View entire thread: coffe equipment
Posted by koji on 2006-08-15 08:03:48 Post Subject: coffe equipment
I'm in the process of opening a coffe shop. Can some one tell what equipment I need as i dont have a clue. Also What are the best coffee equipment machines around .
Thank you
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Posted by koji on 2006-08-15 08:03:48 Post Subject: coffe equipment
I'm in the process of opening a coffe shop. Can some one tell what equipment I need as i dont have a clue. Also What are the best coffee equipment machines around .
Thank you
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View entire thread: Portable Coffee Kiosk for sale
Posted by coffease on 2007-12-26 11:14:27 Post Subject: Portable Coffee Kiosk for sale
We have a 20 x 8 portable coffee kiosk for sale. Priced to sell at 19,999.00 and ready to ship. This kiosk is constructed of steel and aluminum, includes 3 stainless steel tables, Delfield two door fridge, 2 ton AC unit, alarm system, and we will kick in some other coffee equipment at this price. Email Coffease@aol.com with any questions!
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Posted by coffease on 2007-12-26 11:14:27 Post Subject: Portable Coffee Kiosk for sale
We have a 20 x 8 portable coffee kiosk for sale. Priced to sell at 19,999.00 and ready to ship. This kiosk is constructed of steel and aluminum, includes 3 stainless steel tables, Delfield two door fridge, 2 ton AC unit, alarm system, and we will kick in some other coffee equipment at this price. Email Coffease@aol.com with any questions!
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View entire thread: help for an online statup shop
Posted by JPN7 on 2006-06-28 15:31:41 Post Subject: help for an online statup shop
My name is Joe and I am new to this forum.
I love coffee and I would like to start a small online business. A friend of mine told me about drop-shipping and that method sounds best. I was wondering if anyone knew of any good drop shipping suppliers of coffee makers and coffee. I would like to create a place where I can sell a wide variety of good coffee and good coffee equipment online for coffee enthusiasts.
I would appreciate any advice from everyone.
Thanks,
Joe
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Posted by JPN7 on 2006-06-28 15:31:41 Post Subject: help for an online statup shop
My name is Joe and I am new to this forum.
I love coffee and I would like to start a small online business. A friend of mine told me about drop-shipping and that method sounds best. I was wondering if anyone knew of any good drop shipping suppliers of coffee makers and coffee. I would like to create a place where I can sell a wide variety of good coffee and good coffee equipment online for coffee enthusiasts.
I would appreciate any advice from everyone.
Thanks,
Joe
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View entire thread: I would like some advice please
Posted by JPN7 on 2006-06-27 16:01:19 Post Subject: I would like some advice please
My name is Joe and I am new to this forum.
I love coffee and I would like to start a small online business. A friend of mine told me about drop-shipping and that method sounds best. I was wondering if anyone knew of any good drop shipping suppliers of coffee makers and coffee. I would like to create a place where I can sell a wide variety of good coffee and good coffee equipment online for coffee enthusiasts.
I would appreciate any advice from everyone.
Thanks,
Joe
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Posted by JPN7 on 2006-06-27 16:01:19 Post Subject: I would like some advice please
My name is Joe and I am new to this forum.
I love coffee and I would like to start a small online business. A friend of mine told me about drop-shipping and that method sounds best. I was wondering if anyone knew of any good drop shipping suppliers of coffee makers and coffee. I would like to create a place where I can sell a wide variety of good coffee and good coffee equipment online for coffee enthusiasts.
I would appreciate any advice from everyone.
Thanks,
Joe
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View entire thread: Coffee Festival China 2009
Posted by intercoffee on 2008-09-18 20:14:55 Post Subject: Coffee Festival China 2009
Coffee Festival China 2009
Organizer: Canton Universal Fair Group Ltd
All-China Bakery Association
Co-organizers: All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce
Setting up: May 18-20, 2009 (08:30 a.m. - 17:00 p.m.)
Exhibition Session: May 21-23, 2009 (09:00 a.m. - 16:30 p.m.)
Dismantling: After 4 pm, on May 23, 2009
Venue: Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre (GICEC)
Invite companies from all over the world to promote trade
During the Coffee Festival China 2009, exhibitors can not only set up their best images by showing their products, but also find out their customers in the exposition. Food & beverage store owners, roasters & packagers, department & grocery store buyers, consultants, chain store buyers, Industry executives & buyer, distributors and office coffee buyer etc will be invited to this show. It is estimated that more than 73,000 visitors will participate in the show.
