Binghamton, New York, is home to a variety of great coffee shops, each offering its own unique atmosphere and specialty drinks. Here are some of the top-rated spots in the area.
1. Sole City Coffee Co.
Location: 250 Main St., Johnson City
Rating: 5.0 (204 reviews)
Highlights: This cozy café features a welcoming indoor space and a beautiful outdoor patio. It’s a great spot for breakfast or lunch. A customer shared, "Absolutely delightful! The indoor space is brilliant. Cozy and perfect. Then a plus is a lovely outdoor patio."
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday
2. Paula's Coffee House
Location: 108 N Page Ave., Endicott
Rating: 4.8 (194 reviews)
Highlights: Known for its rotating daily drink specials and seasonal menus, Paula’s Coffee House recently introduced pumpkin spice drinks and apple turnovers. A regular customer said, "I’ve been going here since they opened and everyone has been nothing but nice and friendly! One of the best coffee shops around!"
Hours: 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
3. Cup-A-Jo
Location: 1355 Upper Front St., Binghamton
Rating: 4.7 (133 reviews)
Highlights: This café has a vintage charm, featuring antiques and products from local artists and vendors. Their motto, "A stranger when you arrive, a friend when you leave," reflects their warm hospitality. A customer review stated, "Amazing food and coffee. The service is so inviting and welcoming. Love to meet up there with my sister whenever we get a chance. Our favorite spot!"
Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday
4. Strange Brew Cafe
Location: 137 Washington St., Binghamton
Rating: 4.6 (720 reviews)
Highlights: A popular downtown café known for its rotating drink specials, pressed sandwiches, and mac and cheese. One reviewer shared, "Best breakfast place in Binghamton hands down. The egg sandwich was delicious. Coffee will perk you up. The servers were so nice."
Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
5. Batch Coffee
Locations: 70 Chenango Bridge Road, Binghamton; 511 Reynolds Road, Johnson City
Rating: 4.6 (266 reviews)
Highlights: This café is great for those on the go, featuring a drive-thru as well as indoor and outdoor seating. They offer salads, sandwiches, pastries, and a variety of coffee options. A customer commented, "Excellent service, coffee, and food. Can’t say enough about this place. Worth the stop for a sandwich or cold/hot drink."
Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
6. Nezuntoz
Location: 50 Pennsylvania Ave. Suite 4, Binghamton
Rating: 4.5 (397 reviews)
Highlights: Known for its fresh bagel sandwiches sourced daily from Ithaca, Nezuntoz has an extensive food and drink menu. A customer shared, "Perfect lunch nook. Food amazingly consistent, made with fresh ingredients. I love the paninis and all the soup is to die for. Truly the perfect place to grab a quick lunch or bite to eat."
Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
7. That Coffee Place
Location: 159 Riverside Dr., Binghamton
Rating: 4.5 (139 reviews)
Highlights: Located in the heart of the West Side, this café features a cozy outdoor seating area and a spacious interior, making it a great spot for breakfast or brunch. Opening at 6:30 a.m., it’s also a perfect stop for early risers.
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Each of these coffee shops brings something special to Binghamton’s growing coffee scene, making it easy to find a great cup of coffee in the area.
Nothing elevates a morning routine quite like sipping from a beautifully designed coffee mug. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to upgrade your collection. Dollar Tree is offering an impressive selection of glassware, including Irish-style coffee mugs that are quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Elegant and Affordable
Dollar Tree’s glass Irish coffee mugs feature a classic design with an elegant foot and a stylish looped handle. At just $1.25 each, these mugs are available both in stores and on the retailer’s website. Each mug holds up to 8 ounces of liquid, making them perfect for a variety of hot beverages.
Versatile and Stylish
These affordable mugs are great for crafting the perfect Irish coffee—just mix a cup of coffee with Irish whiskey, dark brown sugar, and top it off with whipped cream and grated chocolate. But their versatility doesn’t stop there. They’re also ideal for enjoying spicy chai, chamomile tea with honey, a cinnamon latte, or a classic hot chocolate.
Rave Reviews from Shoppers
Customers are raving about these mugs, leaving glowing reviews on the Dollar Tree website. One satisfied shopper wrote, "Quality glass and style! Love them! Highly recommend!" Another reviewer shared, "They are exactly what I wanted and can't wait to use them on St. Patrick’s Day."
