Name that Coffee Shop!
September 18, 2006 8:30 AM Subscribe
Help name a drive through coffee shop...
Some info: it will be a double drive through coffee shop; we will carry all the assorted coffee/latte/caps and bagel fare; there are three partners; it will be located in southeast Michigan; my last name is Black. We are starting most everything from scratch - we will be creating logos and the like, so if you have visual ideas to go with the name, please share.
As incentive, the top three choices (as determined by the aforementioned 3) will get a little gift sent to them... it will not contain coffee.
Some info: it will be a double drive through coffee shop; we will carry all the assorted coffee/latte/caps and bagel fare; there are three partners; it will be located in southeast Michigan; my last name is Black. We are starting most everything from scratch - we will be creating logos and the like, so if you have visual ideas to go with the name, please share.
As incentive, the top three choices (as determined by the aforementioned 3) will get a little gift sent to them... it will not contain coffee.
Cuppa Go.
Java, The Hut
CoffeeFilter
Can't Stop Need Coffee
posted by unixrat at 8:38 AM on September 18, 2006
Java, The Hut
CoffeeFilter
Can't Stop Need Coffee
posted by unixrat at 8:38 AM on September 18, 2006
Coffee Kart
posted by yogurtisgenocide at 8:39 AM on September 18, 2006
posted by yogurtisgenocide at 8:39 AM on September 18, 2006
The Trip Sip
Grand Brew Auto
Bean-vergnugen
Mmm... That's Good AHHH Oh GOD MY LAP I WANTED CHILDREN!
posted by unixrat at 8:40 AM on September 18, 2006 [4 favorites]
Grand Brew Auto
Bean-vergnugen
Mmm... That's Good AHHH Oh GOD MY LAP I WANTED CHILDREN!
posted by unixrat at 8:40 AM on September 18, 2006 [4 favorites]
Jumpin' Java
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 8:40 AM on September 18, 2006
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 8:40 AM on September 18, 2006
Joe2Go
posted by unixrat at 8:41 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
posted by unixrat at 8:41 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
Alternative Fuel
posted by YoBananaBoy at 8:42 AM on September 18, 2006
posted by YoBananaBoy at 8:42 AM on September 18, 2006
The Brew Crew
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 8:43 AM on September 18, 2006
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 8:43 AM on September 18, 2006
an alternative to unixrat's:
Sip n' Trip
I think it would be more appropriate for San Fran, though.
posted by zerokey at 8:47 AM on September 18, 2006
Sip n' Trip
I think it would be more appropriate for San Fran, though.
posted by zerokey at 8:47 AM on September 18, 2006
Godspeed You Black Emperor
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 8:47 AM on September 18, 2006
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 8:47 AM on September 18, 2006
Black And Brew
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 8:49 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 8:49 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
Get Up And Go
posted by EndsOfInvention at 8:51 AM on September 18, 2006
posted by EndsOfInvention at 8:51 AM on September 18, 2006
Two Latte Blacktop
posted by Espy Gillespie at 8:51 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
posted by Espy Gillespie at 8:51 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
Never Enough Caffeine
Jittery Joe's
Drive-Thru Brew
Red Hot Coffee
Black's Black & Brew
posted by camworld at 9:00 AM on September 18, 2006
Jittery Joe's
Drive-Thru Brew
Red Hot Coffee
Black's Black & Brew
posted by camworld at 9:00 AM on September 18, 2006
"Black Coffee" with tagline - "You Won't Go Back"
posted by gfrobe at 9:20 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
posted by gfrobe at 9:20 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
unixrat's on to something there but it's too verbose. How about just "Cupholders"?
posted by mendel at 9:22 AM on September 18, 2006
posted by mendel at 9:22 AM on September 18, 2006
Dang, and I thought I was original.
posted by JamesMessick at 9:30 AM on September 18, 2006
posted by JamesMessick at 9:30 AM on September 18, 2006
java jive through
posted by pyramid termite at 9:30 AM on September 18, 2006
posted by pyramid termite at 9:30 AM on September 18, 2006
F1 Espresso
posted by Smart Dalek at 9:47 AM on September 18, 2006
posted by Smart Dalek at 9:47 AM on September 18, 2006
or even "Inbound Espresso"
posted by Smart Dalek at 9:48 AM on September 18, 2006
posted by Smart Dalek at 9:48 AM on September 18, 2006
Identify the closest interstate to your locale; replace "I-" designation of highway number with "Chai".
posted by Smart Dalek at 9:50 AM on September 18, 2006
posted by Smart Dalek at 9:50 AM on September 18, 2006
Best answer: Perk-u-later
Hot Coffee Mods
Black is the new Coffee
The Three Ami-joes.
