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I worked there from '97 - '00. The place is a community. Clarke has created something unmatched across the country. I met people there that literally changed my life- not to mention the impact that Clarke himself had on me as a young person. Plus, I met my wife from the other side of the world there, so in a way, Highland Coffees is responsible for the existence of my kids!
This would be an unimaginable loss for Baton Rouge and the neighborhood.
My Highland Coffees Story
I wasn't the happiest LSU student. I came to LSU to work on my third degree, and I was tired of academia by then. What began as apathy quickly transformed into a quiet hostility, as I was aggravated with myself for taking so long to complete my studies and enter the workforce. What saved me from needless wallowing in self-pity over decisions that were no one's fault but my own? It might sound far-fetched to you, but it was a coffee shop. I fell in love with Highland Coffees from the start of my college career at LSU--everything from the large windows, to the delicious frozen coffee with the crushed espresso beans, to the baristas who were always friendly enough to lift my spirits when I was weary. It's a haven for the introverted, because I felt free to offer others polite greetings and small talk before I buried myself in a book. A somewhat older student disillusioned by college life, I found a second home there. I could enjoy the benefits of the company of strangers and the constant hum of conversation around me, warm up with sweet and spicy chai, and contemplate why any sane person would choose to pursue two masters degrees. I could morph myself into a hermit, but Highland Coffees visits reminded me that there was a world out there whenever I was ready to participate in it again. When I settled into school and embraced extroversion, Highland Coffees was still ideal. I went on my first date with my first girlfriend there. I met with classmates to discuss projects. Not long after graduation, when I began my first job as a librarian, my parents offered to take me out to eat when my first day came to a close. I asked them to meet me at Highland Coffees, where I had become convinced that everything in both my LSU and professional lives began and ended. That is why I was heartbroken to learn that Hank Saurage, the owner of the building that houses Highland Coffees, and the shop's owner, Clark Cadzow, have not reached an agreement that would allow Cadzow to renew his lease. I think that integral to one's identity is place, and that Highland Coffees has become part of who I am. I sincerely hope that the two of them can reach an agreement that will allow thousands of others who love the shop to continue to enjoy it, as well as the many students who've yet to come to LSU and Baton Rouge.
The World inside a coffee shop
I spent almost every day of my 4 years at LSU at Highland. It was my place to study, to relax,to come and talk to people there, to meet my dates, to meet with my study groups and professors and discuss projects. It it the place I tell people about now that I no longer live in Louisiana. I compare all the coffee shops to Highland now and to be honest, no one has compared yet. No chain place will ever compare to the uniqueness of highland. It has 25 years of history and it shows. It is a place where multiple generations share something in common, where you will see a 65 year old playing chess with teenagers, where you see people of different cultural backgrounds, ages, genders, political and religious beliefs - all having peace and common grounds. Highland is like a picture of a perfect little universe. It is the World we all want to live it. Do not take it away from us!
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Too Many to Recall
In the recent past, I gathered a few classmates from LSU’s School of Library and Information Science and we formed a social/knitting group which met on Tuesday evenings every week. As our group grew, Clarke would help us secure enough tables and chairs and always welcome us with a smile. In addition to those Tuesday evening group meetings, I spent more than a few hours at HC studying for exams, brainstorming with study groups, and simply just enjoying the ambience of the place while sipping the best-tasting coffee anywhere. My husband and I have always made HC a destination while out bike-riding on hot days. We always enjoy sitting under the arbor sipping frozen blended mocha coffees … mmmmmmmm!
I have also gotten to know Clarke by way of his historic collection of Chimes Street/ North Gate photos and information. I have helped him locate possible sources for more photos and encouraged him to publish a book. I have told him more than once that after I retire I’d like to help him put such a book together.
How do you say goodbye to a friend like Highland Coffees? It’s so much more than just a coffee shop. After all, there are numerous coffee shops in the area. My theory is that the others in the area only exist BECAUSE Highland Coffees does - people go to HC first and if they can’t find a table or chair indoors or out, only then will they head to one of the other coffee shops.
Besides offering the best tasting coffee, HC also offers the best in homemade pastries. By giving HC one’s business, there’s a line of other locally owned businesses which benefit. From free gallery space, to a counter for local information about arts and events, to delicious coffee, to people-watching, there’s just no comparison between Highland Coffees and any other business in Baton Rouge.
I hope Hank Saurage will renegotiate with Clarke in good faith. We don’t need any additional revolving doors of failing restaurants in that space.
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I had honestly not known how awesome Highland was when I applied to work there in June 2007. I had maybe set foot in the shop a few times at this point. Clarke called me for an interview and it ended up lasting OVER TWO HOURS. At that point, I knew that this place was special. The fact that Clarke so thoroughly vets his employees shows that he is really dedicated to making sure that he selects a staff that is conscientious and will take care of his customers. When I accepted the position, I had no idea how special it really was, and thoroughly enjoyed working for Clarke and working with the really special people I met during my three years at Highland. I am very proud to be a Highland Coffees alumna!
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By Nick BeJeaux On September 29, Highland Coffees, a cultural fixture of the Northgate community, announced it would close its doors forever on Christmas Eve. For 25 years, the shop’s owner, Clarke...
Read it now!
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Anonymous Love
Highland Coffees is a great intellectual center in Baton Rouge. It’s a place where you can find people of many different countries and backgrounds playing chess or discussing history. It’s one of the few places in the city where I feel relaxed, and it’s the place where I met most of the friends I have.
-- Submitted anonymously by a member of the LSU staff
I have been a Highland customer since it opened its doors in 1989. The coffee is beyond compare. Very few people go to the lengths Clarke goes to in order to select a high quality coffee and roast the beans in house. The nature of the atmosphere is incomparable. There is a great sense of community - almost family - at the shop, where I have made friends for life. It is a great melting pot of people and ideas. It is the single most urban location in Baton Rouge, with a mixture of different races, economic backgrounds, and alternative ideas. A community like this wouldn’t happen in any other situation, be it a restaurant, a retail store, etc.
-- Submitted anonymously by a longtime member of the Highland Community
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Highland is one of the most diverse places in Baton Rouge. At any given moment you can find people of vastly different ethnicities, creeds, and political views coming together for conversation.
My favorite thing about Highland though is Clarke. He’s the sweetest, most welcoming, friendly business owner I have ever encountered, and he does so much for the community. Losing Highland isn’t just losing a coffee shop. Losing Highland is losing Clarke and the support the community receives from him every day. You can’t put monetary value on what he does/has done for the North Gates and Baton Rouge in general.
I love Highland, and I don’t even drink coffee (though I hear it’s the best in town).
#highlandcupchallenge #savehighlandcoffees #shareyourstory
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