Finding Coffee During a Pandemic: The Local Rule

It’s been about one year (and a few days) since the pandemic, and about one year and a few months since I have started this blog. I have been on a bit of a hiatus, due to COVID, school, and lack of means to try new coffee shops. A bit unfair to do during a pandemic

A few shops that are my list have unfortunately shut down, but there was also a new one open during this time. In order to keep my other favorite shops alive, I have created a rule for myself and my friends to follow: Only drink local coffee only unless you have a gift card.

Does this mean I never go to Starbucks? No, I get a giftcard about once or twice a month from my VerizonUp rewards. However, I don’t like to support chains anymore. 1, their coffee isn’t really that good (except for that new oat milk drink, but you could get that anywhere) 2, they are a big corporation that exists all over the nation, if 200 of us stop going it's not a huge deal, but it could make a big difference in a local shop.

Those of you who have been a follower of me or my blog for a while now know that I am biased to Leaf and Bean, a local shop near my college. Since the start of the pandemic, I used to escape only there because I would constantly be going to Target before or after, which is right across the street. I had watched them evolve while remaining the same all at the same time. While indoor dining was shut down for a bit, there were still public chairs outside while they provided you with the same smile, even with a mask on their face.

I encourage all of you to follow along with me while I still travel to other shops, and I encourage you to take a little extra time, for the same amount of money, and stop at a local shop to get your morning fix/ or buy a bag of beans.

Check out my next blog for my next coffee review: Fuego.