Beyond coffee, some creative shoppers on social media have transformed these mugs into butterbeer glasses, adding a magical touch to their gatherings.
More Affordable Glassware Options
Dollar Tree’s impressive glassware collection doesn’t stop at Irish coffee mugs. The store also offers 18-ounce clear chunky mugs, perfect for matcha enthusiasts, as well as Mason jar-style mugs with handles, ideal for iced tea or cold beer.
If you’re looking to refresh your glassware collection, Dollar Tree has plenty of budget-friendly options. For just $1.25 each, you can stock up on beautiful and timeless pieces. With St. Patrick’s Day approaching, these Irish coffee mugs are selling fast—so be sure to grab yours soon before they’re gone!
Indonesian developer Pikselnesia has released *Afterlove EP*, a visual novel that delves into themes of loss and healing through the journey of Rama, a musician in Jakarta coping with the death of his girlfriend, Cinta. Set a year after her passing, the game portrays Rama's efforts to reconnect with his bandmates and navigate life while still hearing Cinta's voice in his mind. citeturn0search4
The late Mohammad Fahmi, known for creating *Coffee Talk* and *What Comes After*, originally conceived *Afterlove EP*. Following his passing in 2022, his colleagues at Pikselnesia continued the project, infusing it with evocative hand-drawn art and a gentle indie rock soundtrack. The game spans a 28-day narrative, offering players an immersive experience into Rama's emotional world. citeturn0search4
*Afterlove EP* is available on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Players interested in exploring this poignant tale can find the game on [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1599780/Afterlove_EP/).
This release stands as a tribute to Fahmi's legacy, offering a narrative that intertwines personal loss with the universal language of music.
Arabica coffee futures experienced a notable decline recently, with March contracts (KCH25) dropping by 9.10 cents, or 2.07%. This downturn is primarily attributed to long liquidation pressures following a month-long rally that had previously driven prices to record highs.
Despite the recent sell-off, concerns over global coffee supplies continue to support the market. Brazil's green coffee exports in January decreased by 1.6% year-over-year, totaling 3.98 million bags. Additionally, Brazil's National Supply Company (Conab) has projected a 4.4% reduction in the country's 2025/26 coffee crop, estimating production at a three-year low of 51.81 million bags. The 2024 forecast has also been adjusted downward by 1.1% to 54.2 million bags.
Adverse weather conditions have significantly impacted these projections. Minas Gerais, Brazil's largest arabica-producing region, received only 53.9 mm of rainfall last week, approximately 85% of the historical average. This prolonged dry spell, influenced by last year's El Niño, has raised concerns about long-term damage to coffee crops in South and Central America. Notably, Brazil is experiencing its driest conditions since 1981, as reported by the natural disaster monitoring center Cemaden. Colombia, the second-largest arabica producer, is also gradually recovering from drought conditions induced by El Niño.
Inventory levels further reflect the tightening supply. ICE-monitored robusta coffee inventories reached a four-month high of 4,603 lots on January 31 but have since declined to a six-week low of 4,332 lots. Similarly, arabica coffee inventories peaked at a two-and-a-half-year high of 993,562 bags on January 6, subsequently falling to a three-and-a-half-month low of 841,795 bags.
In Vietnam, drought conditions have led to a 20% decrease in coffee production for the 2023/24 crop year, resulting in the smallest harvest in four years at 1.472 million metric tons. The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service anticipates a slight decline in Vietnam's robusta coffee production for the 2024/25 marketing year, projecting output at 27.9 million bags, down from 28 million bags in the previous season.
Conversely, global export data presents a mixed outlook. Brazil's 2024 coffee exports increased by 28.8% year-over-year, reaching a record 50.5 million bags. Vietnam's January coffee exports also saw a month-over-month rise of 6.3%, totaling 134,000 metric tons. However, the International Coffee Organization reported a 12.4% year-over-year decrease in global coffee exports for December, with a total of 10.73 million bags, and a 0.8% decline for the October-December period, amounting to 32.25 million bags.
