What You're Really Paying For (And Why It Matters)

What You're Really Paying For (And Why It Matters)

Hey beautiful people,

I want to have a real conversation with you about something that's been on my mind - the cost of your coffee and what it actually supports here at Coterie.

You may have noticed our prices have adjusted recently, and I believe in being transparent with the community that's supported us from day one. So let's talk about it.

The Reality of Running a Small Business

Here's what's true: everything costs more than it did a year ago. Our coffee suppliers' costs have increased. Our milk and alternative milk prices have gone up. Our utilities, supplies, and operational costs have all risen significantly. That's just the reality of the current economy, and small businesses feel it acutely.

But here's what I want you to understand - when we adjusted our prices, it wasn't just about covering costs. It was about investing in something bigger.

What Your Coffee Actually Supports

When you buy a latte at Coterie, you're not just getting coffee (though our new Proud Hound Coffee with its "Dignity for All" mission is pretty incredible). You're investing in:

✨ A Community Hub - A space where entrepreneurs can work, where moms can connect, where strangers become friends, where everyone feels like they belong

💼 Local Jobs & Fair Wages - We're working toward hiring more staff so we can serve you more efficiently and create more opportunities for our West Chester community

🎨 A Platform for Entrepreneurs - From our gift shop vendor to content creators to small business meetups, we're creating space for others to flourish

🎉 Free Community Programming - Events, gatherings, and experiences that bring people together without charging admission

🤝 Ethical Sourcing - Partnering with businesses like Proud Hound Coffee that ensure dignity and fair wages throughout their entire supply chain

💪 A Woman-Owned, First-Generation Business - Supporting the kind of entrepreneurship that creates opportunities for others who are building their dreams

Our Commitment to You

Here's what won't change, no matter what:

Our commitment to exceptional customer service. Our dedication to making Coterie feel like home. Our focus on community over profit margins. Our belief that everyone who walks through our doors deserves to feel valued and welcome.

We're not a corporate chain with deep pockets and bulk pricing. We're a small business run by real people who genuinely care about this community. Every decision we make - including pricing - is about sustainability, quality, and creating something that will be here for the long haul.

Growing to Serve You Better

The truth is, we're growing because you've made us successful. And with that growth comes the opportunity to serve you better. We're working on bringing in additional staff so you're not waiting as long during peak hours. We're investing in quality ingredients and ethical partnerships. We're creating more programming and events that bring our community together.

That growth costs money, but it's an investment in all of us.

The Value Exchange

I get it - nobody loves paying more for anything. But I also know that what we offer at Coterie isn't just a transaction. It's an experience. It's a community. It's a space where you can work for hours without feeling rushed, where your kids are welcome, where you can host your meetings or celebrations, where the person behind the counter knows your name and your usual order.

That's not something you can get at a drive-through, and it's not something we take for granted.

Thank You for Understanding

To everyone who's continued to support us, who understands what small businesses are up against right now, who sees the value in what we're building together - thank you. Your loyalty means everything.

We're not perfect, but we're committed to being the best version of Coterie we can be. A place that serves exceptional coffee, creates meaningful community connections, and supports the entrepreneurs and dreamers who walk through our doors.

What's Coming

Speaking of what's ahead - we've got an incredible October lined up! (Check out our full calendar below.) And we're already planning November events that will blow your mind.

Plus, have you tried our new Proud Hound Coffee yet? If supporting ethical sourcing and local Cincinnati roasters while drinking really good coffee sounds like your thing, come taste the difference.

The Bottom Line

Your support keeps our doors open. Your presence makes this community what it is. And your understanding as we navigate the realities of running a small business in 2025 means more than you know.

We're in this together - building something that matters, one cup of coffee at a time.

With gratitude and really good coffee, Ghiovanna

📅 OCTOBER EVENTS AT COTERIE

🎃 Cozy Study Hours - Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3-5pm 📱 Content Creation for Influencers - Wednesdays, 11am-1pm 🎵 Live Music & Wine with Jubilee River - Oct 4, 7-9pm ☕ Cafecito con Candidatas - Oct 5, 1-3pm 👭 Village of HER - Oct 12, 3:30pm 🤱 Mom Needs Coffee - Oct 16, 9-11am 🔮 Witchy Mystic Market - Oct 17-18 (Fri 4-8pm, Sat 1-4pm) 👨‍👧 Daddy Daughter Tea Time - Oct 19, 1-3pm 💃 Ooky Spooky Drag Show - Oct 24, 9:30pm 🍂 Fall Vendor Fair - Oct 25, 10am-4pm 🎃 Halloween Party - Oct 31 (details coming soon!)

Full calendar: www.coteriecafe.com

STAY CONNECTED

📍 8870 Cincinnati Dayton Road, West Chester, OH 45069 📞 513-644-2548 🌐 www.coteriecafe.com 📱 Instagram/Facebook/TikTok: @coterieloungecafe

Hours: Tue-Thu: 8am-5pm | Fri-Sat: 9am-7pm | Sun: 11am-3pm | Mon: Closed

P.S. - If you've made it this far, you're the real MVP. Thank you for being part of our community. Now come get some coffee - we miss your face! ☕💕