Rising tariffs are forcing coffee shops in Cupertino and San Jose to increase prices, creating financial strain for both business owners and customers. The recent 10% import tariffs on coffee, part of the U.S. trade policy, have raised costs for small businesses that rely heavily on imported beans from Latin America. Owners are struggling to maintain their profit margins while keeping loyal customers.
• Jared Forman from Power Cup plans to raise prices to stay afloat.
• Blvd Coffee's Monte Olvera predicts a jump from $3 to $5 for a cup of coffee soon.
• Baked goods prices have also increased by up to 12.5% at some shops.
• Consumers are adjusting their spending habits, prioritizing essential items over luxury coffee.
This situation highlights the challenges small businesses face amid changing economic conditions. Supporting local shops becomes crucial as they navigate these tough times, emphasizing the importance of community support.
Enjoying the read? Subscribe for free to one of the fastest-growing newsletters and get weekly coffee news (TL;DR updates) delivered right to your inbox.