Gourmet Coffee Stores

Gourmet coffee stores have come a long way in the last ten to twenty years. These days they are virtually around every corner, and offer many more things than just coffee. From coffee to tea to baked pastries, there is something for every palate and craving at these wonderful shops! Also, these places offer a wonderful setting to relax, read, or do work on a laptop.

My favorite gourmet coffee store is one where you can relax! My girlfriends and I started a coffee club called "Coffee Talk". This is where we meet at the local coffee shop to talk about life, munch on delicious pastries, and of course, drink some wonderful beverages. Some of the girls in the group do not care for coffee, so they drink tea instead. It is a fabulous setting to relax, enjoy company and fill our bellies! Our favorite baked offerings are cakes, muffins, croissants and brownies.

Gourmet coffee stores and shops are a huge industry. While it takes up to $50,000 just to open a coffee kiosk, the shops and stores are a big investment! Although the investment is great, many people have made a killing at this industry. Some of the major shops are Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Gloria Jean's. As some drinks are upwards of $5, there is typically a huge mark-up. However, many people (myself included) are willing to pay the big bucks for a gourmet delight.

My favorite gourmet coffee shop is Starbucks. I just love their coffee and the relaxing ambiance they offer. My favorite drink to get is an Iced Dirty Chai Latte. In case you are not familiar with a "Dirty Chai" it is simply a Chai Tea with espresso. Another thing I love about Starbucks is the great bags of coffee, mugs, sweet treats and other wonderful small gifts you can purchase. They make a wonderful last-minute stop for impromptu birthday and office party gifts!

Also, I find these places are great for studying, working, or just relaxing away from home. It seems like every time I visit one of these shops I end up talking to someone or chatting with a stranger. Many single people find these are great places to meet new friends and potential dates! So if you are looking for a relaxing place, with great food and drink, and the possibility of meeting new friends try out your local gourmet coffee store!

Christine Rankin is a professional writer who provides information on gourmet coffee stores for Gourmet Coffee Guide - your premiere online resource for fine coffee!