May 8, 2008 - Get a REAL Chai.
I have heard several compliments during the past two weeks regarding our exclusive Chai Tea blend.  There has been a movement among the fast and cheap lately, regarding chai tea.  It seems that manufacturers have taken it upon themselves to produce a 'tea' from a powder packet, and sell it, telling restaurant and shop owners that 'they, too, can now offer 'chai' to their customers!'

People are starting to realize the difference in taste and quality between FRESH and POWDER CRAP.  One person told me that they tried a 'chai' at an independent establishment which was prepared from a powder packet.  The person did not finish the drink because it was absolutely horrible.  The other complaint was about a chai that was purchased at a drive-through coffee place, not surprisingly... you won't get quality there.  Basically it is chai-flavored milk.

My faithful customers, you can rest assured that I will never cave and offer a powder mix in my cafe. You will always get a fresh product for your money.  Tea does not come out of a packet.  

NOBODY does it like Hard Bean.  Nobody.
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May 1, 2008 - Coffee Houses are the Good Guy
After seeing more billboards along Route 61 advertising other places that sell coffee, I am once again compelled to write and dispell the myths that these billboards suggest.  "Coffeehouse quality without the coffee house," one says.  Let me share with you the first hard and fast rule of thumb for making a GOOD cup of coffee:  If they're not using fresh-ground espresso, it's NOT "coffee house quality!"  This is the first thing you learn in the coffee industry.  There is no comparison to good quality coffee beans ground just prior to brewing.  This particular establishment that the billboard represents does NOT use fresh-ground espresso; you will not find a commercial coffee grinder on their premises.  Ask them where they get their espresso blend; who is their roaster?  The employee who is making your drink will not know, or care.  They're not trained baristas.  They're clerks preparing your 'espresso' drink.  So this is like saying that you're going to get fine hand-crafted furniture at WalMart.

Second, check the amount of espresso you are actually getting in your drink.  On their own website, it says they give you "a 2-ounce shot."  That is not even industry standard!  That is only a quarter cup of espresso per drink.  The standard espresso shot is about 3.5 ounces.  So if you need your caffeine jolt for the day, you're certainly not getting it there.  And that 2 ounces is what you get in all sizes.  So if you do have to get an 'espresso' drink there, you're better off staying with your smaller size. 

By comparison, in our 12-ounce cup - a regular coffee mug size - you get 4 ounces of espresso.  That's a half cup!  Our 16-ounce size gives you 6 ounces with one brew cycle (some places just push the button on the machine again, brewing the same grounds twice to give you more liquid.)

That's why they can sell it for 'a buck 99'.  As the consumer who's paying for it, this should start to get you at least paying more attention, if not annoyed or downright angry.

Pay special attention if you order a 'frozen' drink.  All I will say here is that real coffee does not come out of a pump dispenser.  Look on your receipt.  'Espresso flavor,' it says.  What??????  Flavor?  Is it even coffee?  Or a substance that merely tastes like coffee? 

Third, there are a lot of reasons to support your local independent coffee houses by buying there.  Speaking as the owner of the Hard Bean * Hamburg, one is that the very nature of my business - my job - is to give you an excellent quality drink - NOT to mislead you about what you're getting and what's in it, just to make a quick buck at your expense.  Ask any barista at Hard Bean * Hamburg any basic coffee questions and you will get a knowledgable answer.    We get all the products in the cafe from LOCAL vendors.  You are honestly supporting the economy where you live and work in Berks County when you buy here. 

We bring the arts and activites to the community in many ways.  We provide the community with live entertainment such as music by local musicians, both amateur and professional; open mic nights, poetry jams, and comedy for little more than the price of a drink.

We featuring a different local artist every month, including the Hamburg Middle and High School students once a year.

We promote literacy by being a registered BookCrossing Zone (www.bookcrossing.com), by hosting a book discussion group, and by providing thought -provoking magazines for our patrons to enjoy.

We provide the community with a healthy, smoke- and alcohol-free environment in which to relax with friends, have a business meeting, or just escape with a good drink and read or do whatever.  We have a SECURE wireless internet account that provides access  for those customers who need to work on their laptops for business or personal use.

We also hold various presentations and informational seminars for the benefit of the community, including a monthly meeting with a Borough Council Member.

So.  This is what you are supporting in your area when you buy from your Hard Bean * Hamburg coffee house.  You're not just putting your money in someone else's pocket.  Ultimately, it's your choice.  You can waste your money on a poor - VERY poor - product.  But you might want to try ours.  Fresh, and it gives you a value equal to the price - and then some.
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April 26, 2008 - Culture Visits Hamburg
Within four weeks, we have hosted two cultural presentations here at the Hard Bean Café.  Last month Hiromi Kubota talked about Japan and today Szu-Yi Yang, a student at Tulpehocken High School, told us about her homeland: Taiwan.  These delightful young women, dressed in traditional attire, provided an enlightening afternoon as they explained various details about their respective cultures, how their school systems differ from ours, and their personal opinions about living in America. 

Both are fluent in English although both stated that when they first came here it was hard to understand what people were saying.  They have both studied English since elementary school, as it is required throughout their school life.  Both have studied music from a young age, Hiromi excelling on the piano and Szu-Yi espressing herself on the violin.

These presentations were sponsored in part by EF (Education First) Foundation for Foreign Studies, a non-profit exchange student program.  Sheryle and Scott Delewski of Hamburg are involved in both hosting and placing prospective students with host families. 

Exchange students are here for one school year and most do very well in school and totally immerse themselves in our culture.  They have a very open mind and a desire to learn about us.  But it is what they bring to us that is even more important - an opportunity to learn directly from a native about another country.  What is their life like?  What do they eat?  What type of jobs do people hold?  How do they view the United States?  How does their government system work? 

Only when we begin to know  another human being - with feelings, experiences, dreams and hopes the same as our own - can we hope to break down cultural and racial barriers that still infect our society today.

For more information about hosting an exchange student or about the EF Foundation, contact Sheryle Delewski, Regional Coordinator at (800)-332-7138.  www.effoundation.org 



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April 18, 2008 - You're Kidding, Right?
I watched the beginning of the Presidential debate the other night.  In the hour that I was watching, I did not see any substantial questions raised.  What kind of society have we become?  Zombied?  One that focuses on trivial matters? A society that is so hurried and stressed that it does not even have time or desire to think anymore?  One lady who was pre-recorded to ask her question to Barack Obama asked him why he does not where a flag pin.  And that is the point where I turned the television off.  Out of all the pressing issues facing our great nation - health care system; illegal immigrants flooding the borders; health care and other ammenities given FREE to non-citizens while those born in America continue to struggle to make an honest living; gasoline and food prices; and the growing disparity between the richest and the middle class of this nation - this woman was concerned about a freakin' pin. 

And more disturbingly, this is what the media chose to air.  What, there was no one else who had an intelligent question?

Get off auto-pilot, people!
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March 24, 2008 - 100% Arabica?

There is a new billboard at the outskirts of Hamburg, viewed by the southbound lane of Route 61.  "100% Arabica" it says, put there by a well-known convenience store.

