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Locally Brewed

The Community Impact of Coffee Shops
Locally Brewed

Espressos. Americanos. Cold brews. Lattes. It seems like there’s a cup of coffee for everyone.  And being able to support businesses that are often family or minority-owned can be a heartwarming experience for both the customer and  the cafe. This goes beyond the coffee– the quiet setting is a place for students to gather, study, and socialize with friends. Sophomore Gianna Van Dame often spends her time in these shops. “When a coffee shop has fun seating and unique and flavorful drinks I’m more apt to study there.” Van Dame said. 

A Cornerstone Cafe

Among the shops in downtown Noblesville, Noble Coffee and Tea is a highlight for many. Lily Wenzel, a barista at Noble, sees the community as a highlight. 

     “I love people meeting in one place, and it is such a great environment for that.” Wenzel said. 

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     As well, Noble’s cozy, welcoming design is ideal for getting school work completed.      

     “Coffee shops that are quiet often are less overstimulating than other environments,” junior Max Bricker said.

Spill The Tea

Although many coffee shops sell tea as well, options tend to be very limited. In late 2025 the Spice and Tea Exchange opened in downtown Noblesville, to bring more variety to the community’s cups. Barista and son of The Tea Exchange owners, Logan Hexamer, values the assortment offered by the store.

     “I want everyone to know that teas and these spices really do have a lot of health benefits,” Hexamer said. 

     Expanding Noblesville’s palette is a strong motivation for Hexamer. 

    “It means community,” Hexamer said. 

More Than A Cafe

Shopping with a warm beverage and buttery croissant is a dream winter for many. A barista at Jardin who goes by the name “Finn” has noticed the importance of local shops and how much they add to the communities’ past and present

“Local shops in general have a lot of power to change the course of history,” Finn said. 

 

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About the Contributors
Liv Parmley, Opinions Editor
Parmley is a Junior at NHS and Opinions Editor for the Mill Stream. This is her second year on staff. Her passions include coding, software, and web design, as well as philosophy, and post-structuralist literary theory. Her hobbies include collecting cameras and other technology from the early 2000s, and having a controversial music taste. Contact her at [email protected], please. 
Eloise Smith, Staff Writer
Eloise Smith is a sophomore at Noblesville High school. She is a staff writer on the NHS Millstream, this is her second year on staff. Eloise loves to read, bake, cook and go on runs. She spends lots of time with her friends and family. You can contact her at [email protected].