Starting October 1st you will find a streamlined menu and an increase in our food and drink prices. We have not changed our prices in three years; we can no longer continue to absorb the increased cost of our wholesale ingredients, especially produce, dairy and bread - which, when you think about it, comprise fifty percent of our menu. You will see the highest increase reflected in the price of our food items prepared every day on-site, using quality ingredients from vendors with whom we have fostered strong relationships over our 8.5+ years in business. We promise to continue purchasing the best quality ingredients, sourcing from as many local vendors as possible, and preparing our food in-house.
We are also committed to helping our employees keep up with the cost of living increase in Washington, D.C. One of the reasons that you see so many familiar faces in our shop is that we foster an environment where employees feel empowered to bring about change and have say in our policies and offerings. Our dear city is becoming less affordable for young people in the service industry; a good percentage of the price increase will go toward giving more access and opportunities to thrive in D.C. to our employees. They do a fantastic job every day and we feel lucky to have them run the shop so well.
We feel that our new price structure and selections are comparable to similar businesses in the area and to a national standard. Independent coffee shops are moving toward a simpler menu, leaving behind confusing nomenclature and multiple sizes. The foundation of our drinks are two very simple ingredients: milk and coffee. No need to make it more complicated. We have chosen to eliminate multiple sizes to reflect a commitment to serving delicious, balanced drinks. Of course, there is always room for personalizations and further variations and your barista will be happy to make drinks that you might not see in our new menu.
Let me take this opportunity to thank you for supporting the growth of Modern Times Coffeehouse for almost 9 years. You might have wondered where I have been all this time. As some of you might know, a year ago, I opened another shop in Takoma, La Mano Coffee Bar, with a friend and former employee of MTC, Anna. My own family has grown with the addition of my daughter, Nina Inés, six months ago, who I adore and brings joy to my life every day. With a new business and a brand new life in my hands, I have chosen to not pursue a renewal of our lease with Politics and Prose ending in February 2015. The coffeehouse at Politics and Prose will continue as such beyond our lease. Barbara and Carla, and now Brad and Lissa have been gracious hosts and partners in our growth and, recently, have injected the space with vitality and continue a commitment to our space as a center for community, exploration, and the power of ideas. I wish them and their wonderful staff luck with their own continued growth.
Thank you so much!
Please direct any personal comments or questions to
javier [at] moderntimescoffeehouse [dot] com or matt [dot] davis [at] moderntimescoffeehouse [dot] com
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