Technology can drastically inhibit our interactions even in unexpected places, like our neighborhood coffee shop. Yet connecting over coffee offers us the renewed chance to give our interactions more space. Plus coffee tastes so delicious! Hani Yaafori, owner of Steam Espresso Bar provides his take on the benefits and pleasure of gathering for coffee and conversation. Although he notices the impact of technology on face-to-face interactions, he concurrently observes strangers communing regularly, including chance encounters. Coffee is an equalizer!

What does coffee and conversation sound like at your shop?

Hani: We hear many different sounds: quiet hum of the community table; formal back and forth of business meetings; intermittent sounds from various devices. We’re so connected electronically to the world yet at the same time we’re very isolated. Our technology habit reduces interactions and keeps contact to a minimum. Technology is always present, even at Steam.

What is it about drinking coffee that enables conversation?

Hani: Coffee has always brought people to gather. “Let’s do coffee” is part of our culture. Innovative concepts are developed over coffee, scribbled on the napkin.

 Coffee shops represent the heart of a city. If we’re traveling we typically will locate a place for coffee. It’s how we develop a sense of a place. Plus, “people watching” is beautiful at a café. I often sit, relax and enjoy watching people happily interact at Steam. Random people connect here whether it’s through their dog or someone wanting to order a juice similar to what was ordered by the person ahead, for example.

What makes coffee and conversation safe at Steam?

I agree with founder and CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schwartz, when he said, “we are not in the coffee business serving people, but in the people business serving coffee.” We’re enabling the connection between the soul and human being. There’s a good vibe at Steam, a positive energy in a social place, with an excellent product and thoughtful staff. Lots of life is being lived here.

Hani suggests:

Kick the technology habit! When gathering for a coffee, focus on the person you’re with or meet someone new!

Relax at a café and watch life unfold through the many interactions;

At the heart of a positive and safe customer experience is a genuine focus on the people being served. We might substitute the word “coffee” for another business and the same applies. Serve the people in front of you.

A Table In Time’s questions about our coffee habits!

• When did you first start drinking coffee?
• How has your “coffee habit” changed over the years?
• What is the affect of the caffeine on your experience?
• What other “habits” do you have? Anything quirky?

The weekend is almost here! Pause, enjoy yourself at your favorite café and indulge in conversation.