Coffee shops are created through intention and reflect the values and often the personality of first the ones who begin them, and then those who work in them and the community that makes it their regular destination. There is a mix of service and transaction, with various layers of relationship built on trust.

Today on Founder Friday we explore the story of one coffee shop and roastery that does a great job embodying these elements to serve both the locals and tourists with warmth and provide a sustainable and fulfilling vocation for their staff.

Thrilled to welcome to the show, Bow Smith of Rowan Coffee!

Bow Smith is a coffee professional in Asheville, NC with nearly a decade of experience of barista work, roasting, and cafe management. Smith founded Rowan Coffee in 2020 with the goal of building a cafe and roastery grounded in integrity, hospitality, and creativity, while fostering fulfilling and lasting coffee careers.

In this conversation we talk about:

• Bow's Experience as a Coffee Pro and Teaching Coffee
• The Ephemeral Nature of Coffee
• The Collaborative Efforts in Establishing Rowan
• Trust Is Crucial and Leadership in Coffee Shops
• Why Empathy in hiring is crucial for enhancing customer experiences
• Why Consistency in product is important, but experience is equally vital.
• Creating a Unique Cafe Experience
• Resilience in Community After Helene
• Building Culture in Business

Links:

www.rowancoffee.com

Instagram: @rowancoffee

Related and recommended episodes:

• 420: Design Meaningful Roles in the Cafe
• 483: Encore: 6 Essential Qualities of Coffee Shop Leaders
• 067 : 6 Truths About Power : The Responsible Approach to Power Dynamics in the Cafe
• 430 : Embracing "Unreasonable Hospitality" w/ Will Guidara | Thank You NYC + The Welcome Conference
• 492: How to be The Best Coffee Shop
• SHIFT BREAK! Building Trust Credit

ATTENTION CAFE OWNERS w/ 2+ Years of running your brick and mortar....

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