We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Garan Dickson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Garan below.

Hi Garan, thanks for joining us today. Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers

When opening Harper’s Cafe, I wanted to create a cornerstone in the community that would not only be a space where people could create and congregate but feel comfortable doing so. Serving good coffee and food was not my sole focus, it was important, but having a space where people could think of as a second home and feel solace when they entered was most important to me.

During the summer 2023, I received a negative comment on Google, but not about the coffee or food, but about the fact that I had a pride flag on my door. I took to my social media to call out the comment and double down on my stance of supporting and welcoming everyone. I decided to fly even more pride flag outside of the Cafe. That decision was met with vandalism on two separate occasions. Even after facing vandalisms to the cafe, that didn’t wavier our support. We continued to be a spade where all was welcomed. We hosted LBGTQ+ marches and took a portion of funds raised to repair and donated those to LGBTQ+ organizations.

Garan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Prior to opening Harper’s Cafe I was in a field that required me to travel 300 days a year. I was in counter- intel , physical security and Close Protection for close to 10 years. I was attached to a client that traveled the world and I was blessed to be by their side. Once my daughter was born, I knew I could not be gone for 90% of the year. So I decided to open a business close to where I grew up. Having a love for coffee, I knew I had to try to open a place where people could come and get a good cup of coffee but also a space that would be a community hub for all things.

People appreciate when they come to Harper’s Cafe they are greeted with respect and appreciation. I know almost everyone’ of my customers names and take pride in getting to know them.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media is a full time job. I like to show live videos during the day inside the cafe, so show people the vibe and how chill and welcoming the cafe is day in and day out. I think of fun creative ways to portray what spending a day at Harper’s Cafe would be , whether it’s working from home , having breakfast or lunch with your family or coming and grabbing a quick cup of coffee.

I also like to be creative when posting on my socials, taking account of current events and things that are happening in the world.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

When I first opened the Cafe, I found a vendor for my coffee, but knew I eventually wanted to source and roast my own. Shortly after the pandemic, I bought a coffee roaster and began to roast my own. I know have a steady flow of customers who purchase their coffee for Their homes from me.

Contact Info:

• Website: Harperscafenj.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harperscafenj?igsh=MW43ODZ1eXg5a3U0eg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Harperscafenj?mibextid=eQY6cl

Image Credits
N/a