Should Your Café Stay Open During Natural Disasters? What Hawaii's Hurricane Lala Teaches Coffee Shops About Emergency Prep
As Tropical Storm Lala barrels toward Hawaii this weekend with hurricane-force winds and catastrophic flooding potential, café owners across the islands face a critical decision: should they stay open, or should they prioritize protecting their investment and staff?
Hawaii Governor Josh Green emphasized the seriousness of the storm, noting that Hawaii hasn't faced a hurricane landfall in decades. Lala presents both an immediate challenge and an instructive case study in disaster preparedness for Hawaii's vibrant specialty coffee ecosystem. Whether farm-to-cup on the Big Island or third-wave shops in Honolulu, every café operator should take notice.
The True Cost of "Always Staying Open"
There's a prevalent notion in café culture about never closing—often romanticized with images of baristas serving during blackouts or after snowstorms. While community loyalty is valuable, when experts warn of "an incredible amount of water" and power outages, priorities must shift.
Your espresso equipment is a major investment, easily costing tens of thousands of dollars. Flooding can ruin electronics, corrode boilers, and contaminate grinder burrs. More importantly, requiring staff to work during hazardous conditions isn't heroic—it's a liability.
My viewpoint: Closing during natural disasters is about sound risk management. The cafés that endure are those that know when to secure assets and protect people. No community appreciation or Instagram post is worth risking safety or expensive equipment, like the Mahlkönig E80 S.
What Hawaiian Coffee Shops Impart Right Now
Hawaiian café owners are currently implementing preparedness measures that should be part of every specialty coffee shop's protocol. The National Weather Service predicts that even though Lala may pass south, its large wind field could affect all islands, necessitating comprehensive preparation.
Smart operators are:
- Relocating equipment: Moving high-value items like grinders and espresso machines to elevated locations away from flood risks. Equipment such as the Eureka Helios 65 is hefty, so plan evacuations in advance.
- Shutting down machines: Power down and drain machines to prevent electrical surges and corrosion.
- Securing inventory: Store green and roasted beans in waterproof containers to prevent loss.
- Documenting everything: Capture photos and details of equipment for potential insurance claims.
Equipment Resilience in Disasters
Not all espresso machines endure disasters equally. Consider the vulnerability of your setup:
Machines with direct plumbing are at risk from flood-related water backup. Modularity, as with the Caffewerks system, allows for quick disconnection and relocation.
Electronic grinders are especially at risk. Sophisticated circuit boards in modern grinders do not fare well with water exposure. Preparedness often means the difference between minor repairs and full replacement.
My grievance: Many café owners assume indestructibility until proven wrong. Remember, these machines are precision instruments, not bulletproof apparatuses.
Crafting Your Disaster Preparedness Checklist
From hurricanes in Hawaii to earthquakes in California, every café needs a tailored emergency plan. Here's a recommended structure:
72 Hours Before Predicted Event
- Review insurance coverage and document equipment inventory.
- Identify off-site backup locations for essential equipment.
- Communicate closure decisions and safety priorities with staff.
- Stock essential supplies: flashlights, radios, first aid kits.
- Backup digital records to cloud storage.
24 Hours Before Impact
- Power down machines—don't just flip breakers.
- Drain boilers and steam wands.
- Relocate equipment from flood zones.
- Waterproof all coffee inventory.
- Secure water and gas lines if evacuating.
- Remove or secure outdoor items.
After the Event
- Inspect equipment before powering up.
- Check for gas leaks.
- Inspect grinder and machine internals for debris.
- Calibrate grinders before resuming service.
- Document all damage for insurance claims.
The Community Role of Cafés During Crises
Beyond coffee, cafés act as community hubs during crises. They offer a place for congregation, recharging, and finding normalcy. However, this role is contingent on preparedness and the ability to reopen safely and swiftly.
Post-storm, Hawaiian cafés that prudently secured equipment will support cleanup efforts, while those that didn’t will face prolonged closures.
Our honest advice: Serve the community best by focusing on practical preparations. Close in advance, secure thoroughly, and reopen when safe. Community memory values safety over reckless heroics.
Insurance Insight: Coverage and Gaps
Be aware that standard commercial insurance may not cover certain disaster-related damages, like floods, which often require separate insurance policies. Business interruption losses also have waiting periods post-disaster. Hence, reopening swiftly after ensuring safety reduces financial impact.
Maintain thorough documentation—photographic and financial—for insurance claims concerning equipment.
Prepare Now, Before Your Own "Lala" Strikes
If you're reading this from a café elsewhere, learn from Hawaii’s urgency. Develop your disaster readiness now. Identify vulnerabilities, document procedures, and train your team.
With natural disasters on the rise, it's not a question of if, but when you'll face one. Be prepared.
At Endgame Espresso, we invest in your long-term success by emphasizing preparedness alongside product choice. Whether managing a Mahlkönig E80 S or a more compact model, your equipment deserves the same thorough care as your coffee.
Stay safe. The coffee can wait. Prioritize the safety of your staff and equipment.