December 10, 2004

Community-Conscious coffee shop opens at Campbell’s Pruneyard

Coffee Society offers the missing piece to the culture puzzle

By Jennifer Robertson
Staff Writer

Many who travel to Europe return home with a sense of envy of the leisurely lifestyle people seem to lead abroad.

While Europeans certainly work hard, they also know how to relax. This perhaps manifests itself most prominently in the many pubs and outdoor cafes that characterize social life in Europe. Although we have numerous coffee shops in this country, our culture still lacks a social gathering place that invites one to congregate with friends in a casual, spontaneous manner.

Owners Ralph and Carolyn Flynn and investors Kay and Gene Mascoli were all smiles at the grand opening of the new Campbell store. Pictured, from left: Kay Mascoli, Ralph Flynn, Carolyn Flynn, and Gene Mascoli.

Ralph Flynn, owner and founder of Coffee Society, has a philosophy that transcends a purely capitalistic money-making approach to business. He recognizes the need for a public place where people can regularly meet for an informal gathering, like so many places in Europe. Flynn feels that while “Here’s your cup of coffee and go away,” is the underlying sentiment that pers many coffee shops today, Coffee Society creates the type of atmosphere that many Americans have been looking for.

The Coffee Society opens early and closes late so that no matter what a person’s schedule is, he or she will be able to come at any time to meet with friends and enjoy great coffee. Coffee Society also takes diligent care to ensure it provides a social environment conducive to conversation. For example, the music is carefully chosen so that it is pleasant to listen to but does not interfere with conversation. The selection includes a full range of classical, reggae and new age music.

The shop often hosts live music and poetry readings, and displays the artwork of local artists, creating a sense of connectedness to the local community. “Our philosophy is very European and we focus on a social event” at which people can feel free to “linger with friends without any pressure,” said Flynn.

Superior products with a social consciousness
The heart of the Coffee Society’s business philosophy is building relationships, not only with customers, but with the suppliers as well. The Coffee Society was founded more than 15 years ago, and it has been working with many of its coffee growers ever since.

Many of the plantations have been family owned for generations and therefore yield consistently high quality beans.

The beans are sent to a local roaster in the Bay Area, who also has a long tradition of roasting coffee for Coffee Society.

The result is a superior product, which has been highly commended not only by members of the community, but also by national barista judges. Of his decaf products, Flynn proudly noted, “When they taste our coffee they can’t even tell its decaf.”

Coming home to Campbell
The original Coffee Society opened 15 years ago across from DeAnza College. It was also the day of the Loma Prieta earthquake, so Flynn spent most of the day handing out free coffee.

“There were so many people without power or a warm place to go, it just seemed like the right thing to do—to give back to the community,” recollected Flynn. As a result of his long-term success in the community, Flynn has recently been able to open two new shops. The second is located in the Cupertino Library and finally, on Nov. 13, Flynn achieved his dream of opening a shop at the Pruneyard in Campbell.

Flynn is “excited about being a part of Campbell.” In 1988, he tried to get into this exact location. Unfortunately for him, the previous owner beat him to it. While on vacation, Flynn found out the spot was once again vacant and he decided to go for it. Finally opening up in Campbell is like “coming home,” for this is a goal he has had his entire “coffee life.”

The grand opening featured a local jazz band and samples of the shop’s many coffee “treats.” The shop offers an incredible selection of great paninis and gourmet-level light lunches. Other delectable offerings include quiche, cheesecake, fruit tarts, various cakes and pies and a truffle-like item called an “orb,” which, as one employee described it, contains “all the goodness of cookie dough but without all the sugar.”

Omar Masic, a young professional who works as a personal banker and investment executive at Guarantee Bank, has been drinking coffee at the Pruneyard for more than six years. Originally from Bosnia, the finds he Pruneyard an the ideal place for him to socialize because that’s where his community meets. He is also a Coffee Society patron, so he was happy to hear of its new location in Campbell.

“It reminds you of Europe,” he explained. “It’s larger than most other coffee shops and it’s not a chain, with a “get in quick and get out” atmosphere. Here, I can sit down and enjoy.”

Coffee Society is located in the Pruneyard adjacent to the Camera 7 Cinemas. It is open: Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday from 6 a.m. to midnight; Saturday from 7 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

To learn more about Coffee Society, visit the Web site at www.coffeesociety.com.