1369 Coffee House

In January 1993, the 1369 Coffee House opened at 1369 Cambridge Street, in Cambridge’s Inman Square. The site was the former home of the 1369 Jazz Club, a well known local bar and music venue. A little over a year later, in June 1994, 1369 opened a second store in nearby Central Square.
Crisis in Central Square
The coffee shop originally started as a pet project for local philanthropist Gerry Wolf. Yet as time passed, the people of Cambridge began to accept the 1369 as a more welcoming environment than the New England staple, Dunkin' Donuts.
In December 1997, Starbucks thought it would try its hand at opening one of their seemingly omnipresent locations in Central Square yet the large corporation was unprepared for the cold reception it would receive. It seemed that the notably volatile and outspoken residents of Cambridge feared that "what McDonald's did to the family diner, Starbucks may do to the traditional coffee shops that line Central Square." After a demonstration, Starbucks continued with their plans and built their Central Square location with the adverse reaction of forcing more customers into the 1369 Coffee House in a display of community solidarity.
Recent History
In 2005, 1369's ownership changed hands with the aging Gerry Wolf passing the torch on to his nephew, Joshua Gerber. Gerber's new young approach to micromanagement (of both locations) has brought the store to new levels as a star in the community. The staff consists of students and wastrels and the patrons range in age from high school students through octogenarians.
At both locations the store promotes a sense of communal pride and sustainability. Sometimes they host live music and coffee tastings. The staff is trained in creating beautiful works of latte art and concocting delicious, well-balanced espresso drinks.

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