Cafe vs. Coffee Bar

The more I read up on the coffee market, it seems like more and more coffee shops are doing away with offering free wi-fi or deciding against offering wi-fi all together. It may be that they want their employees to focus more on the art of brewing the perfect cup of coffee instead of providing tech support, but one message rings loud and clear -these coffee shops are not offices.

In addition to doing away with wi-fi, some coffee shops are taking it a step further and getting rid of the plush furniture and tables that have become synonymous with American cafes. In their place, coffee shop proprietors are installing counters and bars in the hopes of inspiring conversation but cutting down on the lingering.

In this article featured on The New York Times' website this morning it's clear to see that moving from cafe to coffee bar has spurred much debate. I, personally, see valid points coming from both sides of the equation, but if the coffee shops highlighted in the article are any indication of a new trend in the industry, we designers and build out companies may have to retool our line of thinking when it comes to creating new coffee joints.

What do you think? Are coffee bars the wave of the future or are cafes here to stay? We'd love to hear where you weigh in on the cafe vs. coffee bar debate.


-- Liz Blohm