The ICO also noted that global coffee production for the 2023/24 season increased by 5.8% year-over-year to a record 178 million bags, while consumption rose by 2.2% to 177 million bags, resulting in a surplus of 1 million bags. The USDA's biannual report from December projected a 4.0% year-over-year increase in world coffee production for 2024/25, totaling 174.855 million bags, with ending stocks expected to decline by 6.6% to a 25-year low of 20.867 million bags.
In summary, while recent long liquidation activities have led to a decrease in arabica coffee prices, ongoing concerns about global supply constraints, influenced by adverse weather conditions and fluctuating export figures, continue to play a significant role in the coffee market dynamics.
A recent TikTok trend has users imagining conversations with their younger selves over coffee, inspired by a poem from Jennae Cecelia. Participants create heartfelt videos, often set to soft acoustic music, where they share advice and encouragement with their past selves.
Emma Beddington, writing for The Guardian, humorously explores this concept by envisioning a coffee date with her 20-year-old self. She playfully questions the logistics of such a meeting, pondering whether her younger self would even agree to it. Beddington reflects on the changes time brings, noting that while she has become gentler and finds joy in small things, she misses her younger self's ambition and confidence. She acknowledges that despite the challenges of aging, she has achieved many of her youthful aspirations, highlighting the evolving nature of self-awareness over time.
This trend resonates with many, as it offers a platform for self-reflection and growth, allowing individuals to appreciate their personal journeys and the wisdom gained along the way.
Coffee prices in Karnataka's Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru regions have reached unprecedented levels due to a global supply shortage. In Chikkamagaluru, Arabica Parchment, a premium coffee variety, has soared to ₹29,600 per 50 kg bag, while Kodagu has seen prices as high as ₹29,800.
This significant price increase, noted on February 11, is primarily attributed to severe crop losses in Brazil and Vietnam, the world's leading coffee producers, caused by adverse weather conditions. Experts anticipate that recovery in these regions may take five to eight years, as new coffee plants require time to mature and yield produce.
Dinesh Devavrinda, president of the Coffee Board, emphasized the volatility of coffee prices due to weather fluctuations. He advised growers, especially those with outstanding bank loans, to take advantage of the current price surge by considering the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, which covers principal amounts up to ₹5 lakh.
India produces approximately 365,000 tonnes of coffee annually, with 70% exported to European markets. Karnataka stands as the country's largest coffee producer, contributing 70% of the national output, with Kodagu alone accounting for 32%. The state encompasses 246,000 hectares of coffee estates, yielding 220,000 tonnes annually, while Kodagu, covering 4,102 square kilometers, produces around 120,000 tonnes from 110,000 hectares of estates.
At the start of the year, coffee prices were volatile, but a sharp upward trend has emerged over the past ten days, with daily price hikes ranging between ₹500 and ₹1,000 per bag. On January 1, Arabica Parchment was priced at ₹17,000 per 50 kg bag; by the end of the month, it had risen to ₹23,500. Other coffee varieties have also experienced significant increases: Robusta Parchment reached ₹24,500, Arabica Cherry sold at ₹17,000, and Robusta Cherry hit ₹13,500 in Kodagu markets.
Market analysts note that the lack of buffer stock this year has further exacerbated the supply shortage, driving prices to record highs. Rajiv Kushalappa, managing director of Leonflix Fintech Ventures Pvt Ltd, a Bengaluru-based coffee export firm, highlighted the impact of global shortages, stating that thousands of coffee estates worldwide are facing challenges due to climatic adversities, leading to a ripple effect on prices in local markets.
As the global coffee industry grapples with these challenges, stakeholders in Karnataka are closely monitoring the situation, aiming to navigate the complexities of the market and sustain their livelihoods amid the ongoing supply crisis.
Reborn Coffee Plans 33 New Locations After Successful Franchise Seminar
Reborn Coffee Inc. (Nasdaq: REBN), a leader in specialty coffee, has announced plans to open 33 new locations. This decision follows a successful Franchise Seminar held on February 14-15 at the company's headquarters. The expansion will include both area development and franchise agreements, enhancing Reborn Coffee's presence in key markets across the United States and internationally.
