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founder stories

Shops

After the engine cools

Tucked away in a warehouse in Al Quoz is a coffee shop that feels less like a business and more like a heartbeat. It doesn’t beg to be posted or praised—it simply is. Built by someone who believed in connection over commerce, Café Rider is the kind of place that remembers your name long after you’ve forgotten the last place you had coffee. This is a story about finding warmth in a city that often forgets to look up.

People

The exception to the rule: why meeting Dan Schonknecht restored my faith in Specialty Coffee

“Never meet your heroes,” they say—because more often than not, the people we admire from afar don’t live up to the myth. In specialty coffee, where social media personas often overshadow real craftsmanship, I’ve found this saying to be painfully true. But then I met Daniel Schonknecht, the founder of Specht. Over three days at World of Coffee Dubai, I discovered that Dan is exactly who he appears to be—genuine, passionate, and deeply committed to both his craft and his family. This article explores the psychology of hero-worship, the way social media shapes identity, and why meeting Dan gave me hope for the future of specialty coffee.

Opinion

The power of narrative: how coffee businesses can shape perception

In today’s crowded coffee market, great beans and expert roasting aren’t enough—your brand needs a compelling narrative. If you don’t define your own story, the market will create one for you. This article explores the power of brand perception, using Porsche and Apple as case studies, and provides practical strategies for coffee businesses to craft a narrative that builds loyalty, sets them apart, and drives long-term success.

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