5 Best Examples of Local Coffee Shop Apps & Why They Work
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5 Best Examples of Local Coffee Shop Apps & Why They Work

Large coffee chains have impressive technology, but size isn’t the only way to get there. You don't need to be a global brand to have a top-notch app.

With Craver, your local coffee shop can have the kind of features you see at Starbucks. Designed specifically for local businesses. Craver offers commission-free plans, no setup fees, and no binding long-term contracts. It's about delivering a premium digital experience without the premium cost.

Let’s take a look at some of the best local coffee shop apps powered by Craver, and the features that are driving their success.

 

1. Mocha Nut

📍Indianapolis, Indiana

Mocha Nut’s mission is to bring people together. The coffee shop rolled out its app in 2019, with the goal of simplifying the ordering process and thanking its regulars with loyalty rewards. Now, the app proudly boasts a 5-star rating on both the App and Google Play Store.

  • Rich Imagery: The images are warm and inviting, perfectly capturing their brand. Opening their app feels like a warm greeting, mirroring the coffee shop’s mission for exceptional customer service.
  • Loyalty Features: A points collection system lets customers save up for free menu items and see how far away they are from their next reward. Favorites (including modifiers) can be saved for single-tap reordering.
  • Simplicity at its Core: The design prioritizes ease of use. Swift navigation ensures even first-time users can easily navigate the app. Payment information is saved in the app for seamless reordering. Read more about how Craver’s seamless POS integration streamlined Mocha Nut’s ordering process in this case study.

    Mocha Nut's App

Mocha Nut Coffee Shop App

The brick and mortar shop is fantastic. Their app is straightforward and easy to use. The ability to order items to pick up is great!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Want to make a custom-branded mobile app worthy of 5 stars? 

 

2. Rook Coffee

📍New Jersey

Rook Coffee is a New Jersey staple. They bring high-end blends to New Jersey cities and value quality and community over anything else. They launched their app in 2020, shortly after the pandemic began. Today, their app has an impressive 4.9 stars on the App Store.

  • Detail Driven: Each coffee on the app comes with a detailed description in the app about its tasting notes and origins. This educational approach ensures customers are well-informed about their selections.
  • Simple Navigation: A minimal and organized interface ensures easy navigation, for quick and intuitive ordering. They showcase their seasonal and limited edition specials on the app's home screen.
  • Streamlined Ordering Process: The app speeds up the ordering process on the coffee shop’s side, plus it means that users can skip the line. It’s a win-win. Read more about how Rook Coffee’s app saved them labor hours in this case study.

    Rook Coffee's App

Rook Coffee App

The App is easy to navigate through and ordering is simple. It's a great experience from start to finish. They tell you they received your order and when it'll be ready, then you get a notification once your order is ready for pick up. Great App, Rook!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

3. Hometown Coffee & Juice

📍Glencoe, Illinois

Owned by locals Julie & Lou, Hometown Coffee & Juice is more than a coffee shop—it's where customers become family. Their dream cafe fuses great coffee with genuine connections. Now with their 4.8-star app, customers can order ahead, save their favorites, and lots more without waiting in line.

  • Immersive Design: The app mirrors their coffee shop’s vibe in the digital world. Their signature blue brand color that’s prominent throughout their cafe is carried into the app, offering users a virtual cafe experience.
  • Convenient Ordering Options: Dine in and have your order brought straight to your table by entering your table number. For take-out, schedule a convenient pick-up time or get it as soon as possible.
  • Digital Gifting Made Easy: Hometown Coffee’s e-gift card feature lets users buy and send gift cards virtually. It also serves as a practical tool for budgeting and managing expenses.

Hometown Coffee's App

Hometown Coffe & Juice App

The Hometown app is so user friendly and quick to use that it makes this busy mama’s morning order painless and coffee quicker to these tired parents!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Make it easier for guests to order straight from you with a custom-branded mobile app by Craver. 

 

 

4. Mad Goat Coffee

📍Danville, Illinois

Mad Goat Coffee’s vision is to blend coffee and community. In June 2021 they introduced their app to carry that sense of togetherness into the digital world. The app’s success speaks for itself, with a 4.9-star rating on both the App and Google Play Store.

  • Order Personalization: Customization options in the app mean more customers are personalizing their orders with add-ons and substitutes, generating extra incremental revenue for Rook Coffee.
  • Quick & Easy Payment Options: Integration of multiple payment methods, from mobile payment to credit cards and gift cards, ensures convenience for customers on the go.

Mad Goat Coffee's App

Mad Goat Coffee App

If we’re talking about the coffee shop itself, it is an incredible establishment! Coffee is great, atmosphere is great, and they even serve Royal Donuts now! And as for the app, it is impressive for a local business to have such a well-established mobile pick up order. I’ve had more issues with mobile orders from global franchises then I’ve ever had with this app. It is personalized, artsy, and matches the vibe of the coffee shop itself. Keep up the great work.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

5. Empire Tea & Coffee

📍Newport, Rhode Island

Empire Tea & Coffee is known for its home-roasted beans and loose-leaf teas. Community is at their heart, and they continually give back. They've partnered with Square and Craver to make ordering easy, and their commitment shows: that their app boasts a 4.9-star rating on the App Store.

  • Referral Program: Customers are incentivized to refer their friends and family to the app. Both sides get $2 off their next app order when they sign up using a unique code. Users can refer as many friends as they want, making it a really effective strategy to bring in new app users.
  • Loyalty Elevated: Their tiered loyalty program offers real rewards, encouraging consistent app usage. Users can rack up 1 point for every $1 spent. A badge will display in the menu under any items that can be redeemed with points. At checkout, a “redeem reward” button will appear if they have enough points to get that item free.

Empire Tea & Coffee's App

Empire Tea & Coffee App

“Fun-to-use app with easy customizations and a delightful menu from one of our favorite coffee shops!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

While these coffee shops vary in their offerings and locations, they all benefit from the robust capabilities provided by Craver. As a leading force in app design and user experience, restaurants with an app from Craver see sales growth of up to 40%. 

Want to level up your digital presence with a custom-branded mobile app for your cofffee shop?

FREE GUIDE DOWNLOAD The Best Online Ordering Systems for Coffee Shops in 2025 Comparison tables, pros & cons lists and real customer reviews.