The modernized coffee shop as ‘personal space’

People spend their time outside, particularly at coffee shops. Working people tend to do their jobs in a place where they can relax. Even students are present at any coffee shop with their phones and laptops on a table with the food and beverages they bought. Coffee shops provide free Wi-Fi, so they’re a favorite hangout for learners, employees, and anybody else who needs access to the internet. Many individuals increasingly use coffee shops as a productive workplace. It was created and developed not only to be visually appealing but also to provide an environment for individuals to take pleasure in.

When we can’t think of anything else to do, we resort to a date at the coffee shop. It’s so ubiquitous that it’s nearly as familiar as a date to the cinema. In reality, initial interactions typically take place at a coffee shop since it allows individuals to settle down and become acquainted with one another.

Simply put yourself at ease and enjoy your cup of coffee. You can be so comfy and deep into your job that you desire a further cup of coffee, but you have no desire to get up. This is where staff assistance comes in. Just request a member of the waitstaff for another cup of coffee. It’s an advantage that you do not possess at the house.

The traditional coffee house should not be confused with the modern coffee shop. Coffee shops are diners that feature an ordinary selection of restaurant cuisine with plain coffee. Apparently, a Scottish YouTube blogger who frequently visits the Philippines posted a video where he expressed his thoughts to a Starbucks branch at SM, Baguio, Philippines. The coffee shop can be seen full of people who are working and studying. It may seem extraordinary to Dale Philip, as he does not acquire a coffee shop like Filipinos do. He pointed out that Starbucks here in the Philippines had been turned into a personal office.

Surely, Starbucks is aware of this phenomenon, as they have placed multiple outlets in the store. Coffee shops have evolved into dynamic spaces serving diverse purposes in people’s lives. No longer confined to mere coffee consumption, these establishments have become communal hubs where individuals, be they professionals or students, seek a blend of productivity and relaxation.

The presence of coffee shops extends beyond their culinary offerings, incorporating free Wi-Fi that caters to the contemporary need for connectivity. Whether it’s the familiar backdrop for a casual date or a haven for remote work and study, these establishments have ingrained themselves into modern societal rituals. However, the shift toward turning coffee shops into personal offices, as observed in the Philippines by the Scottish YouTuber, raises questions about the delicate balance between providing a welcoming space and ensuring commercial viability.

In a world where coffee shops transcend their traditional role, evolving into all-around spaces catering to diverse needs, the enduring appeal of global giants like Starbucks becomes evident. No longer confined to the realm of coffee consumption, these establishments have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of modern societal rituals. Starbucks, with its inception rooted in Howard Schultz’s vision, embodies the transformation of coffee shops into comfortable work-friendly environments. The delicate balance between providing a welcoming space and ensuring adaptability takes center stage, as observed in the evolving landscape of coffee shop culture. As these establishments continue to adapt to changing lifestyles, their universal role as social hubs, and comfort, remains essential to the daily lives of people worldwide.

—————-Wiljoy P. Damandaman and Justin T. Ocenada are first year college students studying Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in social studies at Arellano University, Jose Abad Santos Campus.