Local coffee shops & roasters need us right now to continue supporting them. Here’s how we can help these businesses during these weird times.

The negative effects of COVID-19 on our communities are growing stronger every day as we struggle to understand it and how to deal with it.

Coffee shops and coffee roasters are small businesses and often operate on small margins, so every little thing we can do to help them is huge.

Here’s how we need to support our local coffee shops (and other small businesses) right now.

1. Keep Showing Up

Unless you’re showing any symptoms, we have to keep showing up to our favorite local coffee shops. These shops are going above & beyond to keep their establishments clean & sanitized for us.

They have also all implemented safety measures, including suspending porcelain service, keeping condiments behind the counter, only offering to-go service, etc. CHECK THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA before you go to make sure you’re prepared.

  • You must must must respect the safety standards and practices they have put into place.
  • Don’t take more than you need.
  • Don’t let your kids run amuck.
  • Say ‘thank you.’

2. Tip Your Baristas EXTRA

The stability of the service industry is uncertain right now (that’s why I’m writing this), and these folks we love rely on us especially during these times.

So when you’re paying (not with cash because it’s dirty and gross), tip the sh*t out of your baristas. $2. $5. $10. $20. Every little bit helps.

3. Buy Everything

This one always helps: buy all of the things. Buy merch. Buy pastries. Buy a drink for your mom. Buy coffee beans for home. Buy GIFT CARDS to use later or to give to a friend. If it’s for sale — buy it.

4. Stay Active on Social Media

An easy way to support local businesses during these times is to stay active with them on social media. Like & comment on their posts. Share their posts to your timelines or your stories, especially announcements of how they are responding to the virus. It’s so easy and you can do it from wherever you are.

5. Shop Online

Chances are, most of your favorite local shops & roasters have online stores. Look at that! Buying things from your couch. I know y’all are buying stuff on Amazon right now, so there’s no reason you can’t buy some coffee beans, a sweet t-shirt, or even order a gift card online. Easy peasy.

BONUS: Be Healthy

In all that you do, be cautious and be healthy. Even if you don’t think you are at risk (you are), stepping outside your home will put you in contact with other people who are at risk. So wash your shit. Don’t touch anything. And for the love of Pete, stay at home if you are showing the slightest bit of symptoms.

Ya dig??