Chapter 2: Independent Coffee Shops and Cafes: Creating Unique Environments and Servicescapes

This chapter will explore how independent coffee shops and cafés are creating unique servicescapes to meet the needs and desires of their clientele. Using the model of servicescape, the authors report on several micro-case studies in which the researchers play the role of customers and explore their own feelings and preferences when choosing and visiting an independent coffee shop or café. In each case, the researchers noted their feelings and experiences of the environment under the headings of ambience; arrangement and function with reference to the furnishings and crockery; the signs, symbols and artefacts were considered in relation to the name of the business and the marketing message of the business.