This is one of those marketing ploys that tries to get you to believe that you’re getting something better than usual.  Don’t fall for this trick.  All coffee comes from the arabica tree; and anyplace offering coffee is most likely going to be serving arabica.  There is also a robusta tree but those beans are mainly used only for instant coffee; they don’t carry the flavor or quality that arabica does.  Now a good espresso blend will have some robusta beans mixed in; but that is another topic altogether. 

Just know that, by them saying they’re offering ’100% arabica,’ they are playing on the assumption that you don’t know that much about coffee.  Everyone offers arabica beans.  It’s like saying, "We have fat free apples!" when apples are naturally fat-free to begin with.

I would ask them:  What kind of arabica? 

Wanna know more?  Come to Coffee Consumer 101 on April 5th.  Just seven spaces left.
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March 21, 2008 - Response to My 'Letter to the Editor'

Dawn,

I’m writing to comment on your letter to the editor of the Hamburg Item.

First off I must say that I think you provide a wonderful atmosphere at your business.  I think you obviously try very hard and offer a unique blend of activities for your customers.  Your shop is not "just" a coffee shop; it’s also a place to hang out.  My wife and I live in Mohrsville and have enjoyed Haley Sheeler on numerous occasions at your place.  We’ve also seen a fine blues trio play there.  I see you have an interesting slate of events scheduled for March too.  Basically, you’re doing everything a business owner could do to attract patrons. 

So why don't more people come?  I wish I knew what to tell you.  When I look at Hamburg I see businesses that I see as jewels in the town:  yours, American House, Strand Theater, Doris Berry, Ruth's, Millers 5 + 10, Necessities, and a few others.  I also see the struggles with empty storefronts and businesses that come and go.  I see the Main Street business district try to compete against the chains and franchises that are invading the area.

Cynically, I feel that most people today just don’t want to be bothered with what is unique and cool.  They’re looking for what is cheap, what is convenient and what is cheap (repeated on purpose) and I think that’s sad.   Go to Dunkin’ Donuts and a person will have nothing to say of the experience – been in one and you’ve been in them all.  Go to your place and you’ll have something to tell people about.  It’s a unique experience and I wish more people would see it the way I do.

Part of me wonders if it’s the old Berks County PA Dutch mentality that exists in the northern areas of the county.  I wonder if your business is better suited for the college kids in Kutztown or the "pretty people" in West Reading/Wyomissing.  I work in West Reading and have seen the Penn Avenue corridor explode with unique stores and boutiques over the years.  A business like yours would be a natural fit on Penn Ave.

I’m writing this email a month after your letter made the paper.  I hope other people read it and realized what Hamburg is lucky to have in a business like yours.  I hope you were able to shame the teachers, policemen and students to come in.  Then I hope they keep coming back, not out of shame, but because they realize you offer a good product in a great atmosphere.

I wish you nothing but the best and hope it comes around for you. 

Sincerely,

Steve Ostrowski
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March 20, 2008 - Praises for our Tea

On Tuesday this week I received the highest of compliments, and I’d like to share it with you.

A man and a woman came into the cafe wearing rather large backpacks. They ordered two drinks; the man got an Earl Grey tea with honey. They sat for awhile on the couch; probably getting warm since I assumed they had been hiking and it was cold outside. After awhile they finished their drinks and the man came up and said to me, "You’ll be happy to know that that is the finest Earl Grey tea that I have had in my life. I am pretty well-traveled and I’ve drunk a lot of tea that is of poor quality."

He then asked me if he could buy some of the tea leaves, and I do sell the teas in bulk. I had to go in the back to get a bag since I didn’t have one up front. When I came back I was going to weigh the amount of tea he wanted, and when I asked him how much he would like he said he would like to buy the entire 2-pound bag if that was possible. (!) He only gets back this way about once a year and he wanted to make sure he had the tea. He informed me that he has a vacuum sealer and would break the tea into various packages and it would stay fresh that way.He was happy because he got a 20% discount and I was happy because not only did an experienced tea-lover find my tea to be excellent, but showed his appreciation by purchasing a whole bag of it.

I often hear such comments from people who are not from the area.  I’ve even had a French woman laud our espresso.  Now when a European is praising your coffee - you know you have a good product!  Once again, you have to wonder - what does it take for the local people to realize what a gem they have in this coffee house?  People who are not from the area recognize it immediately.
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March 20, 2008 - Opinions on Tilden WalMart
Several weeks ago the editor of the Hamburg Item sent out questionnaires to the business owners of Hamburg, asking their opinion on the possibility of WalMart coming to the area.  Kelly Mason did include many of my comments in her article, but I’m reposting them here for those of you who may not have seen the article.  Since the article ran, many people have told me that they entirely agree with me.  If you are a tax payer you need to make your voice heard.  Don’t allow the Tilden Township supervisors to bring something to the area that you do not want.

My opinion as a business owner AND a consumer is that WalMart is the LAST thing Hamburg needs.  For one thing, there is a WalMart 12 miles down the road.  The businesses in Hamburg are having a hard enough time attracting customers and a WalMart would just make it all the more difficult.  I foresee a few businesses closing after the arrival of a WalMart.

Think of stores such as: 

Ruth’s dress shop

Doris Berry

Miller’s 5 & 10

Deitrich’s

Adams and Bright

Apple Tree Specialties

Leibensperber’s

Thren’s

Bears, Balloons and Baskets

 

All these stores carry items that would be available at WalMart - probably at a much lower price and maybe a larger selection.  I can hear it already - ’why should I go to the downtown when I can go to WALMART and get it for less?  AND they have parking!’  Even my coffee house would feel the effects:  ’Well I can get a half pound of coffee at WALMART for 3 bucks - why should I pay 6?  Coffee’s coffee.’  The people would not be thinking about where the coffee or other products came from, or who their dollars are supporting in the long run.

 

People thought that Cabela’s would ’bring people to town’ also.  And it didn’t accomplish this in the anticipated numbers.  This is because people did not recognize that the individual business owners would still have to do all the work to attract those people.  The customers going to Cabela’s are going there specifically for that purpose.  So to get them to go into Hamburg, you still have to do all the advertising, promoting of the downtown by Cabela’s (does this even occur?), etc.  Face it:  Cabela’s as a corporate enterprise does not care if Hamburg’s downtown survives or not.  If the stores in Hamburg close, will it affect Cabela’s?  NO!  The OTF does have the brochure stand in the lobby which helps somewhat.  But if you stand up there for an hour, what percentage of the people going in and out of there actually stop and take or EVEN LOOK at those brochures?  I would be willing to bet money that it is a very small percentage.  In an hour, maybe even zero.  

 

Our lives have become so jam-packed and hurried that people are extremely unobservant.  I think they always were, but in this day and age it is even more so.  Some of my regular customers tell me that when they have told other people about the Hard Bean Cafe next to Hecky’s, people actually respond with, ’There’s no Hard Bean next to Hecky’s.  I go into Hecky’s all the time and there’s no Hard Bean there.’  After having been there for 2 YEARS, and the cafe was in the same location for 2 1/2 YEARS with the previous owners, you can begin to understand what we’re up against. 

