05/22/2026
WANT TO COMPETE? … I don’t
Let’s talk about “competition” for a minute.
I’ll start by saying this: competition doesn’t really have a place in coffee — at least not for me.
In the 10 years I’ve been involved in coffee, I’ve heard that word more recently than ever before, so let’s address it.
If you’ve ever been to my counter, you’ve probably seen me repping another coffee shop in some way — stickers on the cash box, sweatshirts, hats, t-shirts, décor on the counter. The truth is, it’s so much easier to support a community than to pretend others don’t exist.
I refer events to fellow coffee trucks all the time. I check in on other owners, ask if they need anything, cheer them on, and if I can’t make an event, I’m happy to pass opportunities along. Thankfully, that support is often reciprocated.
The beautiful thing about coffee shops is that no two are the same. Every business offers something unique that can’t be replicated. Each one is built from a personal story, a passion, and a purpose. That’s what makes small businesses so special.
Recently, someone came to my counter and said, “If you don’t go into business with me, I’ll open my own coffee shop and we’ll be competitors.”
Honestly, that broke my heart a little, because I would be the first person cheering you on. I’d come buy coffee from you, support you, and promote you too. It’s never a competition. I am me, and you are you.
Just yesterday, someone else told me they wanted to open a coffee truck like mine but didn’t want it to feel competitive. What I told her was, Babe, it won’t be. Coffee is not a competition — it’s an opportunity to bring people together.
So to Bad Brain Coffee, I love your brand and your vibe. Dublin, I adore everything you stand for. Red Envelope, Copper Fox, Lightsome, and Cloud Splitter — I’m always in your corner. Rise Up, you’re an OG. And to all the others, I truly hope you thrive in your art.
“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.” — Unknown
