerous local coffee shops that each have their own unique coffees and environments.
Established in 2011, a common favorite of Kent State students is located right in the heart of downtown Kent. Tree City Coffee is a great place to start when trying out coffee shops downtown. You can enjoy some of their unique flavors along with sandwiches, breakfast, pastries and a variety of wines. Not only does it provide a welcoming environment with ample seating to socialize, their coffee is all ethically sourced. They focus on direct and fair trade when acquiring their products. Tree City intends to serve the Kent community and ensure their customers have an overall enjoyable experience.
Downtown Kent is also home to a one-of-a-kind, one-stop-shop for coffee, books and records. Last Exit Books & Coffeehouse is a common place to go when you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a book and a nice cup of coffee. Last Exit also serves as an event space. Exciting events such as open mics, poetry readings and book signings are hosted there. This creates a great sense of community involvement.
If you are in search of a place that feels more secluded, there are two coffee shops located near the end of downtown. Both provide a cozy and warm atmosphere. Bent Tree Coffee is focused on providing the highest quality beans sourced from dedicated farmers and coffee cooperatives. They freshly roast their beans right in the store, filling the cafe with the scent of fresh coffee. Bent Tree Coffee has limited indoor seating compared to other cafes in Kent, making it the perfect place for quick grab and go drinks. If you are looking to sit and enjoy your drink, Bent Tree has a cozy patio with some additional seating outside.
Neighboring Bent Tree is Scribbles Coffee Company. Established in 2007, Scribbles is Kent’s longest-running woman-owned coffee company and roastery. Their beans come from 100% female employed coffee farms. With a warm and welcoming environment, along with a cozy seating area, Scribbles is the perfect place for studying.
Coffee has become more than just a drink to get you through the day. Gen Z has contributed to turning coffee into both a social activity and a way to take a break from the rush of the outside world. Spending time at a coffee shop is the perfect excuse to study while treating yourself to a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
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