From trendy coffee shops to coffee brewed at home, worldwide we drink over 500 billion cups of coffee every year. It’s no wonder why coffee shops are one of the fastest-growing niches in the restaurant business. According to Business Insider, coffee is the second most sought-after commodity in the entire world, with an industry that is worth over $100 billion across the globe. To remain current in a highly competitive and successful industry, foodservice operations need to stay ahead of new trends. In honor of National Coffee Day on September 29th, we’ve compiled a list of trends in the interior design and beverage choices we see in the coffee industry as well as a coffee shop spotlight.
Coffee Shop Interior Design Trends
We see many foodservice operators using unique displays to feature baked goods and other prepackaged goods. These displays can be multifunctional in being used as accent décor and also a functional product display case. This creates not only practical storage spaces but also adds to the aesthetic of the shop while freeing up floor space in the coffee shop. Other trends in interior design include having larger tables for customers to use to accommodate larger group meetings. Another trend is in using bookshelves, or visually appealing partitions around seating to create the image of privacy.
Coffee Shop Beverage Trends
Fair Trade, Sustainably Grown Coffee
Many consumers are increasingly concerned with the procurement of coffee beans specifically in relation to fair trade and sustainably grown coffee. It’s important that coffee is not only bought and sold at fair pay and with workers being treated ethically but also that the coffee growing process does not damage the environment. The continued pressure from consumers for ethical coffee will continue to impact coffee shops product offerings.
Non-Dairy
There are many customers with dietary restrictions and coffee shops are beginning to cater to these customers. Although most coffee shops have had traditional options for non-dairy coffee drinkers such as almond or coconut milk these shops are starting to offer a greater variety of options. Many coffee houses offer, soy and oat milk or even matcha as alternatives to dairy. This is great for customers who are lactose intolerant, vegan, are on a dairy-free diet or are just looking for something new.
Nitro Coffee
Nitro coffee is a trend that has continued to grow in popularity. This drink is made by infusing cold brew with nitrogen gas. This drink is now being sold in grocery stores and convenience stores and is continuing to be highly requested in coffee shops. There is a large debate when it comes to how Nitro coffee, along with all other coffee beverages, is brewed. Many consumers and foodservice operators are disputing whether small-batch coffee, such as pour-overs, are better than machine large batch brews. Many individuals claim small-batch coffee is fresher for the consumer, making it better tasting. Others claim that small-batch coffee is inefficient for busy coffee shops. Regardless of all of the opinions, it’s important for each foodservice operator to determine which method, or a combination of the two works best for them and their customers. To shop Nitro coffee chargers and dispensers visit shop.dinecompany.com.
Cold-brew Variations
Another trend in coffee shops would be different types of cold brew. Cold-brew is a stronger coffee that is less acidic and bitter than traditional coffee. It’s also very easy to brew and lasts much longer than traditional coffee. Because the drink is naturally sweeter, it can be mixed with other ingredients to create a variety of flavors. For instance, a new up-and-coming drink is Cold brew lemonade, made as it sounds, by mixing cold brew and lemonade.
Coffee Shop Spotlight: Ntaba Coffee Haus
Ntaba Coffee Haus is a coffee shop with the desire to bring the flavors of South Africa in a cup. Ntaba offers organic, fair trade, freshly roasted coffee, sourced from the best farms in Africa. In addition to coffees and teas, Ntaba offers African-style snacks with a variety of jams, pastries, and other African foods. The mission of Ntaba is to “make the place a neighborhood gathering spot, while also offering something special for the South African community in the area”.
For coffee shop equipment and small wares pricing and selection, go to shop.dinecompany.com or call 502-637-3232 or email store@dinecompany.com.
