MILWAUKEE — Some local coffee shops say tariffs are adding another challenge to the already rising cost of coffee beans.
Simon McConico, a co-owner of Vennture Brew Company, said their small business buys coffee beans based on need so the price they pay fluctuates. McConico explained the price changes based on weather conditions in growing regions and the economy. Since those factors are strained it puts the shop in a tough place.
Watch: Local coffee shop makes changes to manage higher costs:
Vennture Brew Company roasts coffee and brews beer in Milwaukee and Brookfield. McConico told TMJ4 they are paying more for fewer coffee beans than last year.
"I would buy a full pallet, and now, when I buy half a pallet it costs the same," McConico said.
The cost of their paper goods is also going up.
"You try to plan as much as you can and then see where that lands, but ultimately if we can't pay our bills, we don't exist," McConico stated.
To help cover increasing costs, Vennture Brew Company upped the price of their 12-ounce bag of house blend coffee by $2.
They are not alone in finding ways to navigate financial challenges.
Stone Creek Coffee recently sent a message to customers citing higher costs of coffee and tariffs as the reasons for changing the size of its packaged coffee for sale. The email noted the company's efforts to keep up with increasing prices while keeping its products accessible.
"We're having to do business differently than we were," McConico told TMJ4. "I think that uncertainty is tough for everyone and when you're responsible for multiple families and their incomes that's a lot, that weighs on you."
The co-owner says he paused one project because it is not worth it currently.
Their team did create a rewards program to try and balance the recent price change for customers.
Kimberly D'Anna-Hernandez, who is a regular at Vennture Brew Company, explained that as people feel the impact of tariffs being intentional with where she spends money becomes more important.
Between the coffee and the community events at the coffee shop, D'Anna-Hernandez plans to keep supporting her go-to place.
"This strip on North is full of a lot of community businesses and so I think it's important to keep that," D'Anna Hernandez said.
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