 

It will be the same situation with a WalMart.  How can downtown businesses compete with the advertising dollars and purchasing power of a superstore?  They can’t.  And unfortuantely, people do not think of the long term effects of their actions today.  They are looking for the cheapest price and WalMart provides it, and who cares what their business practices are or where they get their products.  People must realize:  EVEN NOW WITH NO WALMART IN HAMBURG, YOU CANNOT GET PEOPLE TO BUY LOCALLY.  THEY TELL YOU THAT THEY CANNOT ’GET THAT IN HAMBURG’ or that ’IT IS CHEAPER SOMEWHERE ELSE.’  It is a total mindset that must be changed and that takes time and A LOT of effort.  With the arrival of a WalMart, that task has just been made that much harder - if not impossible. 

 

I have gotten many, many needed items at Miller’s 5 & 10 - notebooks, electrical tape, keys made.  I would venture to say that if they DIDN’T have it, they might even be willing to order some for you.  The cost may be SLIGHTLY more - and I’m talking cents - but when you figure in the cost of gas these days, I am SAVING money by buying there.  Another thing I am saving is that precious commodity of TIME.  I am currently working 60 hours a week in my cafe and I simply don’t have TIME to run all around for items that I need right away.  I often think, thank God that Miller’s (or whatever store) has this.

 

As for the historical image ot the town, well it certainly would detract from that.  Before I had the coffee house I worked at a steel factory in the Deer Lake Industrial park.  When I was on the night shift I would get done at 6 a.m.  Driving home at that time of the morning, I have seen some of nature’s most spectacular beauty right there at the foot of the Blue Mountains, at the 61/78 interchange.  I have seen the clouds hanging low and dense on the mountain after a rainstorm, seemingly so close that I could touch them.  I have seen the sun and clouds dappling the mountain and the trees shimmering with ice and snow.  But, move your eye a little downward and there’s the sprawling, ugly landscape of the RV store with the RV’s lined up facing the highway.  People have no choice but to look at it.  I have thought for years that they really screwed up when they were designing that lot.  Or when whoever sold it, sold it to the RV place.  There are many retail places that would have fit nicely in that little niche at the bottom of the mountain, that would not be such a large-scale eyesore.  Those are the things that we must be mindful of when deciding to lease or sell our land to developers.  WalMart is in that same category.

 

At the time, Steve Heckman was eating lunch in the Hard Bean with his pastor, as he does every Thursday.  What do you think Mr. Heckman would think if he saw Chief Painter sitting in the cafe, laughing it up and enjoying himself - but without any refreshment from the Hard Bean?  How does allowing non-patrons to sit in my cafe help me pay my rent to the Heckmans? 

This is exacly what I’ve been trying to get people to realize for the past two years, and Chief Painter just proved my point.  I even mentioned the lack of support from the local police in a recent letter to the editor in the Hamburg Item.  Guess maybe they didn’t see that.  And I will say this: even if they would be patrons part of the time, I would have had no issues with them sitting over here.  But none of the police force comes in - has NOT come in for TWO YEARS to give this great little cafe any type of support.

Immediately following this incident, a woman came in and ordered lunch at Hecky’s.  She wanted to sit in the cafe to eat, and she bought a Seltzer water out of my cooler for $1.22.  That’s all it takes, folks.  One dollar and 22 cents, 7 of which is the state’s.  Sit there all you want.

What is so hard about that?

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March 6, 2008 - Donations, anyone?
I recently received a phone call from a woman who was following up on a mailed request in which she was asking for a donation to support an activity that their organization was having. She asked for 'Kara,' referring to the previous owner. Now, if someone is asking for Kara after two years, that tells me that they don't come in to my shop enough to know what's going on. Businesses are constantly inundated with requests for donations, either monetary or otherwise. People and organizations seem to inappropriately assume that businesses in general have loads of money to spare, the owners are rich, they are making money hand over fist, etc.  All of which are just not true.

In the past, I have donated gift cards to the Journey Cafe, school events, local organizations such as Blue Mountain Wildlife, and many, many more.

Donations from the Hard Bean are in the form of a gift card.  This means that the Hard Bean is literally giving that amount of product away for free. Last year I changed my policy on giving donations. Anyone seeking a donation must now complete a questionnaire. It asks simple questions such as:  Do you or members of your organization patronize the Hard Bean? How often?  What do you buy?  Can you support the Hard Bean by putting our event flyers in your organization?My decision to donate depends on the answers given. I can no longer support any organizations whose members do not support me by spending money in the cafe.  It HAS to be a two-way street.  I have heard complaints from other business owners as well. Some of these people asking for donations come around once a year and that is the only time you see them. One business owner felt badly because she was brusk with a woman who was asking for donations. This was during the sidewalk construction which negatively affected the bottom line for all the businesses on Fourth and State Streets.  I asked the owner, "Does this woman come into your shop at any other time?" The answer was no, and I told her that in that case, she had no reason to feel badly.

Another person filling out the questionnaire informed me, "I don't come in because I don't drink coffee or tea." This tells me that the person does not even care enough to look at my menu.  There are six items on the menu that are not coffee or tea. We also have a cooler filled with cold soda, energy drinks, iced tea and water. We have breakfast sandwiches, scones, muffins, bagels, biscotti, gourmet desserts.  It seems that, once a year, one could find something to their liking, if you are going to ask me to give you something.

All donations have been suspended until further notice. I cannot justify giving product away, no matter how good the cause, when I am struggling to pay the bills that keep the cafe in operation. I have said it before: if you want local businesses to survive, you have to shop there. The purpose of a business is not to provide unlimited financial support for all those who come knocking.  When the people in a community support the businesses by shopping there, those businesses can then, in turn, take a more active role in supporting the community.
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February 16, 2008 - Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor:

It was nice to see the article about Celtic Sunrise (Hamburg Item, 2/13/08).  I wish Barbara Starr much luck in her goal of having successful future performances at the Strand Theater.  My suggestion would be to do a zip code survey for those who purchase tickets, so that she can see how many people from our own community actually attend.

The professional singer/songwriter Christy Jefferson, a member of Celtic Sunrise, has had several solo performances here at the Hard Bean Cafe, none of which garnered memorable attendance.  Kathy Miller has performed here with the Sunrise string Quartet on Mother's Day 2007 featuring the works of Mozart, for which the audience was made up almost entirely of family members and friends of the musicians and myself.  Celtic Sunrise was scheduled to perform here in March of 2007 but due to scheduling issues with some of the members, the performance had to be cancelled.  Kathy did approach me about sponsoring this upcoming performance, but due to the serious financial difficulties we are currently experiencing, I was unable to do so.

