Coljac Cafe, located in Farmington, Missouri, has started accepting Bitcoin and has become a hub for the local Bitcoin community. The owner, Jessica Goff, along with local Bitcoin enthusiasts, integrated Bitcoin and Lightning functionality into her checkout system through the Coinos.io platform. After upgrading to the Square system, which serves over a million merchants accepting Bitcoin, the cafe has seen a positive impact from this initiative. As of last year, Bitcoin transactions account for about 5% of Jessica's business revenue, but on weekends, when the local Bitcoin group holds events, this percentage skyrockets to 50% of total morning sales. Additionally, the cafe offers 0% transaction fees until 2027, when fees will increase to 1%, which is significantly more advantageous than using credit cards.
Today, a sign reading "Bitcoin Accepted Here" hangs on the cafe's counter, attracting customers' attention. Although 95% of clients still pay with credit cards or cash, this sign has become a symbol of the local monetary movement. According to Jessica, she enjoys engaging with locals interested in Bitcoin. However, the story of Coljac Cafe is not limited to just accepting Bitcoin. It has initiated the development of a local circular economy involved in meeting everyday needs. For example, the Dairy Alliance organizes the delivery of milk, eggs, and meat directly to homes in St. Louis, and local producers like Hale Family Farm and Ozark Prime Beef allow residents to stock their fridges based on hard monetary standards, thereby protecting farmers from inflation.
Opportunities to pay with Bitcoin extend to leisure activities as well. Cherrywood Golf Club in Fredericktown accepts Bitcoin for 18 holes and accommodation. A variety of services are also available – from haircuts at Hairapeutic Salon to ultrasound examinations at Sneak a Peek Ultrasounds. Thus, Coljac Cafe has become not just a place for relaxation but also a catalyst for economic activity in its region, forming a network of over 40 local merchants ready to accept Bitcoin.
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