Like working in cafes? Check these tips

MANILA, Philippines – According to some historical pundits, the 12-year French Revolution — the war that created nationalism and abolished nationalism, introduced French culture to the rest of the world, and began the era of modern warfare — was born in a café. 

Cafés have long been linked to intellectual and political life as they provide a venue where intellectual discourse and cultural exchange is possible. Today, cafes have also begun to be the place to do business. From businessmen looking for a less formal location to seal a deal, students cramming for an exam, to yuppies wanting to get out of their cubicle, a coffee shop has become the ideal “working space.” 

But finding the right one isn’t always easy. Rappler spoke to Michael Lacy, president of Digital Paradise Inc., the Philippine distributor of Vietnam-based Highlands Coffee, during the launch of their cafe in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. With Lacy’s help, we found out what people should look for when searching for the perfect watering hole.

1. Value for money

“It’s all about value,” said Lacy. “If you work in a coffee shop, it can get pretty expensive. In some establishments, if you want to get a latte, it’ll cost you P120. Then you’ll have to pay P100 more for the use of the internet, then you have to find a seat and, of course, supply your own computer.”

According to Euromonitor International, a global consumer research provider, “Filipino consumers continue to seek value for their money amid higher than expected inflation.” Which is why in Highlands Coffee, for example, the equivalent of a latte costs P99, the use of high speed wireless internet is free, and for those simply looking to check their email or browse online, they also provide tablets at no extra charge.  

2. More than the usual food and beverage options

Most menu items in a coffee shop have a limited range: from cakes and pastries to sandwiches and shakes. “At the moment, you don’t go to a coffee shop if you’re health conscious,” said Lacy. 

But if you plan to stay there for at least 3 hours, have a meal, and take some for later, you need better options. “We’re all about health and providing fresh and organically-grown food,” said Lacy. “All our salads and sandwiches are kept in the store; we don’t keep anything overnight.”

Perhaps a first in a coffee shop, Highlands Coffee has an actual fruit stand where customers can grab a banana, apple, or orange for a quick fruit fix. “So you’re not going to walk away feeling guilty.”

3. Freedom to work — or not

If you’re bringing your own computer, power is as important as the cup of coffee, and the search for an outlet in the cafe can often be problematic. “It’s always a controversial issue as to whether you provide power,” admitted Lacy. “It can work against the coffee shop because if you provide power, it means that your customer has unlimited time. And although we want to provide value, what we don’t want to do is create unproductive tables.”

Still, for those who need it, there are a few choices. “Here, we have some tables that provide power and some that don’t. So for those who need it, we allocate 20 percent of our seating. And that really is just to protect the business, to make sure that we don’t get a coffee shop full of unproductive customers.”

Still, it’s always a good idea to come with a full charge. – Rappler.com

Peter Imbong is a fulltime freelance writer, sometimes a stylist; and on some strange nights, a host. After starting his career in a business magazine, he now writes about lifestyle, entertainment, fashion, and profiles of different personalities. Check out his blog, Peter Tries to Write.