Chris Schaffner, a pharmacist, has combined healthcare and hospitality with his unique venture - Schaffner Pharmacy and Apothecary Coffee. This dual business model, which started in 2018 for the pharmacy and 2022 for the coffee shop, aims to create a welcoming environment that fosters patient relationships. The concept was inspired by Schaffner's preceptor and the robust coffee culture in the Northwest. Schaffner believes that coffee lowers barriers and makes healthcare interactions more comfortable. The businesses support each other economically and socially, enhancing community engagement. Challenges like staffing are met with innovative solutions, such as cross-training baristas as pharmacy assistants. While initial high-end coffee aspirations had to be adjusted, the venture remains a rewarding journey. Schaffner’s vision and effective management have created a harmonious blend of clinical and casual, benefiting both staff and customers.
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.