The Hard Bean Cafe has been providing Hamburg and its environs with this caliber of musicians for two years now - sadly, with very little attendance from the local community.  Live entertainment has gone together with coffee houses since coffee houses began over 300 years ago.  Every Friday we host a live music performance. (It used to be Fridays AND Saturdays in 2006.)  We have had blues bands, rock, celtic, instrumental music - every genre possible that would appeal to both the young and the 'older generation.' We have solo performers and 3-piece bands.  Some of the musicians are professionals who actually make their living performing music.  They are accustomed to performing at larger venues for much, much more than what the Hard Bean can offer them - but they LOVE performing here and are willing to lower their rates.  Why?  Because a coffee house is an entirely different venue than a bar room. It's a more personal experience.  You can talk to the performer during and after the show.  The performer will often share details such as where they got the idea for a song, or what inspires them to write.  The musician is appreciated much more so because the audience is there for the music - not to get high.  We have also hosted non-professional people who love music and love playing and sharing it with others, but they are no less talented or serious about their work.  We have Open Mic nights where anyone can come and share their talent, poetry readings with featured guests, and comedy shows.

Every month we display the work of a different local artist, including a yearly showing of the High School and Middle School students, and the school district Art teachers.

We host free informational seminars on various topics and fun, motivational workshops.  We promote literacy by being a registered BookCrossing Zone, and hosting a book discussion group.

There is typically no cover charge for our music events. All we ask is that attendees purchase something from the cafe to support what we're doing.

We have 33 varieties of freshly-brewed tea for the non-coffee drinker, and six menu items that are not coffee or tea, plus a cold cooler with various soda, teas, energy and other drinks, and water.  We feature locally-made gourmet desserts and we have homemade breakfast sandwiches prepared on premises.  ALL of the products in the cafe are from local vendors and businesses.  By purchasing here, you are supporting your own community and local economy.

My question, then, is this:  Why?  What is the reason that people do not come out and support these positive activities?  It can't be due to high prices; the most expensive thing on my menu is a large (20-ounce) Mocha for $3.85 plus tax.  People spend 10 times that amount or more on cigarettes and beer for the week.  It can't be due to substandard product because we offer the freshest and best espresso (and other) product in the area.

The census lists the population of Hamburg at 4,114.  If I have 50 regular customers out of that number, that is a mere 1% of the local population; but many of my regulars are not from the Hamburg area.  I get less than 1% of the teachers in the school district coming in on a regular basis, and also less than 1% of students.  It is difficult to believe that on any given night, out of 4,114 people, everyone is at the football game or has other plans. Or no one likes music.  Or reads books.  We are just beginning our third year and any accountant will tell you that by this time, your business should start to show some kind of profit - it doesn't have to be huge - and at these numbers, it just isn't going to happen.  The Hamburg Police Force does not even patronize my shop.  And you would think that being in their line of work, they would wholeheartedly support a place that provides a smoke- and alcohol-free atmosphere that offers people uplifting and inspiring activities as opposed to self-destructive ones.

It is easy to sit back and lament that 'there's nothing to do in Hamburg' and that 'Hamburg is a dead town.' There are those who complain about the state of things, and then there are those of us who take the huge risks involved with opening and operating a small business.  I put my neck on the line to make things better.  I had the courage to leave a decent-paying job and take out a loan for this business.  I have not taken a pay check from the business since I opened it two years ago.  I currently have no health insurance because I can't afford it.  There is a tremendous amount of work involved with planning, booking and hosting the music shows and other events.  It isn't something that is easily thrown together overnight. Still, the complainers will shun their own community, waste gas driving 15 miles to the mall, and give their money to people they don't know or care to know, to get 'a better deal' or because 'you can't that in Hamburg'.

It comes down to choice.  You have a choice every day of what you are going to support.  You can support your local economy or let your money go out of the area and even out-of-state.  You can buy from businesses that support the schools or buy from chain stores who are not even allowed to hang posters about school or community activities.  If you want your kids to have the self-esteem necessary to avoid drugs or alcohol, you must choose to support those things which provide positive and esteem-building activities. If you want the world to be a better place, one way to do that is to spend your money at stores that represent honest, ethical business practices.

So, I encourage you to take this opportunity to see Celtic Sunrise.  I am certain it will be a notable performance.  Let that whet your whistle. And then, check out www.hardbeanhamburg.com or www.myspace.com/hardbeanhamburg.  Pick up an event schedule in the cafe.  Sign up to receive our email so you stay up-to-date on our weekly events.  And then make a change in your community and your world.

Dawn Heinbach, proprietor

                       
Note:  The Hard Bean Cafe is NOT part of Hecky's Sub Shop.  It is a separate business owned by New Dawn Enterprises, LLC.  All events are booked, marketed, advertised, promoted, hosted and paid for by the Hard Bean Cafe.

Comments?  hardbeanhamburg@verizon.net
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February 2, 2008

I'd like to thank everyone who attended the 'Coffee Consumer 101' on January 26.  There were 29 people in attendance and it was standing room only in our little cafe.  I received many postitive compliments on the presentation, and everyone enjoyed sampling the roaster coffees and cappuccino.  Many were impressed with the wealth of information about coffee and its origins that they had previously been unaware of.  It was a huge success.

I have received emails and even snail mail notes from people who could not attend last Saturday, wanting to know when the next one will be.  So due to the obvious popularity of this event, I've decided to host this seminar several times a year.  The next one will be Saturday, April 5th, at 2 p.m.  The seating is limited to about 25 people, so reserve your spot early!

THE NEXT 'COFFEE CONSUMER 101' IS SATURDAY, APRIL 5TH, 2 P.M.  THERE ARE 17 SPACES LEFT.  PLEASE RESERVE YOUR SPOT EARLY!

'Coffee Consumer 101' was created, coordinated, organized, advertised, hosted, and presented  by Dawn Heinbach, owner and barista of Hard Bean Cafe * Hamburg.  Credit also goes to Sebastian Barkman, the working barista during the seminar, and JoAnn Jones who also assisted during the presentation. 

Hard Bean Cafe * Hamburg is owned by New Dawn Enterprises, LLC.
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January 21, 2008    

COFFEE 101 GIVES STUDIED APPROACH TO BEVERAGE

by Maria Herne, staff writer

1/12/08 Pottsville Republican

HAMBURG - Dawn Heinbach has tasted too many cups of 'counterfeit coffee' to count.

For the past two years, Heinbach, the owner of the Hamburg Hard Bean Cafe, a coffee and tea cafe at 317 State Street, has been doing her own "independent research" on bogus brews.

She visits convenience stores and fast food restaurants - as a customer - to purchase lattes, cappuccinos and other coffee drinks.

But after she orders a drink, she puts her cofffee sense to work, observing how the drinks are made and the indgredients put into them.

More often than not, she throws them away after one taste, she said.

"They're just not very good," Heinbach said.  "There's so many places jumping on the bandwagon offering so called lattes and cappuccinos, but what they're offerring the consumer is an overpriced, inferior product."

They break the cardinal rules of "Coffee 101," she said.

"They don't even use real, fresh-brewed coffee," she said.  "They don't taste anything like a real coffee drink should taste."

Heinbach said it bothers her that she and other coffee consumers are getting ripped off.

"People work too hard for their money to throw it away on a substandard product," she said.

