Amid rising grocery prices, Knoxville’s Nick and J’s Cafe remains committed to its roots by maintaining the price of its coffee despite the cost increases. Owner Najwan Natour has decided to keep the coffee price at $2.95, with free refills, even as the cafe faces the burden of increased coffee costs due to global tariffs and droughts affecting the coffee supply.
The cafe, a local staple for nearly 17 years, is going through significant quantities of coffee, consuming almost 400 packs weekly. Despite a substantial rise in the cost of coffee—from $40-$50 per case to over $100—Natour is determined not to transfer these costs onto customers. Similarly, other essential ingredients like ground beef, chicken, and pork have also seen price hikes, impacting the overall operational cost of the diner.
Natour believes in sticking to tradition and providing for the community, not prioritizing profit over customer satisfaction. His dedication to the community is reflected in the decision to start grinding coffee in-house to save costs and enhance the diner’s unique atmosphere. While hopeful that prices will eventually stabilize, Natour remains committed to serving Knox County with consistent quality and pricing.
This dedication to maintaining affordable prices while ensuring quality service exemplifies a community-oriented business approach, demonstrating resilience and commitment during fluctuating economic conditions.