The new locations are planned for:
- Northern California: 3
- Southern California: 3
- Florida: 3
- Georgia: 3
- Arizona: 3
- North Carolina: 3
- Tennessee: 3
- Texas: 3
- Nevada: 3
- Ohio: 3
- Prague, Czech Republic: 3
CEO Jay Kim stated, "These agreements mark a pivotal moment in Reborn Coffee’s expansion. With our area development model, we are accelerating our footprint nationwide and internationally while ensuring strong local partnerships that will drive operational success."
Reborn Coffee is dedicated to providing premium specialty coffee experiences and will support its franchisees with the necessary tools, training, and technology to ensure success.
Despite the proliferation of coffee shops and home brewing machines, instant coffee continues to be the most consumed type in the UK. A Deloitte report indicates that over half of UK residents prefer instant coffee, a figure higher than in many other countries. The World Coffee Portal further notes that 64% of UK households purchase instant coffee. Retailers like Waitrose have observed a 45% increase in searches for instant coffee compared to the previous year. Polly Astbury, a coffee buyer at Waitrose, attributes this trend to the convenience and improved flavor profiles of instant coffee, including decaffeinated and flavored varieties. Popular choices among consumers include Nescafé Azera Americano, Illy, and Little's Smooth Colombian. Nescafé Gold Blend remains a top favorite, purchased by 4.3 million people in 2023. While fresh-ground coffee is often preferred, the ease and nostalgic value of instant coffee continue to appeal to many. The mildness and simplicity of instant coffee make it a favored choice for those seeking a quick and straightforward caffeine fix.
January 27, 2025
The coffee sector is expressing concern after President Donald Trump proposed a 25% tariff on Colombian imports. This action was in response to Colombia's initial refusal to accept U.S. military planes carrying deported immigrants. In retaliation, Colombian President Gustavo Petro threatened to impose a 25% tariff on U.S. goods entering Colombia. The situation de-escalated when both nations reached a temporary agreement, with Colombia agreeing to accept deportees under specific conditions. ([dailycoffeenews.com](https://dailycoffeenews.com/2025/01/27/coffee-industry-on-edge-as-trump-briefly-proposes-25-tariffs-on-colombian-goods/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The proposed tariffs could have significant financial implications for the global coffee industry, which is already experiencing price volatility and historically high commodity prices. The United States imports approximately 30% of its coffee from Colombia, making it a key player in the U.S. coffee market. ([barrons.com](https://www.barrons.com/articles/coffee-prices-spike-after-trumps-tariff-threats-to-colombia-4cf4be7e?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Following the tariff announcement, arabica coffee futures on the Intercontinental Exchange surged to $3.56 per pound, a level not seen since 1977. This increase is attributed to concerns over potential tariffs and environmental challenges affecting coffee production in other leading countries like Brazil and Vietnam. ([barrons.com](https://www.barrons.com/articles/coffee-prices-spike-after-trumps-tariff-threats-to-colombia-4cf4be7e?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions to prevent potential economic disruptions in both the U.S. and Colombia.
January 30, 2025
The UK's branded coffee shop sector has grown by 5.2% over the past year, reaching a total of 11,456 outlets, according to Allegra World Coffee Portal's Project Café UK 2025 report. This expansion highlights the resilience and adaptability of the market despite economic challenges.
Key Highlights:
- Outlet Expansion: The market added a net total of 570 new outlets in the last 12 months.
- Leading Chains: Costa Coffee remains the largest branded chain with 2,671 outlets, followed by Greggs with 2,610, and Starbucks with 1,354 locations.
- Sales Growth: 71% of operators reported positive sales growth, though this marks a 7% decline compared to the previous year.
- Future Projections: The report forecasts that the total number of branded coffee shop outlets will exceed 11,450 by 2026 and reach 13,260 by January 2030.
Over the past 25 years, the UK's coffee and café culture has flourished, offering new business opportunities and inspiring consumers. A recent survey of over 50,000 UK coffee shop consumers revealed that the proportion visiting coffee shops multiple times per week increased from 56% to 60% in the last year, showing recovery from the peak of the cost-of-living crisis.
Early morning visits have risen from 22% to 24%, reflecting increased commuter activity as more individuals return to office settings. Additionally, the average spend per coffee shop visit has grown by 5% to £6.23, surpassing 2023 levels after a previous decline. In total, 119 UK-based coffee chains expanded their store count, while 40 experienced net closures.