This chagrin inspired her to develop a workshop, which she will host at 2 p.m. January 26 at the Hamburg Hard Bean Cafe.  This workshop in particular is called Coffee Consumer 101, and Heinbach said it will be a fun, informational session where people can find out everything they could possibly want to know about coffee.

For one thing, there's a vast array of beans to explore - Ethiopian Moka Harrar Horse, Papua New Guinea, Costa Rican, Kenyan and Vietnamese Blend are just a few that the Hard Bean has offered.

"People think 'Colombian,' but there's so much more out there," she said.

Heinbach and her crew of coffee baristas will walk the coffee novice down the path to caffeinated enlightenment, explaining the best way to brew coffee and the many ways it can be enjoyed - hot or iced, in lattes, macchiatos, and espresso drinks being just a few favorites on a long list, she said.

Guests will get to taste everything, too.

Heinbach said she just wants to share her passion for coffee with others.

"Most people don't really know much about it - the different kinds of beans, and how they taste, the many kinds of drinks that they can order," she said.

Margaret Christian, a Tilden township resident and a frequent customer at Hard Bean, said she attended the "Tea 101" that Heinbach  hosted a few months ago at the cafe.

"It was such a relaxing way to spend the afternoon, trying different kinds of tea," Christian said.  "Of course we all had our favorites, but it was nice to try something different."
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January 6, 2008
Sadly, we got word at the end of December that City Espresso's location on 5th Street has closed. They still have their newer location in the Sovereign Plaza and hopefully this one will do well.

I was very concerned when I read Heather's plea... because I face the same issues that she mentions in her letter. The high cost of operating, lack of parking, unable to generate a solid customer base.

This last reason is the one that baffles me.  Why is it so hard to attract people? It is not because we don't have a good product at a reasonable price. It's not because we don't offer many various activities for all interests. The only other thing I can think of is that people just aren't aware of everything that we offer. Because if it isn't that, then it is simply a lack of interest, and that is truly sad.

The population of Hamburg is listed on the Borough's website, www.hamburgboro.com as 4,114.  So if I have 50 regular customers, that is a mere 1% of the general population. It isn't rocket science to do the math - if that number fails to grow, we cannot continue to operate.

Since I am not in a 'high volume' area, such as closer to the highway, what my business needs to survive are 'regulars.'  People in the immediate community and the outlying environs of Hamburg who come to the shop on a regular basis - whether it be daily, a couple times a week or even once a week when they are running errands in town.  I need people on their way to work in the morning to stop and get a coffee.  We are open at 6 a.m.!  This is quite early to open - who would not like an extra hour of sleep? - but we do so to provide our great products for those who are starting their work day.

I do have customers who don't live in Hamburg and frequently stop during their travels.  They realize what a gem this coffee house is and maybe it's just that the local people need to overcome the negativity about their own town and see what is right in their own backyard. 

I host all types of music in many different genres, stuff that would appeal to the young, the old, and the in-between. Regularly, every Friday night. There is no cover charge.  All that we ask is that people buy a drink to help support the cafe, and put a few bucks in the musician's tip jar. These are talented, serious musicians - not some smoked-up yokel who thinks he can sing.  A few of them are professional musicians who willingly lower their costs to perform at the Hard Bean. It's difficult to understand when very few people show up.  One would think that the population should be enough to support a small coffee house.  Out of those 4,114 people, no one likes music?  Everyone is 'busy' on the same night?  Everyone is at the football game?

For the better part of a year I attempted to generate interest in a book discussion group. Again, free.  No obligations, no physical labor... just read a book that is of interest to you, and come to discuss it with other like-minded people.  Apparently, the entire population of Hamburg doesn't read books because not one person ever came.  Have we become such a technology-driven society that people just don't get the concept of having a meaningful discussion with another human being?  I think that we need this interaction precisely because of the technology in our daily lives that keeps us from exploring ourselves on a deeper level.  I'm not talking about the kind of forced interaction that you have at work. I'm referring to the kind of stimulating conversation that will refresh you, bring a deeper understanding of yourself and others, and give you the opportunity to think.

I realize that the economy sucks right now and people may feel that they do not have the extra cash to treat themselves to a drink.  I want to remind everyone that we do have a cooler of various drinks: soda, water and other stuff at reasonable prices.  You can get a bottle of Deer Park water for $1.  And there are non-coffee menu drinks that are only a few bucks.  It is especially during times like these when people need to be taking advantage of the Hard Bean.  You can enjoy a night out with great entertainment for less than $10, and without traveling far.

I purchased the coffee house to create a positive place in the community.  A place that represents the good in the world.  A haven that generates learning and thinking, communication, understanding, and fun.  A smoke-free and alcohol-free alternative for those who cannot or don't want to be in a bar environment.  If that sounds like something you are craving, please come out and see what we have to offer.
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November 21, 2007
I see that there's a billboard on Route 61, on the northbound side just before the exit to Hamburg. 

"Get a ^real latte for a lot less," it says.

Let's examine this statement.  First of all, what is a 'real' latte?  Well, it's a drink made with espresso and steamed and foamed milk.  These elements must be present to make a latte.  So, I suppose their lattes are 'real.' 

Are they the best you can get for your money?  NO.  Here's why:

The first hard and fast rule to making a great espresso drink is this:  USE FRESH GROUND ESPRESSO.  They don't.  Watch when you get one there and see how it's prepared.  If the place doesn't have a grinder, it's not fresh ground.

Are lattes there much less than Hard Bean's?  NO.  They are about the same price, perhaps a little less - not 'a lot' less.  And you're getting a superior drink at Hard Bean.  Our espresso is an 8-bean blend, prepared exclusively for the cafe by the Reading Coffee Roasters.  Every shot is ground fresh when you order your drink.  (A coffee pod is NOT fresh ground!) PLUS we have over 50 flavors to mix with your latte - not just two or three.

With the economy the way it is right now, the housing market being the worst in 30 years, gas over $3 a gallon, and your paycheck not going up at all, don't you agree that you should be spending your money where the quality is going to be the best?  Why spend it on a less than superior product?  It doesn't make sense, does it?

Somewhere along the journey of this thing called 'my life,' I made a decision.  Probably after paying money for a few disappointing meals somewhere along the way.  I decided that:  If I want to eat a good steak, I'm going to go to a steak place where that's what they do.  If I want good Italian food, I will go to where they do that best: an Italian restaurant. 

So when you want great coffee, where should you be going?  Not to your local convenience store, that much I DO know!

I am not a con artist, or a scam runner.  I am a business owner and if I did not believe 100% in my product, I would not be selling it to you.  Now can you say that about the ones who are in it to make a quick buck off of the unsuspecting masses?  Just remember:  when there's a band wagon going by, lots of people jump on it and they don't have your best interests at heart.  It becomes harder to differentiate the authentic from the mediocre.

