Tea Time with Hannah

I love coffee shops. There's something about the aura of a coffee shop that makes me feel so relaxed and somehow inspired to actually do that studying I've been putting off for days. It's a mixture of the caffeine in the drinks and the energy from people enjoying a conversation or tackling an assignment that creates that special coffee shop buzz. Sips, located on Prince Avenue, just across the street from Automatic Pizza and Ike & Jane, has perfected that classic and quaint coffee shop experience. At first glance, the location looks a bit out of place in a parking lot surrounded by a Spanish grocery store and a Mexican restaurant. However, a deeper look shows a brightly colored exterior and large, open windows that entice even the slightest of hipsters to purchase an overpriced Americano. The interior consists of a large, patio-styled room where coffee drinkers can enjoy some fresh air and a small shop, with a bar area inside for ordering and a kitchen area for s...

It's a bit ironic that "Normaltown" was named "Normal"town. Quite frankly, there's nothing normal about it. A stranger passing through might glance at the antique buildings, the old rusty signs, and the unique mom-and-pop style brands and wonder how these businesses survive in the competitive Athens market. But any local Athens resident will contest that these businesses are what makes this small, eclectic city so wonderful.  Located off Prince Ave, across the street from Athens Regional Medical Center, Ike & Jane quietly sits on the corner location creating an aroma of freshly baked goods and hand crafted coffees perfect for the Instagram loving foodie. Calling Athens home for over 7 years, this local business serves up uniquely flavored donuts as well as classic cafe treats that attract residents and visitors of all ages. My first thought before my visit was: In the world of dominating brands such as Starbucks and Jittery Joes, how does Ike &...

If you've ever logged on to Facebook, you've probably seen the endless array of videos and pictures from restaurants all over the world showcasing their specialty food and drink selections. From unique, mouthwatering desserts to craft-fully designed cappuccinos, the internet is overflowing with people showing off their unique treats. So how can small, local restaurants capitalize on this social media trend? 1. Encourage people to "check-in" at your restaurant.  A great form of free advertising is when consumers "check-in" to your location on social media and share with all of their friends the great experience they had. Make sure that your business has a location on google that people can use this feature with, and consider setting up a promotion that encourages customers to use it. 2. Pictures speak louder than words.  Instead of trying to explain to customers why they should visit your business, show them! Take quality images of your best food creation...