7- Kate Haas
Thriving on Community and Tradition: The Journey of Earth’s Café
In a world that's all about big-box stores and mass production, Earth’s Café in Norman, Oklahoma, throws it back to simpler times while keeping things fresh and modern. Owned by Kate Haas and her husband Richard, this gem has morphed from a struggling health food store to a beloved community hangout.
The place started back in 1969, as Oklahoma’s first health food store. Fast forward to a few years ago, when Kate and Richard swooped in to rescue it. The shop was in a bit of a mess, but with some elbow grease, paint, and new products like smoothies and sandwiches, they transformed it into something special.
And get this—they spent a whopping $12,000 on a fancy point of sale (POS) system but ended up going old-school with handwritten tickets and an old-style cash register. Why? It slowed things down in the kitchen and caused more mistakes. Handwritten tickets eased the pressure and reduced errors. They even make their own gift cards by hand. Talk about personal touch!
Raising menu prices was a tough call for Kate. She felt guilty but knew it was necessary to keep the business afloat and pay her employees fairly. A consultant laid out the cold, hard facts: their organic offerings were seriously underpriced. The price hike was nerve-wracking, but the community support was like a warm hug. As Kate put it, “I want to explain this to them. But it has been the most beautiful validation to have our customers, new and old, be like, 'I get it.’”
Competing with big-box stores like Natural Grocers and Sprouts? Not easy. These giants offer more options at lower prices. Earth’s Café just can’t match that volume. Kate and Richard often find themselves buying stock from these very stores. It’s a weird but essential part of their strategy. “We go to Costco twice a week and stock up. It’s tiring but essential,” Kate says.
Employees at Earth’s Café aren't just staff—they’re “earthlings.” Kate and Richard treat them like family, which has its ups and downs. Balancing friendship with professionalism can be tricky. “Managing people is the hardest part,” Kate admits. They struggle with incomplete tasks and finding the right work ethic balance. But through it all, their team is a cornerstone of the café’s success.
Looking ahead, Kate dreams of passing the torch, maybe to a loving couple or even her son Oliver. “I would love my son to take it over and make it his own, but if someone else believes in the magic, I’d be grateful too,” she says. She also envisions turning their house into an Airbnb while traveling and staying connected to the Norman community.
Kate’s journey with Earth’s Café is powered by love, tradition, and hard work. Running a small business amid tech advances and stiff competition isn’t easy, but for Kate and her family, it’s a labor of love. They’ve created a home away from home, not just for themselves but for their extended community.
So if you ever find yourself in Norman, Oklahoma, swing by Earth’s Café for a taste of history, community, and some seriously good organic food. And who knows, maybe you’re the next person to take the reins of this magical place. As Kate likes to say, follow your "God dust" and see where it takes you.
Connect with Kate on IG: https://www.instagram.com/seewhatk8sees/
Connect with The Earth Cafe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theearthcafenorman/
Check out The Earth House AirBnB
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