These new normal coffee shops are real head-turners
Last year was tough for businesses across all industries.
Unfortunately, many establishments were forced to shut down operations to stop incurring further losses as the nationwide lockdown dragged on for months.
On the flip side, we saw other businesses innovating to keep up with the strange times.
Some enterprising individuals braved the odds and opened their dream ventures despite the lingering uncertainty.
Curiously, a coffee shop seems to be the business model of choice for many budding entrepreneurs.
But there's a catch: this new breed of cafes veer away from the traditional model of coffee shops that we know.
Much of this has to do with the current climate of social distancing, limited interaction, and minimal time spent in public.
Today, take outs and no-frills dining are in. These three new players are the modern face of coffee shop start-ups born out of a pandemic.
Roadside joe
Photo by: municoffee.ph (IG)
If you happen to pass along barangay Longos in Kalayaan, Laguna, you might have noticed a small café on the side of the road.
Muni Coffee is a minimalist coffee shop designed to serve bikers and motorists entering or exiting the town, and on the lookout for a much-needed caffeine fix.
Photo by: municoffee.ph (IG)
The name, according to owners, Julius Ezekiel Lacaba and Isabella Macawili Ragaza, is inspired by the word "muni-muni" ("to ponder" in English).
Muni has craft coffee selections such as kori-kohi, iced coffee, and brewed coffee, as well as espresso-based variety like Americano, café mocha, caramel macchiato, and café latte, among others.
Location: National Highway, Barangay Longos, Kalayaan, Laguna.
Roving brew
Photo by: thecoffeemobile (IG)
In Cebu, a professional barista has decided to take his refreshing coffee concoctions on the road.
The Coffee Mobile or TCM is run by Paul Anzano, who thought of coming up with his pop-up coffee shop in June at the height of the lockdown in the province.
Photo by: thecoffeemobile (IG)
TCM peddles its hot and cold brews using a cart, a motorcycle, and a repurposed Volkswagen Kombi van in different faraway places.
Coffee selections to choose from include hot and iced Americano, cappuccino, white mocha, and caramel macchiato. Meanwhile, bottled coffee choices range from dark, white, gold, and green elixers.
Keep track of TCM's social media accounts to know its location for the day.
Japanese-inspired café
Photo by: typicacoffeeph (IG)
Typica Coffee in Taytay, Rizal gained media attention last year for putting a fresh twist to an old sari-sari store.
Owner Drew Magana transformed the old street store into a coffee shop reminiscent of quaint Japanese cafes.
The minimalist coffee shop caters to customers on the go, an essential element in these pandemic times.
Photo by: typicacoffeeph (IG)
Aside from its hot and cold brews, customers can also order yummy desserts such as Basque burnt cheesecake, vegan cupcakes, and Hokkaido cheese tart.
Location: 72 E. Rodriguez Avenue, Barangay San Isidro, Taytay.
Comes with mountain views
Photo by: kapesinauna (IG)
Overlooking the mountains of Rizal is a makeshift café named Kape Sina Una.
This improvised coffee shop features a multi-purpose vehicle with an open trunk, an extended makeshift roof, and a few wooden tables and chairs.
The mobile coffee shop is a welcome sight for bikers and cyclists craving for a quick stop and affordable coffee to refuel them before continuing their journey.
Photo by: kapesinauna (IG)
Kape Sina Una source its coffee beans from Batangas all the way to Cordillera.
Location: Along Marcos Highway in Antipolo City.
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