But that's why I'm here, folks.  Stay tuned for 'Coffee Education 101,' coming January 26th.
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November 17, 2007
I decided to take the back roads to Hamburg yesterday... since it was a Friday I wanted to avoid Old 22 and the inevitable traffic.  I was glad I went that way because I was treated to nature's beauty all around me.  I slowed down and absorbed the splendor.  Looking left, I saw a picture that could easily make a wonderful postcard for Berks County, with the greens and beiges of the rolling fields, backed by a  treeline bursting with fall colors.  Brilliant yellows, deep golds and reds, and almost flourescent oranges cling to their dark brown branches as the wind tries to shake them loose from their anchor.  Eventually, it will succeed as the circle of life takes place once again in this year 2007, in our little corner of the world.

Directly above, a cloud bank, partially obscuring the sun.  White and puffy on top, and purple underneath.  The suns rays were filtering through the clouds like blocks of warmth. 

To the left, more of the same except the sky was a deep blue-purple as the rains from the night before were moving on.

As I continued on my drive, a hawk flew up from an old oak tree, now devoid of leaves.  They like to hang around field areas; the abundance of mice, voles and other small critters make good hunting grounds for those with excellent eye sight and a high vantage point.  If you drive the same route frequently, you may actually see the same hawk day after day.  It is rather like forming a friendship, so-to-speak, if you come to look forward to seeing 'your' hawk.  On a day that you don't see it, you worry and wonder why.  Did it suffer an early demise through poisons, or electrical wires?  Or a gunshot?

Only by becoming aware of the other life on this planet, as well as the planet itself, can we begin to care, to take part, to realize the need to do our own part in caring for this earth and everything on it.

As I drove along, I thought how fitting it was that the Pilgrims chose November as their month of 'Thanks.'  Their plantings harvested and stored for winter's sustenance, chopping wood that would heat their primitive cabins, all this they did as they most likely looked upon the same splendid beauty that I bask in today.  As you hurry about your holiday preparations  - for we are now entering that season in full gala - take time to look around.  Notice all the things that you can be thankful for in your life.  The smallest thing can change your perspective. 

Even in our daily tasks and obligations, as we are bombarded with information and interruptions at the lightening speed of technology, we can find a few minutes of appreciation for the vast world that surrounds us every day.  Indeed, it is a necessity for our sanity.

 "There are two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as though everything is a miracle." -- Albert Einstein 
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October 28, 2007
Well, yesterday was a great day.  It was beautiful outside, after the rain, with warm temperatures and late afternoon sun.

We only had one jerk to dampen our spirits.  Allie was working the morning shift and a guy came in and ordered 16 hot chocolates.  First of all, an order that big must be called in.  The barista cannot be expected to just work on one large order while ignoring the customers who come in in the meantime.  Anyway, the guy was a boy scout troop leader and asked if he could receive a discount.  Allison called me at home, and of course I cannot offer a discount to one group because I would then have to offer it to all groups that request it.  (The Hard Bean Cafe is on the 'Hamburg Card' and the 'Press Pass' which offer 20% discount on menu items.)

Allison worked quickly to complete the order and put it in two of our to-go boxes.  Meanwhile, it had stopped raining and people were venturing outside, and she got a rush of customers.  Next thing she knew, the boy scout leader was gone.  Left all the hot chocolates - 192 ounces to be exact - and hadn't paid for them.  It was too late to try and catch him outside and she wasn't even really sure exactly when he had snuck out.  And that is exactly what he did - snuck out while she was busy and distracted.  I guess he didn't like the fact that he was not getting a discount.  But he left her prepare the entire order.

So we were left with two to-go boxes of gourmet hot choclate - NOT the cheap powdered stuff mixed with water - real chocolate sauce mixed with steamed Half & Half... the best hot chocolate you'll get anywhere.  Total loss:  $34.30 plus about $3 each for the boxes.

Allie had an idea of offering them to the Journey Cafe, who was having a pig roast that afternoon, saying that they could sell them.  I decided to just donate them because they needed to be used quicklh to retain their quality.  So hopefully some people got warmed up with some good hot chocolate that afternoon.

When I arrived at the cafe, I did call the police, thinking that they could make a quick run to Cabela's since that is where the scout leader told Allie that he was meeting his troop after coming back from Hawk Mountain.  They basically said they couldn't do anything, since he didn't take the drinks so it wasn't really theft.  Hmmm... product used and not paid for... seems like theft to me.  And what about ethics?  I would have liked the guy to come back and pay for the stuff he ordered.  He caused my employee a lot of stress and anguish since she felt terrible that it happened, even though it wasn't her fault.  The officer with whom I spoke told me to 'wait for a couple hours, the guy might come back for the drinks' and that 'it's a grey area' since the guy didn't really steal anything.  I don't know, but... this seems pretty lame to me.

Also... the fact that this guy is a Boy Scout leader is disturbing.  They 'prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices?'  How can taht happen when this guy purposely made a clearly unethical choice?  I would like to report him to his superiors but we aren't sure which troop he belonged to or even where he was from.  He had a southern accent.

So, if anyone knows of boy scout troops that were visiting Hawk Mountain the weekend of October 27th, please contact me.  I would like to recoup my loss of product and also give this guy a piece of my mind. 

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October 11, 2007
Now, here's the latest story under the 'what is wrong with people' category.  This one will really leave you scratching your head.  As you all know, the Hard Bean is closed on Sundays.  I was informed by an employee of Hecky's that last Sunday, a man and a woman came in together and were ordering food.  The woman said, "I'm going over to Hard Bean."  The employee figured that when she got to the closed french doors, with a big 'CLOSED' sign posted on them, and three chairs blocking the entrance on the other side, that she would abort her plan since the Hard Bean was CLOSED.

When the woman did not return, the Hecky's employee found her stretched out on one of the Hard Bean sofas reading the paper!  Apparantly she had taken down the 'closed' sign, barged through the chairs, and just made herself right at home!  The employee informed the woman that Hard Bean was closed, to which she received the sarcastic reply, "I KNOW that."  The employee then informed the owners of Hecky's so that they could give a more forceful warning.

Upon return to the Hecky's counter, the woman's companion said to her, "What are you doing over there?  They are closed."  To which she replied, "Well, if they didn't want me over there they should lock the door."  Now here's the thing... there IS a slidebolt on the door which works - unless someone pushes on both doors.  (Needless to say, we will be getting a proper lock this week.)  And I guess the big 'CLOSED' sign and the three chairs in front of the doors to prevent opening meant nothing to this woman?

What this woman did was trespassing to say the least.  We could even go as far as to say it was breaking and entering, since it was obvious that the business was closed.  No lights on, front door locked, and everything else I already mentioned indicated this.  So I could press charges against this woman if I so choose.

The thing that amazes me is, the attitude that people must have in order to do things like this.  It has to be a 'me, me, me' attitude.  They think they have the RIGHT to just do as they please with no consequences, and that the laws don't apply to them.

In this case, if anything was missing or broken, we could add theft and cost of damages to the list.  This woman has to be really stupid if she failed to think of this.  We do have remote security surveillance at Hard Bean.  This means that we can view the cafe from home or wherever we happen to be through the computer or cell phones.  And every movement is recorded.  Why do we have this?  For instances just like this one. 

The next time someone gets the bright idea to enter the Hard Bean during non-operating hours, they WILL be detained until the police arrive to arrest their ass.

