Looking for a new study spot, a tall latte, or a good cause? Maybe all three? A new coffee shop has just opened at 418 State St. from the owner of Michelangelo's Coffee, 114 State St. Sam Chehade and wife Laurie Hen are following up on seven years of success as coffee shop owners and trying their hand again with Fair Trade Coffee, a shop serving an array of coffees, mochas, smoothies, sandwiches and desserts right in the midst of the State Street bustle.
The name foretells the mission. Fair Trade, like its counterpart Michelangelo's, is a coffee shop dedicated to the \fair trade"" business practice, which encompasses two basic principles: First, coffee shop owners like Sam buy their coffee products from companies that pay small farmers significantly more per pound for coffee beans. On average, big chains like Starbucks and Dunn Brothers will pay the world price per pound, which is about 55 cents. The fair trade companies pay farmers a minimum of $1.28 per pound, which Chehade and others say is essential for the survival of the many small farmers in the competitive market.
""They have to make a living,"" Chehade said. ""They can't do that getting paid half or a third of what they should, meanwhile facing competition from big corporate farms.""
The second component, of equal importance, is the assurance of fair labor practices on the farms. Worldwide, child labor is often exploited in coffee production. The fair trade organization can guarantee its labor practices (nobody underage) and pays its employees in U.S. wages. On farms across the world, in South America, Africa and Mexico, these labor regulations are enforced, not just for coffee production, but chocolate, handicrafts and other food items, as well. Sure, this means that buying Fair Trade coffee beans costs the shop owner a little more, since both the farmers and the workers are getting paid more. However, those who buy products for their stores through Fair Trade will invariably tell you the cause is well worth it.
""The whole concept is about understanding we aren't the only people in the world,"" Chehade said. Other Madison coffee shops agree. Along with Michelangelo's and Fair Trade, Catacombs, 731 State St. and Espresso Royale, 208 and 650 State St., all offer Fair Trade brand roasted coffees and chocolate. And the added cost doesn't carry over to the customer; in fact, the prices for coffee drinks are lower at most of these small businesses than the chains.
The new shop has many of the offerings that make Michelangelo's a favorite spot on State. The shop is decorated with beautiful dark woodwork and original local artwork, some of which is for sale. There is ample seating and a cozy back nook with a fireplace.
Try choosing between the candy bar in a cup, (an Almond Joy mocha, $3.40) the Chai Charger, (a chai concentrate with a double shot of espresso, $3.75) and the mango pineapple smoothie ($3.75). Even more tempting is the bakery case, where peanut butter brownies ($1.90) rival Black Forest Cake and assorted cheesecakes by the slice ($3.25). Or, try a Fair Trade favorite: a crusty French baguette with a side of soft brie cheese ($2.75).
There's more variety amongst coffee connoisseurs on State Street these days than there are Ugg boots and trucker hats covering the campus. However, to make the decision a little easier, consider picking up your caffeinated concoction at one of the several spots in town that helps out small farmers. By doing so, you are in turn supporting the small businesses of Madison and helping them to thrive in a competitive capitalist market. A pretty fair trade, isn't it?
