This is going to be a deep dive into some foundational ideas related to your shop and the way it exists in your community. I wasn't planning this episode but I really felt a gut-level urgency about the message. Thing is, if we want to build something that lasts and is resilient in the face of our resent and future challenges then prioritizing community what we should be doing. Do we we leave room for, or even really consider, the community when we set out to start and run our stores? What are the ramifications of not doing this and what are the benefits of focusing on it? Today I am sharing some deeper thoughts that tap into the roots of the what and why of our profession and I hope you listen with an open heart.  Some things we will cover:  Your experience-vs-the customer experience Co-creation and knowing your neighbors Connecting with and leaving room for community The relationship between the shop and the customer Stifling growth and giving up control The coffee bar as a platform for others Gentrification and cognitive dissonance  The future of coffee bars and resiliency    Conversational nature of your business 139 : Founder Friday w/ Kusanya Cafe co-founder, Phil Sipka 227 : Connecting with Hearts and Minds 181 : Organizational Self-Knowledge   The BEST in commercial coffee equipment www.prima-coffee.com/keys   Want the best plant based beverage for your coffee drinks? www.pacificfoods.com/food-service