Open Letter to Portland, Maine Coffee Shops: Please Open Earlier

If you had told 12-year-old Chris Sedenka that he'd grow up loving coffee, he would've laughed right in your face. But as I got older, I realized just how rewarding a truly great cup of coffee can be. And I'm also incredibly weird with my order because I'm anything but a creature of habit. I'll drink it black, with cream and sugar, as an espresso, an Americano, a cappuccino, or a flavored latte. Give me all of it.

I also love enjoying my coffee at local shops because supporting local businesses matters. Small businesses are the backbone of Maine, especially when they're serving up incredible coffee and delicious baked goods.

That's why it pains me to write this article, because I'm about to collectively call out many of my favorite local coffee shops—especially those in Portland. See, there's a bit of a problem we need to discuss.

So let's just rip the Band-Aid off.

Portland coffee shops... y'all need to open earlier. It's practically a crime how late you open.

Why Can't Portland, Maine, Coffee Shops Open Earlier?

How is it that when I drive to work in the morning, my only options are Dunkin' or Starbucks? Why is this a thing? There are so many outstanding coffee shops in this city, yet nearly every single one of you has decided to discriminate against us early risers by opening after 7 a.m.

I have to say, it's a downright travesty.

Now, you might be saying, "Chris, 7 a.m. is early enough. Who really needs a coffee shop open before that?"

Well, I'll tell you who, me and the hordes of early workers out there in the world.

When Should Portland, Maine, Coffee Shops Open in the Morning?

Every coffee shop should have its doors open by 5 a.m., ready to fuel the thousands of people who start their day long before the sun comes up.

Why don't us early birds deserve great coffee? Are we somehow less valuable than the 8-to-4 crowd or the traditional 9-to-5ers? Why do they get all the gourmet options while we're stuck waiting in the drive-thru at another chain?

It's a crying shame.

I don't think I'm asking for much. Heck, I'd settle for just one local coffee shop opening earlier. Just think about how much goodwill you'd earn in this city. You would absolutely own the local coffee market from 5 to 7 a.m. Every one of us would become a loyal customer for life.

And yes, you know I'd write an article about you.

Want to call that bribery? Fine. I mean, that's basically what it is.

But I don't care.

I just want a really damn good cup of local coffee before I get to work.

Please, Portland coffee shops, think of us early risers. We need your help so we can start our days running at full speed—with a proper cup of coffee in hand.

(And if I completely overlooked a coffee shop that's open at 5 a.m., my bad.)