How do you take your
coffee? Black? With cream? Iced? Or maybe you like one of those Grandé Caramel Frappuccinos. However you like it, consuming coffee has become a social event.
With the rise of Starbucks, the coffeehouse has become ingrained in our
culture. Today, coffeehouses differentiate themselves by promoting their bean
source and how they roast it. But with all the difference in mind, coffeehouses
still have one thing in common; they're a place where people socialize.
Coffeehouses originated in the Middle East in the early 16thcentury, where some of the earliest coffee beans were produced. The coffeehouses quickly became an important part of the culture, as they became a place for political gatherings and a place for men to gather and play games.
Towards the middle of the century, coffeehouses evolved as they moved into Italy. Italians fine-tuned the drink, as each Italian region put its own twist on the coffee. Espresso, café americanos, and cappuccinos quickly became popular. The establishments continued to move across Europe during the 17th. In London, they were called "Penny Universities," as coffeehouses were a place for intelectual debate. Benjamin Franklin was known to hold meetings in coffee shops before and after the revolution.
Later in the century, coffeehouses hopped the Atlantic and came to the New World, where they continued to be a place of political debate and social gatherings. Coffeehouses remained a part of the American culture as the country continued to grow, and by the end of WWII, most coffee was consumed at home. Things began to change again in the 1987 when Starbucks started to expand. Starbucks turned espresso making into an exact formula and created following nationwide.
Today, coffeehouses
are focused on offering alternatives to “corporate coffee,” as there’s a
greater focus being put on bean origin and roast process. No matter which
coffeehouse you visit though, the social environments are quite similar.
Modern-day coffeehouse
culture isn’t much different compared to what it was in the 1500s. The venues
are popular for live entertainment, radio broadcasts, art events, and work
meetings. In a society where social forums have moved to online chatrooms, the
coffeehouse still provides a place for face-to-face interaction. Although, you
can still chat on the web at most coffee shops.
Specialty coffeehouses have risen in popularity, as aside from just offering a place to enjoy coffee, some provide environments for online gaming, art workshops, and other niche activities. No matter which coffeehouse you visit, you’ll step into a social environment.
Outside the US, coffeehouses have remained a place for social gatherings, even though the norms are a little different. In Italy, espresso cafés are popular. These cafés are fast-paced establishments where you won’t really find anyone sitting around savoring their cup of coffee. There's an unspoken code for how one acts in Italian shops. Many Italians enjoy their drinks al blanco, at the bar, as espressos are meant to be consumed quickly. This doesn’t mean that it’s still not a social environment. Many customers will start, and possibly end, their day catching up and conversing at the bar. Although it may be quick, the Italian café still fosters social interaction.
So, no matter where you go, coffeehouses are gathering places for debate, work, gaming, or conversations. They have been social centers for centuries and will continue to be. Even if it you’re in a chatroom talking to the guy next you, you can do so at a coffeehouse.
Coffeehouses originated in the Middle East in the early 16thcentury, where some of the earliest coffee beans were produced. The coffeehouses quickly became an important part of the culture, as they became a place for political gatherings and a place for men to gather and play games.
Towards the middle of the century, coffeehouses evolved as they moved into Italy. Italians fine-tuned the drink, as each Italian region put its own twist on the coffee. Espresso, café americanos, and cappuccinos quickly became popular. The establishments continued to move across Europe during the 17th. In London, they were called "Penny Universities," as coffeehouses were a place for intelectual debate. Benjamin Franklin was known to hold meetings in coffee shops before and after the revolution.
Later in the century, coffeehouses hopped the Atlantic and came to the New World, where they continued to be a place of political debate and social gatherings. Coffeehouses remained a part of the American culture as the country continued to grow, and by the end of WWII, most coffee was consumed at home. Things began to change again in the 1987 when Starbucks started to expand. Starbucks turned espresso making into an exact formula and created following nationwide.
Today, coffeehouses
are focused on offering alternatives to “corporate coffee,” as there’s a
greater focus being put on bean origin and roast process. No matter which
coffeehouse you visit though, the social environments are quite similar. Specialty coffeehouses have risen in popularity, as aside from just offering a place to enjoy coffee, some provide environments for online gaming, art workshops, and other niche activities. No matter which coffeehouse you visit, you’ll step into a social environment.
Outside the US, coffeehouses have remained a place for social gatherings, even though the norms are a little different. In Italy, espresso cafés are popular. These cafés are fast-paced establishments where you won’t really find anyone sitting around savoring their cup of coffee. There's an unspoken code for how one acts in Italian shops. Many Italians enjoy their drinks al blanco, at the bar, as espressos are meant to be consumed quickly. This doesn’t mean that it’s still not a social environment. Many customers will start, and possibly end, their day catching up and conversing at the bar. Although it may be quick, the Italian café still fosters social interaction.
So, no matter where you go, coffeehouses are gathering places for debate, work, gaming, or conversations. They have been social centers for centuries and will continue to be. Even if it you’re in a chatroom talking to the guy next you, you can do so at a coffeehouse.
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