But thank goodness, these indicents are few.  This one took the cake, though, and I had to share it.  Stupidity is always funnier when shared and it gives you something to think about.  DON'T BE THAT PERSON.  LoL LoL  LoL

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October 4, 2007
WE ARE NOT MARIE'S HARD BEAN IN FLEETWOOD!  This is the Hard Bean Cafe in HAMBURG.  We are not related to Marie's Hard Bean in FLEETWOOD in any way.  So don't call and ask what their hours are because we don't know that.  These are independently owned coffee houses and each one is different.  They are not chain stores so they DON'T all have the same hours.  Don't call us and ask what their phone number is because we don't know.  When you look in the phone book you have to look under MARIE'S HARD BEAN because that is the name.  If you can't remember the name you should let the owner know that you have had trouble finding their phone number so that they can address this issue.
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July 23, 2007
I am pleased that I can start today's entry with good reports.  I have received some very positive compliments from quite a few different people within the past two weeks.  One that sticks out in my memory is one couple who has been coming in regularly for several months now.  The gentleman remarked the other night that 'he never thought that he would be drinking gourmet coffee.'  But, as most people find, once he tried it, he was hooked.  This is a good thing.  As for our roaster coffee, you are paying for fresh, premium coffee from around the world, and that is what you get here.  And the espresso - there is no comparison!

I have received so many comments about the 'Friends Don't Let Friends Drink Starbucks' bumper sticker that I am going to offer these for sale.  Truthfully, I am a little surprised at how many people do comment on it, find it funny and absolutely love it.  It shows an awareness that I didn't know was out there.  I do have to say that, I'm not 'anti-Starbucks' in a big way.  And I never wish anyone who is doing an honest job to be unsuccessful.  Truth is, the sticker was given to me by our good customer Fred Sheeler, and I put it on the cash register just for fun.  But, that being said, I do get VERY tired of explaining to people what a REAL macchiato is.  People ask for a 'Caramel Macchiato' - something that you would never order since the macciato is espresso only - it just doesn't make sense.  (See the 'Coffee' page for descriptions of all our drinks.)  But they are accustomed to Starbucks 'Caramel Macchiato' which is really a latte.  A true Italian macchiato has just a dollop of steamed milk in it.  Anything more than that, and it's not a macchiato.  They just decided to call it that, and it's actually false advertising and very misleading to the consumer.  I have wasted so many perfectly good shots of espresso, because I am giving the customer what they asked for - and when they see the amount of liquid they just look at it because it's not what they were expecting.  So now when people order a 'Caramel Macchiato' I always explain to them first so they know what they're getting, and that is probably not what they want at the Hard Bean.

And of course, there's the 'buy local' thing.  Now you can test this for yourself.  If you visit another coffee distributor, ask the employee on duty where their coffee comes from.  I guarantee, it will be an interesting experience and funny, too.  These so-called 'Coffee Bars' do not even train their employees properly with the knowledge about the products they are offering.  Not even the managers!  I called one of these places just to ask what roaster they get their coffee from - and the manager on duty had to go on the internet to find out.  She was telling me that a particular coffee came from Italy... wait a second.  Italy does not even grow arabica trees!  I never did find out where their coffee is roasted.  But I can guarantee it's not local, probably not even in Pennsylvania.  Now listen, people - I mean, it's YOUR money, and don't you want to get the most for it?  So would you rather spend it at a place that does not know or even care about the quality - or LACK of it - of the product they are offering, where it was ground a week ago and shipped from way across the country, or sitting in some warehouse for God-knows-how-long before it arrived at that place?  OR do you want to get the most for your money and spend it at the Hard Bean Cafe * Hamburg where we offer only quality coffees from local roasters?  I knew you were smart.

On a totally different note... I am sorry to say that rudeness is alive and well in this society and finds its way into our little cafe.  One of my baristi reported to me that an unfamiliar customer came in one morning and ordered a 'regular' coffee... and the barista offered him a choice of roasts.  The man became agitated and his very surly reply was, "WHAT?  Just gimme a coffee!"  Hey look, it's not our problem if you have been drinking coffee all your life and don't even know what you like.  But, we can help you choose.  Ask the barista what the different characteristics are - we'll get you exactly what you want.

This is hard to believe, but some people become disgusted with all of our choices.  Well, this isn't a grocery store or a chain store.  This is a true coffee house with many offerings, and you DO get to choose.  So if you're an indecisive person you many want to check out our on-line menu first.

The other week Jarred Heckart performed here.  There was one individual who attended the show, but did not make a purchase from me.  He instead went over to Hecky's and bought a drink there.  At the end of the show - which he thoroughly enjoyed - he didn't even put a tip in Jarred's jar.  This is a double insult now that Jarred is performing not only for himself and for us, but for a good cause.  He donates half of all tips received to Music Rising, an non-profit organization whose goal is to help the Gulf region replace the instruments and gear that were lost to the catastrophic hurricanes of 2005.  Now THAT'S rude!  That indicates to me a person who, if the Hard Bean were to go out of business, he would not even blink.  Here's the bottom line:  If people don't support the music shows by making a purchase, I cannot continue to have them.  This has been a very hard year so far and I have already canceled much of the music for the remainder of this year due to poor attendance.

People in the community must realize - without your support, businesses go away - permanently.  So if you like the stores in town, if you like the many activities planned by the Our Town Foundation, if you want Hamburg to be more than a 'ghost town...'  it is your dollars spent in these establishments and at the events that supports their existence.  I offer many musical and other events at my shop, and I would love to see you get involved.  There IS more to life than sitting in front of the television or video game - get out and experience it!
       
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June 13, 2007
The Streetscape Project has finally reached our side of State Street.  With no parking on both sides of the street, it has killed the business dead.  In times like this it is hard to remain positive.  The bills keep rolling in whether sales are up or down - and they're definitely down since last week.  Anyone who makes an effort to come into the cafe, please know that I truly appreciate it.  The good thing is that the construction crew is ahead of schedule so let's just get it done and out of the way.  And the sidewalks that are finished are very nice!

At times like this I find myself wondering if my efforts are appreciated.  The Hard Bean is more than just a coffee shop - it's an entity that services the community by offering quality entertainment, musical and literary events, a venue for artists to display their work and be enjoyed by many who see it, a meeting place, a relaxing ambiance.  We also offer freshly-made drinks as opposed to ones that come out of machine and are prepared with powdered mixes with lots of preservatives and additives.  And we offer our customers the opportunity to support other local businesses by purchasing here, since all of our products come from local vendors or independent small businesses.  How do you wake people up and show them that where they spend their money sends a powerful message and affects many other lives?  

Sometimes it just cannot be about finding the 'cheapest price.'  I know that it's almost impossible to shop exclusively in town - and if you ask me if I ever go to Wal-Mart, the answer is yes - although I do go there less and less, for many reasons.  But I also spend money at Redner's, Weis, Kuzan's, Liebensberger's, Miller's 5 & 10.  The plants you see in our planter out front, as well as the potting soil, came from Hilltop Garden Center.  And if I like a certain store's principles or what they do to help the environment or their community, I'll make an effort to frequently spend there.  One thing is certain:  if the Café and other businesses in town don't have the support of the community, they will not succeed. 

