Drip Coffee: Brewing a New Chapter in Fort Lauderdale’s Café Renaissance

Rachel Huss
Oct 1
2 min read

Woman in sunglasses eats pastry, holds "Drip" coffee cup. Crouching on wavy patterned background, wearing beige top and shorts. YSL bag beside her. — Image courtesy of Drip Coffee.

Fort Lauderdale is experiencing a café renaissance. Old strip malls get a shot of new life as the home of hidden gems. On September 27th, Drip Coffee joined the city’s growing coffee scene. I haven’t had the chance to visit yet, but I spoke with founder Taylor Schear about why Drip Coffee is already becoming one of the coolest new spots in Fort Lauderdale.

Image courtesy of Drip Coffee.

Drip Coffee Interview with Founder Taylor Schear

Taylor Schear Founder of Drip Coffee in a white dress holds coffee, leaning on a ladder in a construction site. Background features bare walls and hanging lights. — Image courtesy of Taylor Schear.

1. What makes Drip Coffee different from other coffee stores?

We pride ourselves on having intention behind every detail. Making syrups from scratch, collaborating with local small businesses to help craft the store, minimizing the use of seed oils, and giving back to charity, among other initiatives.

Man in a green sweater and jeans sits, talking on the phone while holding a "DRIP Coffee" cup. Concrete wall background. Relaxed mood. — Image courtesy of Drip Coffee.

2. What inspired you to create Drip Coffee?

I have always had a huge passion for coffee. My first job was in a coffee shop, and ever since, all of my travels have revolved around stopping at the best coffee shops. I wanted to bring that to South Florida.

Two people sit with a coffee topped with toasted marshmallows and boxed sandwiches on a table. The box is branded "Drip Coffee." — Image courtesy of Drip Coffee.

3. How do you incorporate your mission and vision into your products?

As mentioned above, almost everything is made in-house with quality ingredients, even if it means cutting into our profits. I take pride in knowing I serve items that I enjoy myself as a health-conscious person.

Woman with long hair, wearing large brown sunglasses, smiles while holding a croissant and coffee cup labeled "Make Me Drip." Neutral background. — Image courtesy of Drip Coffee.

4. What advice would you give to students and young professionals who want to open a coffee shop?

For one, never let people discourage you from pursuing your dreams. Additionally, work in other coffee shops, study marketing, and network with the community.