The potential of opening a café in Stige (Denmark)
Wágner, Gábor (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120532895
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120532895
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this thesis was to examine the potential of opening a café in Stige, a small town in Denmark, and to explore how such an establishment could contribute to both local community life and sustainable small-town development. The study investigated the needs, preferences, and expectations of local residents regarding café services and atmosphere, and assessed whether a café could strengthen social belonging and local identity in Stige.
The theoretical framework of the study focuses on literature about café culture, community engagement, and the sociological concept of “third places. The research also integrated the Danish cultural concept of hygge- a feeling of coziness, comfort, and togetherness- which is central to the social experience of cafés in Denmark. Additionally, the study considered current trends in café culture, such as the growing emphasis on quality, authenticity, and the integration of local and sustainable practices in hospitality services. These theoretical perspectives provided a foundation for understanding how a café could function not only as a business but also as a social and cultural hub.
The empirical research was conducted through an online survey distributed among Stige residents via social media. The total of 196 responses was analyzed to determine what products, services, and experiences potential customers value most. The results indicated a strong interest in a café that combines good-quality coffee, healthy and homemade food, and a friendly and personal atmosphere. Respondents valued authenticity, affordability, and social events, such as live music, community gatherings, over long opening hours, or high-end products. Many residents expressed a wish for a café that would provide a relaxed and inclusive environment suitable for families, individuals, and different age groups.
The findings confirm that opening a café in Stige could be both a feasible business and a valuable social initiative.
The theoretical framework of the study focuses on literature about café culture, community engagement, and the sociological concept of “third places. The research also integrated the Danish cultural concept of hygge- a feeling of coziness, comfort, and togetherness- which is central to the social experience of cafés in Denmark. Additionally, the study considered current trends in café culture, such as the growing emphasis on quality, authenticity, and the integration of local and sustainable practices in hospitality services. These theoretical perspectives provided a foundation for understanding how a café could function not only as a business but also as a social and cultural hub.
The empirical research was conducted through an online survey distributed among Stige residents via social media. The total of 196 responses was analyzed to determine what products, services, and experiences potential customers value most. The results indicated a strong interest in a café that combines good-quality coffee, healthy and homemade food, and a friendly and personal atmosphere. Respondents valued authenticity, affordability, and social events, such as live music, community gatherings, over long opening hours, or high-end products. Many residents expressed a wish for a café that would provide a relaxed and inclusive environment suitable for families, individuals, and different age groups.
The findings confirm that opening a café in Stige could be both a feasible business and a valuable social initiative.