Paul's Coffee (Edmonton/NY only)
b33nZ
im in ur car drinking yur brews.
Brewskies.
Coffee 2.0
Roasted
TryNSave
DeCARfinated
The Best Little Coffeehouse in MI
Yoopers Not Welcome
DripZ
Drip2SipNTrip
posted by unixrat at 9:51 AM on September 18, 2006
Hot Coffee Mods
Black is the new Coffee
The Three Ami-joes.
Paul's Coffee (Edmonton/NY only)
b33nZ
im in ur car drinking yur brews.
Brewskies.
Coffee 2.0
Roasted
TryNSave
DeCARfinated
The Best Little Coffeehouse in MI
Yoopers Not Welcome
DripZ
Drip2SipNTrip
posted by unixrat at 9:51 AM on September 18, 2006
In SE Michigan?
Jim Hourton's
Country Stile
Double Double
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 9:55 AM on September 18, 2006
Jim Hourton's
Country Stile
Double Double
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 9:55 AM on September 18, 2006
I second Black Coffee.
You could have an offer for anyone who's never had just a plain black coffee from your shop can have it for free (no sugar or cream allowed either). And the "you'll never go back thing." (Oh and you better actually have pretty good black coffee).
posted by gauchodaspampas at 9:57 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
You could have an offer for anyone who's never had just a plain black coffee from your shop can have it for free (no sugar or cream allowed either). And the "you'll never go back thing." (Oh and you better actually have pretty good black coffee).
posted by gauchodaspampas at 9:57 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
A takeoff on unixrat's Drip2SipNTrip:
Drip 'n Sip
posted by langeNU at 10:08 AM on September 18, 2006
Drip 'n Sip
posted by langeNU at 10:08 AM on September 18, 2006
Fresh Roast Coffee
Cool Beans Coffee Shop
Sip 'n Go Coffee
posted by ifranzen at 10:10 AM on September 18, 2006
Cool Beans Coffee Shop
Sip 'n Go Coffee
posted by ifranzen at 10:10 AM on September 18, 2006
im in ur car drinking yur brews.
rofl
posted by ifranzen at 10:11 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
rofl
posted by ifranzen at 10:11 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
If you do go with "Drip 'n' Sip" or "Sip 'n' Go" (or anything similar), please, please use the apostrophe correctly, or you'll have English majors picketing out front--put an apostrophe where ever a letter is omitted. English major picket lines aren't pretty, what with all the wicked puns 'n' such.
posted by MrMoonPie at 10:29 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
posted by MrMoonPie at 10:29 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
Gitgo
The Pit Crew Drive Thru
Java Drive By
Roadkill Coffee 'n' Things
Coffee Brake
posted by thinkpiece at 10:32 AM on September 18, 2006
I am not creative enough to come up with the perfect pun. THere have been many great ones suggested. But, I do not think that is the way to go. If you plan to expand beyond your town and Michigan and the midwest, etc, then I think you should come up with an all new brand and simple name that will be defined by your logo and service. If you pick one that is a pun, it also comes with some preconcieved assumptions. The name should be memorable, but not necessarily have coffee (or its nicknames) in the name. Starbucks, McDonalds, Domino's work just as well as Pizza Hut, Burger King and the like. Sharpie pens dows not tell you it is a pen in the name. It has come to be understood by a good product and good marketing.
It will be more work initially educating the public with a name that does not say what it is in the title, but in the long run, you will have (re)defined your name through good service and product the other way.
I don't want to get my coffee from some store that has a cutesy sounding name. I want to get it from a store that makes good coffee.
As my previously mentioned creative gene was left behind, I think that simply Black's works real well. Black's coffee also would work but I would not use the tagline "you'll never go back." That sounds to me like the coffee sucks and you won't go back to that store.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 10:32 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
It will be more work initially educating the public with a name that does not say what it is in the title, but in the long run, you will have (re)defined your name through good service and product the other way.
I don't want to get my coffee from some store that has a cutesy sounding name. I want to get it from a store that makes good coffee.