In response to heightened competition and a more price-sensitive consumer base, major operators are emphasizing value-for-money offerings. With the average price of a regular latte increasing by 5% to £3.64, chains such as Costa Coffee, Greggs, and Tim Hortons have adjusted their loyalty programs to lower spending thresholds for rewards or have expanded perks to include complimentary or discounted menu items.
Notably, Starbucks has maintained stable beverage prices over the past year. Meanwhile, Ole & Steen introduced a weekly pastry priced at £2, and chains like Leon and Yolk have launched value-focused subscriptions to compete with Pret A Manger's Club Pret.
The market's competitiveness is further highlighted by the emergence of boutique branded chains, a robust independent coffee shop segment, and value-driven non-specialist operators. Specialty brands such as WatchHouse, EL&N, Black Sheep Coffee, and BEAR have secured investments to expand their UK presence. Additionally, the drive-thru coffee segment continues to grow, catering to consumers seeking convenience.
Overall, the UK's branded coffee shop market continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability, with operators focusing on value and innovation to meet evolving consumer preferences.
January 30, 2025
Nestlé USA has inaugurated a new beverage production facility and distribution center in Glendale, Arizona. This 630,000-square-foot facility, representing an investment exceeding $675 million, is set to produce Coffee Mate creamers and Starbucks-branded products. The initiative aims to meet the rising consumer demand for at-home coffee products across the United States.
According to Nestlé USA, this marks their 20th facility in the country and is expected to bolster their leadership in the U.S. refrigerated creamers segment. The company plans to utilize digital tools to adjust production in response to evolving consumer preferences, trends, and seasonal variations.
Daniel Jhung, President of Coffee & Beverage at Nestlé USA, stated, "Coffee culture is booming across the U.S. as consumers seek more options for customization and experimentation when it comes to their coffee at home. As the definitive leader in the refrigerated creamers space, we are focused on delivering on those consumer needs to drive the growth of our business and the category."
In 2018, Nestlé acquired exclusive rights to market and distribute Starbucks-branded retail packaged coffee, pods, and ready-to-drink ranges across more than 80 markets outside of Starbucks' retail stores as part of a $7.1 billion Global Coffee Alliance partnership.
In the first nine months of 2024, Nestlé reported group revenues of CHF 67.1 billion (approximately $77.5 billion), with North America being its strongest segment, accounting for CHF 18.5 billion (around $20.4 billion).
January 31, 2025
The coffee industry is undergoing a significant transformation, focusing on sustainability, health benefits, and innovative practices to meet evolving consumer demands and environmental challenges.
Sustainability Initiatives
Climate change poses a substantial threat to coffee cultivation, with projections indicating that suitable growing areas could decrease by up to 50% by 2050. In response, farmers in regions like Brazil's Cerrado Mineiro are adopting regenerative agriculture practices. These methods, including reduced chemical use and integrated agroforestry, aim to enhance soil health and resilience against extreme weather, thereby ensuring the longevity of coffee farming.
Major corporations are also contributing to sustainability efforts. Starbucks, for instance, has acquired "innovation farms" in Costa Rica and Guatemala to research hybrid coffee bean varieties resilient to climate change. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to support over 450,000 farms producing Arabica coffee by sharing research and resources to mitigate climate impacts.
Health Benefits of Coffee
Recent scientific studies have highlighted several health benefits associated with coffee consumption. Research indicates that regular coffee intake can reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease, certain cancers, and may counteract the adverse health effects of prolonged sitting. These findings suggest that coffee not only offers a daily energy boost but also contributes to long-term health and well-being.
Innovative Trends in Coffee
Innovation within the coffee sector is leading to the development of new products and practices. Companies like Atomo are creating "beanless coffee" by utilizing ingredients such as chicory root and date seeds to mimic the taste and mouthfeel of traditional coffee. This approach aims to reduce the environmental impact associated with coffee cultivation.
Additionally, the rise of functional beverages has led to the incorporation of adaptogens, such as functional mushrooms, into coffee products. Brands are marketing these blends with claims of enhanced focus, creativity, and calmness, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking added benefits from their daily brew.
As the coffee industry continues to evolve, a commitment to sustainable practices, recognition of health benefits, and embracing innovation remain central to its future development.
