Constructive Criticism

It was only a couple of months ago that I first noticed the construction of the building that is now Dunn Bros. Coffee #177. Being a regular coffee drinker, and someone who would much rather socialize and unwind in a calm, relaxed environment than a noisy, crowded bar, I couldn't help but be excited that a real coffee shop was opening in a relatively close location. I was completely unfamiliar, however, with Dunn Bros. Coffee so, as soon as I could, I checked the company's Wikipedia page. Upon reading, I'd learned that Dunn Bros. Coffee is a fairly reputable franchise which roasts all of it's coffee in-house. This really excited me. After checking out their website, I decided that I'd check this place out as soon as it opened. Those of you who follow my Twitter feed may have noticed that I expressed curiosity about the opening of this new location. Within seconds of tweeting my inquiry, I was mentioned by @dunnbroscoffees with a response informing me that the site had already opened. Impressed by this unexpected reply, I was further excited and made it a point to get in there at my earliest convenience. I must admit, though, that I got my hopes up in a major way.

Okay, it wasn't all bad. First off, the coffee: delicious. The overhead menu offered a coffee of the day, so I opted to try the Full City Rwanda. Honestly, I made it through two cups very quickly. The brew was rich and exhibited that natural, earthy sweetness we all crave in a great cup of coffee; no creamers, no sweeteners, just pure, black warmth. Despite the brilliance of the in-house roasted coffee (because of which, I most certainly will be returning,) let me walk you through my ordering experience.

There were only two people ahead of me at the counter, which is not at all something that bothered me. Here, I was given the opportunity to give the store a nice once-over, and visually browse the Starbucks-like assortment of desserts and chilled goods. For such a short line of customers, it did seem to be taking a while to move forward. After seven minutes or so, I made to the front of the line and was able to place my order. Of course I took my own 10oz mug to get filled, and there was no problem carrying on this tradition. I did expect some sort of personal-mug discount, though . If one was offered, I couldn't tell based on the price, and one certainly wasn't mentioned to me. This is when I noticed that the guy at the register dripped with inexperience. He seemed to be scattering about, and perhaps even a little nervous. Alarmed, I began to observe the rest of the staff scurrying around the seemingly spacious prep-area. I couldn't help but notice, at this point, that the average age of the staff back there had to be, like, 40. Am I saying there's a problem with middle-aged folks? Not at all. I do feel, though, that our friends at Dunn Bros. Coffee, with their modern, flat, solid-color decor, wall-mounted high-definition TVs, and massive outdoor seating area (complete with stage for live music,) have attempted to target an audience with a younger, more chilled-out state of being. The staff, on the other hand, just seemed like uppity, middle-aged ladies making coffee in an assembly line fashion. After analyzing the situation later, I was able to conclude that this is what it would be like if my parents got bored, decided to start-up a coffee shop, and then serve that coffee to me themselves. The employees didn't match the atmosphere I anticipated, or even the atmosphere I feel is trying to be created at this Dunn Bros. Location, then again; neither does the customer base.

After getting my mug filled, I moved to the a table against wall where I would have full visibility of the store. The interior was very visually appealing. I made myself comfortable in the booth, pulled out my laptop and began to sip. At 7:30a on a Friday, a steady flow of parents on the go made it's way through the doors. No smiles, no nods; just people expecting to be served. I had high hopes for a comfortable, warm, coffee shop experience, but I what I gathered was an overwhelming sense that this atmosphere was being forced; that this place was noticeably trying so hard to be a big deal. It felt very pretentious.

I realize that this is a new store location, and it will take a while for it establish it's own reputation and a regular customer base. Of course, I will revisit and possibly even become one of those regular customers. Perhaps I'm being too harsh. Perhaps my expectations were set too high for a franchise coffee shop. I'm not going to let my perceived first impression steer me away from a place that has incredible potential. According to the store's twitter feed, the management here is accepting applications for baristas. If you've got the stuff, please get in there and help this place become what it seems so desperate to become.

(Praise the Heavens) This place is NOT Starbucks; please keep it that way.

It's Cool to be Cool

It seems that, today, we will do anything we can to earn a token of acceptance. I imagine most of us share a common subconscious expression that's, "If someone else is doing it, I think I will too."
Face it: it's cool to be cool.

Coffee is something that seems to be progressively getting cooler in the eyes (and mugs) of my generation. Pun aside, society's coffee-boner is a real deal. Coffee has become more than just a morning-starter or a workplace pick-me-up; coffee has become a hobby. And, with entrepreneurship evolving into a trend as well, coffeehouses have sprouted out of endless nooks and crannies with hopes of capturing the hearts of passersby and becoming the next go-to place and, well, one got me. Agora.

Smack-dab in the middle of Houston's Westheimer Road is a collection of antique shops, eateries, and dives that share a singular similarity; their strive for uniqueness. Smack-dab in the middle of that collection lies a coffee shop that succeeds in standing out. And though it greets you with a sense modesty,  there is plenty of evidence supporting the idea that Agora knows exactly how brilliant it truly is.

As you push through the front door, you'll be greeted with the sound of a fully-stocked jukebox that looks as if it could've been whacked by The Fonz once or twice. The perfectly lit room offers seating at a plethora of antique tables and chairs scattered along the walls and across the spacious bottom floor. To the right, a lonesome sofa provides a comfortable area for larger groups to chill out. A bar stretches across the left side of the house for a more personalized seating experience. Upon climbing one of the steepest set of stairs I've ever seen, one will find an indoor balcony lined with tables for two and areas perfect for studying students, witty writers, and relaxing readers alike. And if watching TV at home isn't good enough, the staff at Agora welcomes you to sprawl out in front of one of theirs.

Agora boasts an onslaught of fresh-brewed coffee. Their house blend, robust but never overpowering, is available for self-service, along with a selection of flavored brews that is sure to suit any taste. $3.50 will get you unlimited refills on any of these liquid treasures.

Nesteled against the bar is a self-serve showcase which houses fresh pasteries. The selection here ranges from simplistic to decadent, so one could snack lightly, or indulge if desired.

To the right of the of the checkout counter is a cooler filled from top to bottom with an impressive collection of bottled brews that will easily please a beer-drinker of any caliber. Atop the bar, and ripe for the picking, a baracade of winebottles makes it's presence known as you take your seat.  I feel that Agora doesn't see alcohol as a focal point, but rather, as an element spiked with the capabilty to enhance the already-abundant sense of relaxation one will find there. So, if you're looking to comfortably and responsibily unwind, it's almost as if you're encouraged to do so, but, if you're looking to "party down" or "get your drink on," may your search continue.

When you're looking for the perfect cup of coffee, alone or with friends, and you've decided you're at peace with the fact that your ruthless desire for social in-ness is acceptable, why not make yourself seen and get your cozy on at Agora? The door stays swinging from 9:00a to 2:00a everyday.