As my previously mentioned creative gene was left behind, I think that simply Black's works real well. Black's coffee also would work but I would not use the tagline "you'll never go back." That sounds to me like the coffee sucks and you won't go back to that store.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 10:32 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
Three Friends Coffee
posted by _sirmissalot_ at 10:54 AM on September 18, 2006
posted by _sirmissalot_ at 10:54 AM on September 18, 2006
Fuel(ed)
Beantown
Double pump
Java trip
Shotty pulls
(Jittery Joe's (FANTASTIC coffee btw): http://store.jitteryjoes.com/ I'm not knowledgeable of copywrite information as far as their name goes though)
posted by jmd82 at 10:54 AM on September 18, 2006
Beantown
Double pump
Java trip
Shotty pulls
(Jittery Joe's (FANTASTIC coffee btw): http://store.jitteryjoes.com/ I'm not knowledgeable of copywrite information as far as their name goes though)
posted by jmd82 at 10:54 AM on September 18, 2006
Call it Two Bucks and have a logo just like fourbucks with two male deers instead of the mermaid.
Or make your logo completely different...
posted by Monkey0nCrack at 11:20 AM on September 18, 2006
Or make your logo completely different...
posted by Monkey0nCrack at 11:20 AM on September 18, 2006
Battlestar Gablacktica
And you can serve Mango CYLON tea!
posted by Darth Fedor at 11:34 AM on September 18, 2006
And you can serve Mango CYLON tea!
posted by Darth Fedor at 11:34 AM on September 18, 2006
The Emergency Break
(And my apologies for the last one)
posted by Darth Fedor at 11:35 AM on September 18, 2006
(And my apologies for the last one)
posted by Darth Fedor at 11:35 AM on September 18, 2006
Express-O
The "O" could be designed in the shape of tire or whatever to imply motion.
posted by shakobe at 11:57 AM on September 18, 2006
The "O" could be designed in the shape of tire or whatever to imply motion.
posted by shakobe at 11:57 AM on September 18, 2006
Chavs!
posted by parmanparman at 12:21 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by parmanparman at 12:21 PM on September 18, 2006
Sip 'n' Swerve
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 12:33 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 12:33 PM on September 18, 2006
Seconding JohnnyGunn's comments to avoid puns or clichéd phrasing, especially if you're intending this to be an upscale joint.
So forget about anything with bean, roast, brew, cup, sip, joe, java, jolt, express, espresso, café. You want a word or phrase or name that gives your customers a feeling about you. What do you want your customers to think and feel about you, your products, your service? That's crucial information missing from your question.
posted by GhostintheMachine at 12:52 PM on September 18, 2006
So forget about anything with bean, roast, brew, cup, sip, joe, java, jolt, express, espresso, café. You want a word or phrase or name that gives your customers a feeling about you. What do you want your customers to think and feel about you, your products, your service? That's crucial information missing from your question.
posted by GhostintheMachine at 12:52 PM on September 18, 2006
Seconding JohnnyGunn's comments to avoid puns or clichéd phrasing, especially if you're intending this to be an upscale joint.
Not to derail, but I have to disagree.
posted by jmd82 at 2:17 PM on September 18, 2006
Not to derail, but I have to disagree.
posted by jmd82 at 2:17 PM on September 18, 2006
Black Stone Roasted.
I also like this name with a comma in it. Black, Stone Roasted.
(Also: Stone can be a name for the inside of any drupe type fruit of which coffee is, apparently).
Some others:
The Mighty Bean.
Mean Bean Machine.
Lakes of Coffee
Superior Coffee (don't know my geography enough to know if this is a good choice, isn't Erie closer?, but it's a lake that scales when you go global, whereas Erie not so much).
Automatic Coffee.
Don't need no mitten with this Joe.
Black Troll Coffee (apparently if you're from southern Michigan you can be called a troll. What a state!)
Black's Lighthouse Brew.
posted by safetyfork at 3:45 PM on September 18, 2006
I also like this name with a comma in it. Black, Stone Roasted.
(Also: Stone can be a name for the inside of any drupe type fruit of which coffee is, apparently).
Some others:
The Mighty Bean.
Mean Bean Machine.
Lakes of Coffee
Superior Coffee (don't know my geography enough to know if this is a good choice, isn't Erie closer?, but it's a lake that scales when you go global, whereas Erie not so much).
Automatic Coffee.
Don't need no mitten with this Joe.
Black Troll Coffee (apparently if you're from southern Michigan you can be called a troll. What a state!)
Black's Lighthouse Brew.
posted by safetyfork at 3:45 PM on September 18, 2006
Strong, Black and Proud
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 3:54 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 3:54 PM on September 18, 2006
"Black's Espress-OH! (with tagline: once you go Black...)"
