The Art of the Gather

We’ve all probably done it - pull up to a half working drive up speaker system and try to decipher, like a CIA interpreter - what the person is saying. The speaker crackles to life with your order total. You hold your breath, hoping the conversation was clearer on the other end, and that your order was correct. And, sadly sometimes that premonition comes true a few miles down the road.

But one thing is certain - you’re not happy.

When we decided to open Gather Coffee, we wanted to focus not just on coffee, but on connections. Most of the people that visit our shops are our friends and neighbors. Even first time customers are soon considered friends. We learn about births, deaths, birthdays, and worst days. We all become entangled in the social fabric of our community.

And that was by design.

Many people have asked us why we don’t have a drive through order system like the “fast food” places. And that is why. A quick connection with your neighbors while your drink is being made is good for the soul. It’s not a robotic, transactional experience. It’s organic, human, and in our opinion, just how it should be.

Does it take an extra minute? Maybe. But is that extra minute worth it?

We think so.