Coffee shops target WiFi hogs

By Neal Augenstein


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WASHINGTON - Would you like free WiFi with your coffee?

The question goes unspoken, but in local coffee houses the answer is clearly yes.

Most coffee shops in the Washington area offer free WiFi as a perk, in hopes of bringing in customers.

"Being able to get away from your office or home routine and find a place where you can concentrate without your coworkers or kids interrupting is priceless," says Elias Montilla, general manager of Tryst, in Adams Morgan.

"The majority of our customers do have a laptop or tablet or other device with them, whether they're using it to study, complete work or just personal enjoyment," says Jim Hilson, co-owner of Saxbys Coffee, a longtime favorite for Georgetown University students.

In a college environment, Hilson says WiFi use is part of his business model.

"It can even be a social experience. We'll often see a couple of students come in and sit down at the tables, take out their laptops and start doing their work together," says Hilson.

Not all coffee houses share Saxbys' WiFi welcome.

With smartphones and mobile devices facilitating mobile offices, some customers take root in coffee shops and gobble up bandwith, without buying drink or food.

Customers use the shop's free WiFi for large file downloads, while sipping free water.

Enough is enough Some business owners are setting time limits, requiring an access code fo the WiFi network, or even covering electric outlets to discourage laptop use. Continue reading...

Sunday September 29th, 2013 is? Wait for it... National Coffee Day!!!!

(Day of the year)

Coffee in the morning; coffee and a catch up with old friends; going for coffee with your new hot date – we drink coffee morning, day and night with friends, business associates and lovers. You have only to walk down the nearest high street and note the number of coffee chains to realise the extent of our love affair with our favourite caffeinated beverage.

The Marine’s Secret Weapon: Coffee

(NY Times)

By MICHAEL HAFT AND HARRISON SUAREZ 

Every American knows the story of the Boston Tea Party and its implications on the Revolutionary War. Lesser known, but perhaps of greater relevance to a nation recognized more for coffee breaks than tea time, is the fact that America’s taste for coffee is inextricably linked to the history of its military.

We weren’t aware of it until just recently. But in hindsight, it made perfect sense that we would become obsessed with coffee when we joined the Marines. As we later discovered, we were part of a long line of men whose enthusiasm for the drink was closely tied to their experiences in the service.

National Archives and Records AdministrationBattle-weary Marines of the 22nd Regiment drank coffee after heavy fighting on Einwetok Atoll in the Pacific Theater in February 1944.

As Capt. Robert K. Beecham wrote in his book, “Gettysburg: The Pivotal Battle of the Civil War”: “The power of the soldiers to endure the fatigue of the march and keep their places in the ranks was greatly enhanced by an opportunity to brew a cup of coffee by the wayside.”

Coffee’s popularity grew in the years following Reconstruction. But it didn’t become a household staple until the confluence of the Industrial Revolution, the rise of the advertising age and the cultural mixing that occurred during World War I. As William Ukers explained in The Tea and Coffee Trade Journal, “the 2,000,000 soldiers who went overseas and there had their coffee three times a day…since returning to civilian life are using it more than ever before.”

I want to give thanks to all who have supported us in this project "CCI" Coffee Cart International. 
I want to especially thank Derek Ford whom has been my friend and web designer for over 20 years.
Thanks Ford   

Apffels Fine Coffees

Apffels Fine Coffees has found the perfect balance between art and science. With a century of artisan roasting passed from one generation to another, and being true pioneers of innovation in the coffee industry, it’s easy to see a passion for fine coffee.

It all began in the early 1900’s, with small, hand roasted batches of coffee that were personally delivered to customers' doors. That care and personal attention has remained the hallmark of our business culture to this very day. It’s reflected in our employees, in our customer service and is tasted in every cup of coffee that we produce.

We grew up serving some of LA’s most famous five star restaurants and upscale hotels. Our history has helped us become a part of the Southern California lifestyle and coffee culture.

Today we’ve integrated this desire for great coffee with innovative, advanced manufacturing and operations – ultimately delivering better, more consistent specialty coffees and coffee ingredients.

Coffee And Espresso Drinks Explained (PHOTOS)

When it comes to getting caffeinated, these days we've got options. Gone are the days of picking only between a cup of decaf or regular. Now we're faced with an array of coffee beans that come from all over the globe, a handful of specialized ways to brew a regular cup of coffee, and enough options of espresso drinks to make your head spin.  Read more...