I am a huge fan of Starbucks. And Peet’s. But there is something about the local Barista’s in Tracy, California that is unparalleled!

With all the Marketing outlets there are, Barista’s doesn’t engage in any of them. As a matter of fact, they don’t even have a Website. The closest thing to it, would be the Barista’s Yelp Page, in which out of 21 reviews they get a 5-star rating and comments such as:

Kristen W. from Tracy, California says, “3 words: Dark Chocolate Mocha. Plus the staff is awesome. They treat you like family. A very cozy and delicious place!”

Victor F. from Hayward, California says, ‘”The sticker on the front window says it all. “People love us on Yelp.”‘

The Barista’s owners and staff make it a point to call everyone by first name, almost immediately upon entering the Coffee Shop. It will take them no more than one visit to associate a face with the name. And furthermore, upon calling you by name they will give a, “Hi Sarah! How are you today?”

If you become a regular to Barista’s, they will typically even start making your drink upon your entrance (as long as you typically order the same thing day-to-day). This, reduces any line there may ever be (which does happen due to the popularity).

But again, I return to this thought: Barista’s doesn’t engage in any Marketing outlets. Google them (Baristas Tracy, CA). You will see their Yelp. And you will see them listed on The Merchant Circle. You can also find their address and phone number via Google Maps. But beyond that, nothing.

In today’s world and the Social Media Landscape, it makes me wonder where Barista’s could be if they were “out there” more. What if Barista’s had (at the very least):

• A Facebook Page?


• A Twitter Profile?


• A Website?


• “Specials” for people who check-in via foursquare?

Coffee has become more than the “wake-up-and-brew-a-pot” activity. The Coffee Shop atmosphere has become a social space in itself. You can walk into a coffee shop at almost any point of the day and you will find conversation, interaction, engagement, business and much more. Sounds quite similar to the online social space, huh?


I am confident that if Barista’s ventured out to this space, the sky would be the limit for them. Take phenomenal “offline.” Then, put some strategies in place online. Let your customers engage with each other and invite their friends/other locals to engage as well. I have a feeling Barista’s would spread like a wildfire! Oh, and ps. if you are ever in the Tracy, California area, you must get yourself a Barista’s beverage!