Ok, I'm only half serious but if you're going for the whole "sex sells" market, might as well go all the way hehe;)
posted by mynameismandab at 3:55 PM on September 18, 2006
Ok, I'm only half serious but if you're going for the whole "sex sells" market, might as well go all the way hehe;)
posted by mynameismandab at 3:55 PM on September 18, 2006
There (was? is?) a place in Vancouver called Expresso Head, a good name which covers the type of coffees served at a quick rate, the head of espresso, and that it may be a little funky too.
or, "Buy This Coffee Or We'll Shoot This Dog."
posted by Zack_Replica at 4:02 PM on September 18, 2006
or, "Buy This Coffee Or We'll Shoot This Dog."
posted by Zack_Replica at 4:02 PM on September 18, 2006
Back in Black
(...but just plain Black's is my favorite. It's such a great coffee name it doesn't really need the whipped topping or sprinkles.)
posted by melissa may at 4:03 PM on September 18, 2006
(...but just plain Black's is my favorite. It's such a great coffee name it doesn't really need the whipped topping or sprinkles.)
posted by melissa may at 4:03 PM on September 18, 2006
Ceiling Cat is Watching You Drink Coffee
(esoteric inside jokes make the best names)
posted by Doohickie at 4:33 PM on September 18, 2006
(esoteric inside jokes make the best names)
posted by Doohickie at 4:33 PM on September 18, 2006
First, some backstory. There are three distinct parts to a shot of espresso. The heart (the black bottom), the body (the tan/golden brown middle), and the crema (the top part that resembles sweet caramel). Ristretto refers to a short espresso shot (meaning it doesn't undergo full extraction and comes out a bit sweeter than usual).
I've managed and opened a couple of coffee shops, so I have a little bit of experience. Don't pick a name that's too many syllables. Keep it short and sweet. Any name will do (really) because they tend to grow on people anyway. I would be careful with using the word "Black" because it doesn't sound appetizing (to the stomach or to the senses). My suggestions are:
Crema
Cafe Crema
Cafe Ristretto
Cafe Con Amor (meaning: with love)
posted by SeizeTheDay at 5:05 PM on September 18, 2006
I've managed and opened a couple of coffee shops, so I have a little bit of experience. Don't pick a name that's too many syllables. Keep it short and sweet. Any name will do (really) because they tend to grow on people anyway. I would be careful with using the word "Black" because it doesn't sound appetizing (to the stomach or to the senses). My suggestions are:
Crema
Cafe Crema
Cafe Ristretto
Cafe Con Amor (meaning: with love)
posted by SeizeTheDay at 5:05 PM on September 18, 2006
BTW, using the espresso shot (with the three layers colored in) as the logo with the name Cafe Crema would be divine, IMHO. It shows that you understand coffee, that you're the best (crema of the crop, har har), and creates an easily identifiable logo (everyone knows what you're selling).
posted by SeizeTheDay at 5:10 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by SeizeTheDay at 5:10 PM on September 18, 2006
Perk n Go
posted by Raymond Marble at 5:42 PM on September 18, 2006
posted by Raymond Marble at 5:42 PM on September 18, 2006
Since you are near Detroit, I would recommend:
Motown Joe
If that doesn't fly, you could always try Middle English:
Burde Swart's Geyn Birlen-Trist of Wlech Tysane Payn-Demayn an-ent Mo Wlanc Prouendes.
posted by billtron at 7:47 PM on September 18, 2006
Motown Joe
If that doesn't fly, you could always try Middle English:
Burde Swart's Geyn Birlen-Trist of Wlech Tysane Payn-Demayn an-ent Mo Wlanc Prouendes.
posted by billtron at 7:47 PM on September 18, 2006
SeizetheDay said:
posted by billtron at 7:55 PM on September 18, 2006
There are three distinct parts to a shot of espresso. The heart (the black bottom), the body (the tan/golden brown middle), and the crema (the top part that resembles sweet caramel). Ristretto refers to a short espresso shot (meaning it doesn't undergo full extraction and comes out a bit sweeter than usual)....Maybe it's best to avoid discussing classification based on color in your neck of the woods.
I would be careful with using the word "Black" because it doesn't sound appetizing (to the stomach or to the senses)....
BTW, using the espresso shot (with the three layers colored in) as the logo with the name Cafe Crema would be divine, IMHO. It shows that you understand coffee, that you're the best (crema of the crop, har har)....
posted by billtron at 7:55 PM on September 18, 2006
- Where You Bean?
- Like My Men
- Fresh Pothole
- Coffeepothole
- Mudflaps
- Coffee Blacktop
posted by me3dia at 7:59 PM on September 18, 2006
- Like My Men
- Fresh Pothole
- Coffeepothole
- Mudflaps
- Coffee Blacktop
posted by me3dia at 7:59 PM on September 18, 2006
I say go simple: Black's. Maybe: Crema Black.
