Coffee culture

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Coffee Culture is a term used to describe a social atmosphere that depends heavily upon coffee shops, espresso in particular, to act as a social lubricant. The term appears to be exclusively American, and is frequently used to designate the ubiquitous presence of hundreds of espresso stands and coffee shops in the Seattle metropolitan area and the spread of franchises of businesses such as Starbucks and their clones across the United States and much of the world.

The term is found frequently in print media to describe the deep impact of market penetration into many parts of Seattle life. It is not unusual to see several espresso shops and stands within walking distance of each other or on opposite corners of the same intersection, typically with customers overflowing into parking lots.

Other aspects of "Coffee Culture" would include the presence of free wireless internet access for customers, many of which do business in these locations for hours on a regular, daily basis, and casual dating and group social activities. A "first date" at a coffee shop is, frequently, seen as a safe and non-threatening atmosphere in which to get to know somebody without the commitment of an expensive dinner, alcohol, or excessively noisy surroundings.