Local coffee shops are concerned about the advance of franchises into the region

By Emmy Fazenbaker

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MADISONVILLE, Ky. (WEVV) — Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts will soon open in the city of Madisonville.

Local coffee shop owners are increasingly concerned about the impact franchising will have on their business.

Big City Market and Coffee Bar is a place that has been open for over a decade and has created a wonderful atmosphere that remains in the memory of many.

“I can take my time and create a really high-quality drink that is perfect for each individual customer,” says barista Stevi Russ.

Madisonville is home to numerous locally owned coffee shops, and each of them relies on customer traffic.

“We don’t have the support that these other corporations have, so they’re always going to be here no matter what. We need people to come to us,” says Kaitlyn Jones, the owner.

Stevi Russ tells 44News that she worked at a coffee franchise for nearly seven years and that she was never able to provide a personalized experience.

“I felt that way with my customers, too. They were just a number that got by,” says Russ.

It’s the exact opposite of what Big City Market and Coffee Bar and other local cafes want to offer in their premises.

“We know these people. We know their personalities and their families. We get to see these sides of them and it feels very authentic,” says Russ.

Thomas Cook has remained a loyal customer since its inception, always holding his business meetings on Thursdays and bringing his family every weekend with his favourite iced Americano in hand.

“There’s a special atmosphere. They know me. I come in and they make me my drinks. They know what I’m getting. They ask me to try it because they know what I like and I don’t get that at Starbucks,” says Thomas Cook, a customer.

It’s about the connection. The relationships that develop in the cafe that unites a small town like this.

Supporting local businesses is what makes every small hometown like Madisonville so special.

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