It’s safe to say the coffee culture in Guam is growing. In a little over 25 years, the industry has boomed from two coffee shops on the island to over 30 different establishments today. Below we’ve listed a few reasons why the burgeoning coffee shop industry is beloved by Guamanians
Coffee Shops Are Our “Third Place”
Starbucks, the coffee giant, was one of the first to realize the potential of coffee shops to become the ultimate communal spaces. They sought to become the “third place” their customers frequented the most, after their homes and offices. While there are currently no Starbucks branches on Guam, the myriad of coffee shops currently operating on the island has indeed become the third place where Guamanians gather today.
You too can discover coffee shops in Guam and find your own third place in this beautiful island destination. Local coffee chain Infusion Coffee and Tea, for example, is one of the most popular among locals. This homegrown brand is feted by many as Guam’s version of Starbucks. It’s known for its delicious coffee, fruit smoothies, and scrumptious pastries. The company was founded in 2009 and now has 11 branches around the island. In 2014, and again in 2017, they flew in renowned Japanese barista Yoshikazu Iwase to train their baristas on the art of coffee making. Iwase placed second in the 2016 World Barista Championships in Dublin, Ireland.
Coffee Shops Are an Alternative Office
Ever heard of the term “’coffice”? It’s coined from combining the words “coffee” and “office” and refers to a coffee shop that is a conducive place to work in. While the word may be new, the phenomenon of people using coffee shops to get work done is not. For instance, the author J.K. Rowling famously wrote the first Harry Potter book at her local coffee shop.
The quiet, cozy atmosphere in a coffee shop can be highly conducive to productivity, especially when you need to get a lot of work done. Café operators know this. They cater to this customer profile with strong Wi-Fi and a serene ambiance. Some shops even configure their spaces to ensure more privacy for customers. They provide ample seating near electrical sockets where customers can charge their laptops and mobile phone.
Coffee Shops Are Great Places for Young People
Coffee shops are a popular spot to meet up for teenagers and university students in Guam. It’s common to see a group of young people enjoying the peaceful ambiance of a coffee shop. Here, they gather to work on group projects, study with friends, or just hang out and relax. The coffee shop is a part of their daily lives. They might not drink coffee as much as adults just yet, but they surely love to pop in for a fruit smoothie or a calamondin cooler.
Coffee Shops Offer a Nice Change of Pace in Our Daily Routine
Stopping for a cup of coffee makes for a wonderful pause in the day, especially in coffee-loving Guam. Even if you’re on the go, you can still get your regular order at one of the many drive-through coffee shops like Infusion Coffee and Tea or Island Girl Coffee ‘n Quenchers.
Island Girl Coffee n’ Quenchers was founded by Connie and Jeff Hurley. Originally from Seattle, home of Starbucks, the pair moved to Guam in 2011 to start a business. They noticed the local coffee culture was lacking a niche for drive-through coffee and sought to address the gap in the market. They founded Island Girl Coffee ‘n Quenchers, turning it into Guam’s premier drive-through coffee destination. Their shops are eye-catching tiki huts staffed by groups of local girls.
Coffee Shops Are Hubs of Activity
Guamanian culture is very communal, so it’s only natural that the island’s coffee shops would become a social hub. The calm environment of the shop makes it a great place to catch up with friends over a cup of joe. At your local coffee shop, you can sit, people watch, shoot the breeze, and unwind.
The same tranquil ambiance is good for holding meetings and exchanging ideas. A coffee shop is an ideal place to hold your first meeting with someone, either for a professional or a personal rendezvous. It’s neutral ground, and the welcoming ambiance can help forge connections and contribute to a smooth flow of conversation.
We Love to Belong
Another bonus of frequenting your local coffee shop is becoming a regular customer. We all love it when the barista greets us by name as we enter the door, all while already knowing the specifics of our order. Oftentimes, regular customers enjoy special perks and free treats.
Becoming a regular creates a sense of belonging and strengthens the bond you have with your local coffee shop. Having a regular place to go where the staff already know your name and you’re friendly with other regular clients can become a joyful part of your daily routine. If you have just moved to Guam creating a routine and finding your local coffee shop can help you build connections which can be vital for your business or social life.
Going to Coffee Shops Is Good for the Local Economy
Sometimes we just want to try something new or an excuse to get out of the house. With so many coffee shops in Guam, trying a new one every month can be an affordable way to engage in new experiences while supporting the local economy.
Swinging by a coffee shop in Guam is a nice way to enjoy a change of pace, spice up your routine, and discover new things. Coffee shops on the island are both places to get work done and meet people. Embrace the Guamanian coffee experience and head to a local coffee shop today.
