Being Different is good
There is a new, predominantly drive-through focused, coffee shop coming to town. It is a corporate store that is well known and many folks in the area are excited for its opening. Many of our customers have asked if we are worried about it. The honest answer is no. Here are some reasons why:
First and foremost, we have very different business models. Calamity’s is focused on comfort and customer experience. Big chains are number focused. This means they spend more time pushing you through drive thru. Seriously, staff is taught that those in the lobby are less important than those in their car. Though this model works for some, we believe quality and quantity are possible. We respect the importance of drive thru but aren’t equipped to provide this service.
For us, community involvement takes precedent over large sales numbers. Chains may make donations to organizations, but those are for tax purposes, not because they genuinely care about the community around them. Our financial donations cannot be as large, but they are done from the heart.
Our employees are treated like human beings. Since they are respected, they understand the importance of genuinely caring for you.
We don’t roll our eyes if you want your drink remade. You worked hard to afford our product(s) and/or you took the time to come into our shop. If you don’t enjoy the beverage you received, we don’t take it personally, we remake it. Your honesty makes us better.
We support local as much as possible while keeping prices low. Not a day goes by when I don’t hear, “that’s all it costs?”
Most of the drinks offered at chains can be replicated. To be clear: they will not be exactly the same. We use much higher quality products and are more focused on improving the taste of our coffee, but we will continue to perfect the drink until it exceeds your expectations.
Of course, there is a bit of anxiety about the new shop. We know many of you rely on drive thru and we will never be able to provide this service. Moreover, we understand our coffee might not be for everyone. The truth is: some folks might just prefer the taste of other shop’s coffee; we respect everyone’s preferences. Nonetheless, we genuinely believe that Oak Ridge (and surrounds) is full of folks seeking a space built with them in mind. For this reason, we are not worried about chains popping up nearby. Instead, Calamity’s will maintain its focus on you, the customer.