Exhibit Products
Coffee materials and related products: coffee beans, coffee powder, coffee mates, instant coffee, solidified milk, milk essence and syrups
Coffee ware: coffee cups, saucers, filtration paper, coffee pots, coffee tables, spoons, coffee mixers and other coffee related ware
Coffee equipment: various coffee machines and ovens
Coffee related products and ware: Refrigerators, ice cube machines, snowflake machines, ice cream machines, deep freezes and other western food ware.
Option of Participation
Option Shell Booth Price(EUR)
1 Standard Booth 9sq.m. (3m × 3m) 2,520.00
2 Raw Space 1sq.m. (1m × 1m) 250.00/Sq.m,18sq.m at least and overhead expenses will be plus(28RMB/ m2 )
The booth at the corner will be 300 plus per corner
Please contact:
Michael Liu
(Senior Project Representative)
Canton Universal Fair Group Ltd.
Tel: 86-20-34072597/98/99
Fax: 86-20-34072596
E-mail: coffee.faircanton@gmail.com
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Posted by intercoffee on 2008-09-18 20:14:55 Post Subject: Coffee Festival China 2009
Coffee Festival China 2009
Organizer: Canton Universal Fair Group Ltd
All-China Bakery Association
Co-organizers: All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce
Setting up: May 18-20, 2009 (08:30 a.m. - 17:00 p.m.)
Exhibition Session: May 21-23, 2009 (09:00 a.m. - 16:30 p.m.)
Dismantling: After 4 pm, on May 23, 2009
Venue: Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre (GICEC)
Invite companies from all over the world to promote trade
During the Coffee Festival China 2009, exhibitors can not only set up their best images by showing their products, but also find out their customers in the exposition. Food & beverage store owners, roasters & packagers, department & grocery store buyers, consultants, chain store buyers, Industry executives & buyer, distributors and office coffee buyer etc will be invited to this show. It is estimated that more than 73,000 visitors will participate in the show.
Exhibit Products
Coffee materials and related products: coffee beans, coffee powder, coffee mates, instant coffee, solidified milk, milk essence and syrups
Coffee ware: coffee cups, saucers, filtration paper, coffee pots, coffee tables, spoons, coffee mixers and other coffee related ware
Coffee equipment: various coffee machines and ovens
Coffee related products and ware: Refrigerators, ice cube machines, snowflake machines, ice cream machines, deep freezes and other western food ware.
Option of Participation
Option Shell Booth Price(EUR)
1 Standard Booth 9sq.m. (3m × 3m) 2,520.00
2 Raw Space 1sq.m. (1m × 1m) 250.00/Sq.m,18sq.m at least and overhead expenses will be plus(28RMB/ m2 )
The booth at the corner will be 300 plus per corner
Please contact:
Michael Liu
(Senior Project Representative)
Canton Universal Fair Group Ltd.
Tel: 86-20-34072597/98/99
Fax: 86-20-34072596
E-mail: coffee.faircanton@gmail.com
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View entire thread: In-store Roasting Program
Posted by Fresh Roaster on 2006-09-05 18:27:46 Post Subject: In-store Roasting Program
We are looking for users in the San Francisco area for our automated ventless, in-store drum coffee roaster. The fully automated system allows anyone to roast coffee like a professional roast master with incredible precision and consistency. The patented laser and computer controls provide complete automation of the process. All you have to do is push three buttons on the touch screen computer, what you want to roast, what kind of roast you want and how much. That's it! Walk away and ten minutes later you'll return to find up to five pounds of perfectly roasted FRESH whole bean coffee.
Equipment and maintenance are provided by us and the finger safe smokeless system requires no ducting, safety/structural improvements or any capital expense. Totally portable, it even has wheels! Just plug it in and you're ready to roast. Your savings start from day one and there's never any waste as you roast only what you need. Just fresh product every day. We'll let the increased profit speak for itself once your customers start experiencing fresh roasted coffee!
There is no cost for the program or equipment and there are no requirements to purchase anything (we do not sell green coffee or supplies). Our monthly fee is a portion of shared savings based only on what you roast and the cost reduction/increased profit. If you don't make more money, we don't either. So, if you're a coffee retailer in the San Francisco Bay area, selling or using over twenty pounds of whole bean coffee per day, you might want to give us a call.
You can visit our web site for more information: freshroastsystems.com
Or give us a call: (650) 325-1795
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Posted by Fresh Roaster on 2006-09-05 18:27:46 Post Subject: In-store Roasting Program
We are looking for users in the San Francisco area for our automated ventless, in-store drum coffee roaster. The fully automated system allows anyone to roast coffee like a professional roast master with incredible precision and consistency. The patented laser and computer controls provide complete automation of the process. All you have to do is push three buttons on the touch screen computer, what you want to roast, what kind of roast you want and how much. That's it! Walk away and ten minutes later you'll return to find up to five pounds of perfectly roasted FRESH whole bean coffee.
