A Coffee Tour of Ann Arbor
Before moving to Ann Arbor, it’s safe to say that I was a
bit of a “Starbucks snob.” When they weren’t making coffee at home, my parents
had been loyal customers to the chain for years, dragging the family
along to our local shop almost every Saturday morning. Needless to say, when it
came to coffee, my family was my primary reference group that influenced my
coffee purchases (Babin & Harris, 2016, p. 158). I maintained this
Starbucks loyalty throughout high school years, due to the external influence
of my social environment (Babin & Harris, 2016, p. 26), as the Starbucks near school became my friend group’s go-to gathering place.
So, knowing little else about caffeine outside of my 12 oz. mermaid cup, I was surprised to see the plethora of independent coffee shops Ann Arbor had to offer. With that, join me on this coffee tour of the town, where I’ve listed out some of my favorite shops, what sets one apart from the next, and what will make you want to revisit each one.
Comet
The first stop on this coffee tour is Comet Coffee, located
in Ann Arbor’s beloved Nickel’s Arcade. While you may just be passing through,
the shop lures consumers in through exposure. Passersby and potential customers
can smell the coffee in the Arcade before they’ve even reached the shop (Babin & Harris, 2016, p. 52).
Why You’ll Come Back: In addition to its delicious iced lattes,
Comet is top-notch in providing social and experiential value (Angell, Lecture
2, 9/13/17). They have a strict no-laptop policy on certain tables, so be ready
to unplug, sip, and socialize during your Comet experience. The quaint spot
provides an intimate space to sit inside and drink your coffee, while chatting
with a friend. Customers can also take advantage of their outdoor seating, situating
you right in Nickel’s Arcade, perfect for an afternoon of bullet journaling.
Lab Cafe
Next on our tour is Lab Café. While it has the typical
offerings of your regular coffee shop, Lab has also succeeded in product
differentiation (Babin & Harris, 2016, p. 36). With menu items like the
lavender and honey latte, or their brown sugar and sea salt latte, the café
definitely knows how to set itself apart.
Why You’ll Come Back: Lab offers great hedonic value (Babin
& Harris, 2016, p. 29). Not only is the shop itself aesthetically pleasing,
but your latte is too. Once you grab your coffee from the bar, guaranteed
you’ll be rushing to Instagram or Snapchat to show off your latte art purchase.
Roasting Plant
New to Ann Arbor, Roasting Plant may become a favorite among coffee consumers with enduring involvement (Babin & Harris, 2016, p. 95). For those who have continuing interest in coffee, Roasting Plant provides an opportunity to try new products, and learn more about the overall product category. The company boasts its specialty bean roasting processes, and has each variety of beans on display for current and aspiring coffee enthusiasts alike.
Why You’ll Come Back: Not only does Roasting Plant serve up
quality, specially-roasted coffee, but provides utilitarian value as well (Babin
& Harris, 2016, p. 29). If you’re headed to a café for the utilitarian
purposes of a caffeine fix before your long study session, Roasting Plant can
also provide you ample seating options both upstairs and downstairs, as well as
outlets at almost every table. Don’t believe me? Check out their virtual tour to scout
out a potential study spot.
Literati Coffee
Finally, we have Literati Coffee. Situated atop its
bookstore of the same namesake, the shop demonstrates the implementation of an
augmented product (Babin & Harris, 2016, p. 32). While most coffee shops
have its customers walk up to or wait at the bar for their drinks, Literati
adds a personal, more customer-focused approach, and brings your drink to you.
And, throughout your stay, baristas continuously make their rounds to ensure
your water glass is never empty, and a second cup of coffee is on its way if
needed.
Why You’ll Come Back: Literati can also be applauded for its
experiential value (Angell, Lecture 2, 9/13/17). On your way upstairs to grab
your drink of choice, you get to browse their charming bookstore, and maybe
pick out a book of interest to accompany your coffee shop trip.
References:
Angell, A. (2017, September 13). CB Chapter 2: Value.
Lecture presented in University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Babin, B. J., & Harris, E. G. (2016). CB 7. Australia: South-Western.
Hi Liz!
ReplyDeleteI was immediately drawn to your blog because of your creative title. Like you, I was definitely a “Starbucks snob” (hence word was because I’d like to think I have grown out of it). Most evenings during the work week, my dad would go to Starbucks and pick up a black iced coffee and put it in the refrigerator for the following morning. Naturally, I followed in his footsteps and though I hate to admit it, I was in the mindset that the only place to buy coffee was Starbucks. My primary reference group (Babin & Harris, 2016, p. 158) was also my family, as they completely influenced my coffee purchases. When I went to college, I still went to Starbucks because I was familiar with it. I didn't feel like going out of my comfort zone and risking not enjoying other coffee as much as I enjoy Starbucks. As time went on and I was around people who went to other coffee shops such as Espresso Royale. I experienced group influence (Babin & Harris, 2016, p.157) and began to purchase this coffee, which I really liked. My coffee mindset completely broadened. The only time I actually get Starbucks now is before Marketing 313 because it is in Ross and therefore, convenient.
Your blog was very helpful in providing me with new options for coffee that are completely unfamiliar to me. I’m excited to try these places and I appreciate your line “Why You’ll Come Back” after each place. This demonstrates the quality in these coffee shops and why customers who shop here likely do not have a “one time” experience.
Although it is a short drive or long walk away, you should definitely try Bearclaw Coffee Co on Washtenaw Avenue (if you haven't already). They have so many unique flavors that you can add to your coffee. My go-to is the sugar-free toffee flavor and I highly recommend it! I am really looking forward to reading your next blog post!
Babin, B. J., & Harris, E. G. (2016). CB 7. Australia: South-Western.
I enjoyed reading this blog! Similar to you, my parents acted as my primary reference group that influenced my coffee purchases (Babin/Harris 2016). My dad always bought coffee for our family at a small coffee shop in my hometown called Zumbach’s. So when it came time to come to school I was utterly lost without it. A personal favorite coffee shop of mine in Ann Arbor is Mighty Good Coffee on South University. Despite the utilitarian value of a strong cup of coffee, the lattes at Mighty Good remind me of my regular order back home, thus also serving a hedonic value (Babin/Harris 2016). The tiny corner shop also has great natural lighting due to all the windows and offers a great quiet spot to study. You should definitely check it out! Read all about it here:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.mightygoodcoffee.com
References:
Babin, B., & Harris, E. (2016). CB, 7th Edition. Boston, MA: Engage Learning .