Part of me, however, wishes you would go with CoffeeFilter.
posted by kosem at 9:44 PM on September 18, 2006
Part of me, however, wishes you would go with CoffeeFilter.
posted by kosem at 9:44 PM on September 18, 2006
1. Loca-Mocha -- where the logo maybe is surrounded by wheels of a car with a cup of coffee and steam on top
2. Presto Espresso
3. Instant Coffee
4. The Bean Thru
(I see logos for 2-4 with those speed marks running off at the end, as though the word were running.)
posted by onlyconnect at 10:15 PM on September 18, 2006
2. Presto Espresso
3. Instant Coffee
4. The Bean Thru
(I see logos for 2-4 with those speed marks running off at the end, as though the word were running.)
posted by onlyconnect at 10:15 PM on September 18, 2006
or for loca-mocha -- maybe the 2 o's are the car wheels.
Or, Stop 'n Joe.
posted by onlyconnect at 10:26 PM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
Or, Stop 'n Joe.
posted by onlyconnect at 10:26 PM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]
I think you should go with what jmd82 said.
Fuel.
Simple and appropriate without being kitschy or cutesy. I'd definately rather go to "Fuel" for my coffee than any of the others listed, IMHO. Mind you, I'm on the other side of the planet and upside down to boot, so YMMV.
Best wishes for the business!
posted by ninazer0 at 3:38 AM on September 19, 2006
Fuel.
Simple and appropriate without being kitschy or cutesy. I'd definately rather go to "Fuel" for my coffee than any of the others listed, IMHO. Mind you, I'm on the other side of the planet and upside down to boot, so YMMV.
Best wishes for the business!
posted by ninazer0 at 3:38 AM on September 19, 2006
There's the history of the automotive industry in Mich as well (as another possible reason why Fuel may be a good selection). Athough, with the geopolitical situation as it is, maybe it's not so great.
On that front: PEAK COFFEE
O.M.G. COFFEE
Good Luck!
posted by safetyfork at 6:28 AM on September 19, 2006
On that front: PEAK COFFEE
O.M.G. COFFEE
Good Luck!
posted by safetyfork at 6:28 AM on September 19, 2006
There's a sandwich shop in Horsforth called Fuel.
It's opposite the DVLA
posted by seanyboy at 10:28 AM on September 19, 2006
It's opposite the DVLA
posted by seanyboy at 10:28 AM on September 19, 2006
Like ninazer0, I liked the simple single-word ones the most, specifically:
Fuel
Rush
Black's
Perk
Stim
synonyms for awake, awaken, energize (quicken, kindle, bestir, etc.)
You could always go the Starbuck's route and use a literary allusion.
If you ever plan to expand, Brew Thru is already a drive-through liquor store in North Carolina (I know, idiotic - but you're not supposed to drink it in the car).
posted by timepiece at 11:40 AM on September 19, 2006
Fuel
Rush
Black's
Perk
Stim
synonyms for awake, awaken, energize (quicken, kindle, bestir, etc.)
You could always go the Starbuck's route and use a literary allusion.
If you ever plan to expand, Brew Thru is already a drive-through liquor store in North Carolina (I know, idiotic - but you're not supposed to drink it in the car).
posted by timepiece at 11:40 AM on September 19, 2006
CoffeeFilter is cute. And it would honor the MeFites that helped to pick it out.
Or how about "/blæk/"? It's pronounced like "Black" but it looks like phonetics. Try it out in Times New Roman or a larger font.
My vote is for something short and sweet.
Black.
/blæk/.
Buzzed.
posted by mynameismandab at 11:53 AM on September 19, 2006
Or how about "/blæk/"? It's pronounced like "Black" but it looks like phonetics. Try it out in Times New Roman or a larger font.
My vote is for something short and sweet.
Black.
/blæk/.
Buzzed.
posted by mynameismandab at 11:53 AM on September 19, 2006
Response by poster: Getting the three of us on the phone at the same time is difficult - I am hoping for the next two weeks - I will post an update in metatalk. Thanks for all of the suggestions!
posted by blackkar at 9:18 AM on September 28, 2006
posted by blackkar at 9:18 AM on September 28, 2006
Still waiting...
posted by mynameismandab at 11:41 AM on October 21, 2006
posted by mynameismandab at 11:41 AM on October 21, 2006
It's been 3 months already. When are we gonna know?!
posted by mynameismandab at 7:47 PM on December 11, 2006
posted by mynameismandab at 7:47 PM on December 11, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by parilous at 8:34 AM on September 18, 2006 [1 favorite]