Riyadh Coffee Club – Saudi Arabia
Riyadh Coffee Club’s Effective Step to Socialize
The Riyadh Coffee Club was founded by Brandie Janow in 2018 as a safe space for coffee lovers and those in the coffee industry to socialize and support one another.
A Tennessee native, Brandie first arrived in Saudi Arabia in 2008. Janow realized that cafes were popping up everywhere in Riyadh. She thought it would be fun to try as many of them as she could, and then she decided it would be even more fun to share the experience with others. And that is how the Riyadh Coffee Club was born.
As the Riyadh coffee community has grown the focus of RCC has changed dramatically, from a series of semi-monthly events to a robust, growing community. RCC was established to provide a safe space for networking and supporting local businesses. The cafe gatherings naturally turned into events, such as private art studio viewings and coffee development sessions.
Our community economies are enhanced by small businesses because they bring growth and innovation. Over 2,500 coffee plantations with over 400,000 coffee trees are spread across three regions of Saudi Arabia. The Riyadh Coffee Club has played a significant role in the growth of Saudi Arabia’s coffee market.
Unexpected response from coffee lovers:
“When I first got the idea of RCC I just randomly posted it on my Instagram. My friends were the only ones I expected to show up. When we filled an entire floor, I was shocked. I saw the need for people to ‘be people’. There is no agenda other than just enjoying our time together and having a few cups of coffee. The members are giving me their precious time, and as the host, I must ensure that they know that wherever I take them, I will keep them safe.”
Strategy by Riyadh Coffee Club:
“Our community has changed as the country has. We used to meet only at cafes, but now we have incorporated coffee education into the club as well as trips to secret coffee labs and galleries. We are planning a moon trek next month. In order to keep things fresh, I try to keep each gathering different. Sometimes it is more social, sometimes it is more workshop-related.”
Club Vicinity:
“I do not see the Riyadh Coffee Club as a business. I see it as a community and one that belongs to the members within it.
Seeing people interact face-to-face and forget about their phones and social media is so amazing. Even when we are having coffee education sessions everyone is interested, raising their hands and asking questions. I am by no means a coffee expert, but I am a community architect and we have shifted into building the Saudi coffee industry through education.”
Connecting people:
“The community setup is pretty straightforward. We have a WhatsApp group, but it is set up only for admin posts, so I only share locations and relevant information when appropriate. Additionally, I post invites and videos from our club on Instagram, and of course, I have a website to explain who we are.”
Community Role:
“Saudi Arabia is a country where meaningful friendships are so important, especially in the context of community. Being the host of this club is a very serious responsibility for me! My goal at every gathering is to ensure that everyone feels cared for and happy. RCC’s members are its heart and they matter a great deal to me.”
People Attachment:
“Like any meetup, we talk about normal life events like travel, work, or family. There is something so beautiful about getting to know each other on another level.”
Difference between conventional style:
“RCC is an inclusive environment for everyone. Despite our differences, we all connect so well. The club is a perfect example of diplomacy and how cultures can mesh so well. Over 8 countries attended the last coffee club, for example.”
When you are optimistic, you learn from experiences
“Moments and days differ from one another. Sometimes we have good ones, and sometimes we do not. It is how you deal with the not-so-good things in life that makes the difference. Even when I am struggling, I try to make life as positive and happy as possible. After all, positive energy spreads quickly.”
Evolving with Saudi Arabia:
“Currently, Saudi Arabia is experiencing a pivotal period, and how amazing that we are all able to participate in it together. Through each of our coffee clubs, you can see the shift of the country.”
Message for people:
“In the RCC community, members can get access to events, meetups, and resources, and build relationships with other members interested in networking, coffee, and social impact. We look forward to seeing you all at the next one.”
https://www.riyadhcoffeeclub.com/