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May 1st, 2007
Already another month has passed.  This month is off to a great start with the first 'Summer in the City' Art Stroll taking place on Friday.  The amount of talent and activities is amazing.  I am proud and appreciative of all the businesses that are participating in this event.  The Our Town Foundation does a great job at planning, promoting, and getting participation for these events that bring people to the town - and when the businesses pull together, this first Art Stroll is evidence of what we can do.  It's exciting!
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April 7, 2007
March was a very busy month and I had no time to write anything - but I have a few things I want to mention now that I have a few minutes to take a breather.  The entertainment in March was absolutely fantastic - and thanks to all who came out to see the shows.  People in Hamburg, we have been here under new ownership for a whole year now - if you haven't stopped in for a drink or to catch a show, you really don't know what you're missing right in your own backyard!

The first weekend was off to a great start with Christy Jefferson.  She's a professional musician and has gained a following in our little burg.  Come out and see her next time.  Mr. Muckle's show was sadly empty, which is hard to understand since these guys do fantastic harmonies on songs from the 60's to the present.  They're here again on May 11th and I would love to have a packed house for them.  Please believe me, you won't be disappointed! 

The weekend of March 9th and 10th, we had Jarred Heckart and Octavia's Blues Trio.  The house was understandably packed for Jarred's show, since he hadn't played here for about nine months!  This guy is phenomenal with about 200 songs in his head and he'll play just about anything you ask - except country, with the exception of Johnny Cash.  Jarred is now booked here every month starting in June, so please stop in and see him - you just won't believe how talented he is and you'll enjoy yourself too!

The next night, Jarred stopped in to catch some of Octavia's show - and they ended up jamming together.  It was too good to be true!  Two exceptional blues musicians in the same house, let alone singing together.  They did 'Mustang Sally' and a few other tunes.  It really was something to hear!

We had a great Saint Patrick's Day weekend planned, but the weather didn't cooperate and the Jerusalem and Aberdeen shows had to be canceled.  I have quickly learned that when there's no parking out front because of the snow, it doesn't even pay to have the shop open because I don't generate enough business.  And at the same time, I also cannot afford to lose a day of sales.  The Sunday after the snowfall, the alley from State Street to the municipal lot was a total sheet of ice.  If anyone else has complaints about how the Borough of Hamburg doesn't clear the curbside snow after plowing, and (in my opinion) doesn't even clear all the streets to a decent condition, please contact Deena Kershner of the Our Town Foundation, and also let the Borough Manager, Lynda Albright, know of your concerns.  I have never before seen a municipality that literally does nothing to assist its business district and residents after a large amount of snow or ice.  This is something that can be changed and by working together as a community, we have the power to change it.  Stay tuned for more on this issue.

Holly@Last put on a very entertaining show the following Friday.  This was their first time at the Hard Bean and I'm so glad that she and Bernie are performing here.  There were a few young children in the audience and they were thoroughly enjoying the music!  This is a clean and fun show that the whole family can enjoy.  Mark your calendar for May 18th when Holly's here again.  Pam & Jay followed the next night.  These two put on a great show and I encourage you to come out and hear them.  Both are experienced musicians with Jay being part of Mr. Muckle and Pam was a member of the former band Pumice.

We had a terrific Open Mic on March 30th.  Haley Sheeler set the mood by starting off with "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield, and a lot of the songs that followed were of that same tone.  A guy named John showed his stuff with some rock -n- roll tunes.  Helen Gassman did a song called "Peace, Justice and Anarchy" that we certainly appreciated.  Helen has become a regular at the Open Mics and we enjoy hearing what new stuff she's going to come up with!  Tom Post and Lee Smedley graced us with their originals.  I'd have to say that the highlight of the night was little Cody Knight.  At 9 years old, he is already a piano wizard and he played his three songs with poise and passion.  The crowd absolutely loved him and we do hope that he returns for future Open Mics.  Gail Hunn showed her talent on the piano as well, and she gave Cody a wonderfully modest compliment when she said that she's been playing the piano for 40 years and she'll never be as good as he is.  We had a special appearance that night by two guys from Bethlehem.  They call themselves Seven Ways From Sunday, and they are just two of the band members.  They were also very good and we hope they return to show us more!  Leon closed the show with more sentimental 60's tunes such as 'Everybody Get Together.'  I would like to thank all the musicians who participated.  We do appreciate your talents and enjoy listening.  Music is universal and whenever we have a group of people who come together to play and/or hear music, it's always a bonding experience.

Spirit Wing ended the month with another fantastic show.  Barry Lee is a great entertainer and you will always have a laugh listening to his stories in between songs.  But there's also a serious note to their performances when they include songs that speak about the loss of the land to housing developments and malls, or the loss of a friend due to alcoholism.  Barry's wife Barbara is especially gifted on the Native American flute and has several flutes in different keys.  This instrument lends the relaxing tone to many of their instrumental songs.  Chris Hawley backs everything up on bass and helps out on vocals.  Their show is also educational and they talk about the various instruments used at Indian gatherings such as the water drum, and the way that Indians identify their tribe by the way they wear their feathers.  I highly recommend this show.  It is a unique experience. 
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February 22, 2007
WOW!  Talk about things going hay-wire.  Last week's storm really put a slow-down on the entire town until some of the snow got cleared.  I had to close the shop for two days due to lack of business.  I apologize to those folks who did stop by and I was closed!  But you know it's not good when not enough business is generated to support staying open.  Scarey.  I really think that the business owners and the Borough should have some kind of pact to work together to clear the snow away from the curbs so that people can park.  

I also had to cancel the entertainment for last weekend because there was absolutely no parking available for anyone who would have come to the town.  That is very sad.  But this weekend is business as usual!  Friday night the VIH Band will be doin' their thing - we always love having them.  And Saturday there's a newcomer to the Hard Bean: Donovan Roberts Blues Duo.  Check out the 'Events' page for more info.  So don't be stuck at home - we'll be glad to see ya at the Cafe.  I think it's exciting when new musicians come and we get to hear new voices and meet new folks.
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February 4, 2007
This past week there were two incidents - although compared to the one mentioned above, these were very positive!  A young woman named Aimee came into the shop.  She had actually been here several weeks ago to speak to me about internet advertising.  She is from the Pottsville area, and she told me that 'I don't get down this way often but when I do, I will stop here!  I try to support local businesses whenever I can."  Coming on the heels of the woman who 'doesn't care,' Aimee really made me feel good about what I'm doing.

Then yesterday, a woman named Diane stopped in.  She had been here with her friend on Friday night for the comedy hour.  She had lost her cell phone and wanted to let me know that she had found it.  But she also wanted to tell me how much fun they had listening to Jeff Lutz and John Ager's comedy show.  She told me to 'hang in there because I'm doing a great thing for the community.' 

These people really make our day.  It's heartwarming to know that people are taking notice and starting to realize that the Hard Bean Cafe is a positive atmosphere in which to relax and have fun!
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