Indie coffee shops are meant to counter corporate behemoths like Starbucks – so why do they all look the same?

The purportedly unique and local feel of coffee shops has instead been homogenized into a singular, palatable aesthetic.

By: Conrad Kickert, University at Buffalo; Jeffrey Parker, University of New Orleans, and Kelly Gregg, University at Buffalo, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 11, 2026

Words: 1,240

Last Updated: 4 months, 3 weeks ago

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By Conrad Kickert, University at Buffalo; Jeffrey Parker, University of New Orleans, and Kelly Gregg, University at Buffalo

Like many young, urban professionals, we run on coffee. We especially enjoy frequenting independently owned cafes that pride themselves on ethically sourced beverages, strong local ties and a hip aesthetic.

They’re the kinds of places that sneer at the homogenization and predictability of Tim Hortons, Second Cup, Dunkin and Starbucks.

But as public space and …

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