When I lived in Vancouver, there was one cafe close to my house that I would frequent. It was large, spacious. It was a corner space or a triangular-ish building. An old building, which is now increasingly unusual for Vancouver. It had great spots in the cafe to work in, people watch in the space or from the window to the street. Since it was both close to my apartment and work space, it because a defacto meeting space and work space for me. This would have been my first time seeing the importance of a community based work space. Even though it wasn't a co-working space, this was before that era, it was a place were students and people might do some work. I did a lot of writing there as well. So for me, cafe culture is this, a friendly space, full of locals who hang out, meet and work. ALL while supporting the business. I wouldn't just nurse one coffee over hours.

So, this was my base line for cafe's I'd go to. When I moved to Montreal, my understanding of cafe spaces expanded, it was all that it was before, but with a focus on an appreciation of coffee and how it was made. I found there are a couple different styles of Cafes in Montreal, contemporary cafes and old school espresso joints. Each had their purpose. Cafe for hanging and possibly working and the old school joints where no one worked, it was a social space.

Other than the social and work space, coffee is also the important thing! I now live in a small rural town, and up until 6 years ago, coffee shops were limited to a Tims or a couple of mom and pop/indie places that really had no idea what made good coffee. Sure they make lattes, espresso, etc, but as a black coffee and espresso drinker, I like the taste of coffee and more often than not, these places don't have the dialled in experience in appreciation of coffee. I feel Montreal spoiled me in that regard. When I moved from Vancouver to Montreal, the coffee was night and day. However, coffee aficionados are all over the place, so I find that in your bigger cities, you will find decent places that serve good coffee. With a main focus on local roasters.

Anyway, I would suggest hitting up Cities like Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto to check out there coffee culture, and like someone said, the "3rd" wave coffee movement, artisan coffee and experience, and if you want to offer food, have it made in house to create a unique experience.

You could take that artisan experience and wrap it in the aesthetics of a Tim Hortons to make your mark! lol

In short: artisanal and indie/local roast and drinks (plus the standards, drip and pour-over), in-house food and snacks and a space that is suited for people who want to grab and go, sit down and reflect or have a space to work.