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Coffee shop stands up to Starbucks

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Contributed by: Doug Moring on 12/11/2007

Nov 30, 2007

What made me want to write this article was an article called "A DEFIANT COFFEE SHOP STARES BACK AT STARBUCKS" written by Peter Applebome for the New York Times (peappl@nytimes.com).
This article reminded me that we (as a community) should not forget the local individual shops /stores that are the foundation of our neighborhoods.

Thornton, CO. 2007
When we took over an existing coffee shop, we were aware of Starbucks possibly opening another store in an area that is already saturated with 6 other Starbucks within a 4 mile radius. As owners of a local community coffee shop (Hilltop Bean Coffee) in North Thornton, we are trying to make a difference in the community. We believe in making our HILLTOP BEAN your coffee shop. a community-owned coffee shop where people feel that they are part owners, a place where they are more than a dollar figure, a place where you can come and get away from all your worries for the day and feel welcomed, not looked at as a dollar figure or a robot. Are we perfect? No way. Do we feel we can make a difference in your day /community? HECK YES!!

It was confirmed and it's unfortunate that a Starbucks will be coming across the street from us. Are we mad? No not really. We are disappointed, but we feel we can make a difference in people's daily lives. If it weren't for Starbucks we would not be in business. We live about 2 miles from Hilltop Bean coffee shop; all of three of our children went to school in the area. We have done things in the community to help others; Hilltop Bean coffee strongly supports the school district, teachers, law enforcement officers, firemen and most of all children in need of help. Hilltop Bean Coffee has sponsored blood drives and supported breast cancer awareness. We want people to feel appreciated for their loyalty to us. Do we want to become millionaires? Heck yea. Are we going to do it by being owners of a small community owned shop? Heck no. We have a better chance hitting the lottery. We, as many business owners across this great country, are feeling the pinch of our own ignorance when it comes to supporting local community shops. Whether it's a pizza shop, corner market, hair salon, etc, whatever mom and pop shop there is.

Are we struggling to survive/ Not really, but we will lose customers to Star- bucks because that's the in thing right now. To be seen with a Starbucks cup, mug, and or a travel thermos. It's like a status symbol to many, trying to make a statement that hey I made it to the big time. I'm a somebody. I finally made it. There're only two people in this world you need to impress and that the person you look in the mirror daily and the man upstairs.

You can tell when YOU HAVE finally made it when you come home at the end of the day and you have a place to park your car, food on the table or in the fridge, a place to put your sleepy head and a place that you can feel home.

When our dog Scout jumps on our bed at night and lays at our feet and when I hear her let out a big sigh and relax, that is the most comforting feeling for me. To me it feels she is welcomed, loved and protected. That is what we are trying to convey to all our customers. When I'm out sweeping the front walk and people walk by, we greet them whether they're customers or not, because they are part of the community that we live in. We know we can make a difference in everyone's life, whether you're late in your years, just an innocent child, or somewhere in between.

When we took over the shop, the previous corporate conglomerate kind of looked at me when I said, "I'll stay independent". They wished me success, but I know when I left their facilities they where shaking their heads, snickering, and saying, "What a fool".

So I hope you'll think about the many local community owned stores that are in your neighborhood trying to make a difference. I know we have made a difference in at least one person's life, and that's more that all the Starbucks put together all over the world have done. "Born in the USA", Thanks, Mr. Springsteen.

We will never give up our love, hope, and faith of our community friends and neighbors!

Thanks, Scout!

Respectfully
Doug & Roxann Moring
Hilltop Bean

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Doug Moring

Thornton , CO

Doug Moring has posted 2 stories and 1 comment since joining on 12/8/2007. Doug Moring 's average story rating is 3.83.

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