Equipment and maintenance are provided by us and the finger safe smokeless system requires no ducting, safety/structural improvements or any capital expense. Totally portable, it even has wheels! Just plug it in and you're ready to roast. Your savings start from day one and there's never any waste as you roast only what you need. Just fresh product every day. We'll let the increased profit speak for itself once your customers start experiencing fresh roasted coffee!
There is no cost for the program or equipment and there are no requirements to purchase anything (we do not sell green coffee or supplies). Our monthly fee is a portion of shared savings based only on what you roast and the cost reduction/increased profit. If you don't make more money, we don't either. So, if you're a coffee retailer in the San Francisco Bay area, selling or using over twenty pounds of whole bean coffee per day, you might want to give us a call.
You can visit our web site for more information: freshroastsystems.com
Or give us a call: (650) 325-1795
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View entire thread: WBC Adds SCAA Pair to Board of Directors
Posted by cafemakers on 2008-04-03 02:29:20 Post Subject: WBC Adds SCAA Pair to Board of Directors
LONG BEACH, Calif. U.S.A. (April 2, 2008) —The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), the world’s largest coffee trade association, elected two new members to represent the association’s interest on the World Barista Championship (WBC) Board of Directors.
Andrew Hetzel, founder of Cafemakers, LLC and murky coffee president, Nicholas Cho are each slated to serve a two-year term on the internationally-recognized barista competition’s board.
The pair joins current SCAA members, Cindy Chang, director of development at Counter Culture and Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea Inc. Chief Executive Officer and Founder Doug Zell on the WBC Board of Directors. The four individuals are tasked with continuing the interest and growth of the WBC on a global scale while building a stronger educational and social platform for the worldwide barista community.
In addition to starting coffee consultancy firm Cafemakers, LLC in 2001, Hetzel is the only Coffee Quality Institute-licensed Q Grader in the state of Hawaii. He is also an SCAA- certified cupping judge and has been an arbitrator of the United States Barista Championship since 2003 and the WBC since 2005.
By joining the WBC board, Cho, who is also an SCAA director, holds the unique distinction of concurrently serving on two prominent specialty coffee boards. He began his career in specialty coffee in 2002 when he opened the now-popular murky coffee in Arlington, Va. Cho is also an accomplished barista having won the SCAA’s Southeast Regional Barista Competition in 2006.
“SCAA is pleased to select Andrew Hetzel and Nicholas Cho to represent our association on the WBC Board of Directors,” said SCAA Executive Director Ric Rhinehart. “We are confident Andrew and Nicholas will provide SCAA with a strong presence within the internationally-recognized specialty coffee organization while also contributing to the WBC’s continuing growth and success.”
The WBC is a nonprofit organization governed by a board representing SCAA and the SCAE members. The organization’s stated goals are:
To promote the growth, excellence and recognition in the barista profession.
To grow the barista’s knowledge of and expertise in the preparation and serving of specialty, espresso coffee through competitions.
To promote the knowledge and consumption of specialty coffee to the consumer through the Barista.
To become globally recognized as the premier world barista event in the coffee calendar.
About the SCAA
Celebrating 26 years of success, SCAA is the world’s largest coffee trade association. SCAA members are located in more than 40 countries and represent every segment of the specialty coffee industry, from coffee growers to coffee roasters and retailers. The SCAA’s mission is to be the recognized authority on specialty coffee, providing a common forum for the development and promotion of coffee excellence and sustainability. The SCAA’s dedication to excellence in coffee is realized through the setting of quality standards for the industry; conducting research on coffee, equipment and perfection of craft; and providing education, training, resources and business services for members. The SCAA’s annual conference is held in a different U.S. city each year and is the coffee industry’s largest gathering and exhibition.
About the WBC
The World Barista Championship was created initially by the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe. The first WBC took place in Monte Carlo in October 2000. The Specialty Coffee Association of America quickly joined and the WBC is now a joint venture among the two sister organizations. The WBC Corporation is headquartered in the United Kingdom with a shared ownership between the SCAE and SCAA. The organization’s 2008 event will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, June 19-22.
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Posted by cafemakers on 2008-04-03 02:29:20 Post Subject: WBC Adds SCAA Pair to Board of Directors
LONG BEACH, Calif. U.S.A. (April 2, 2008) —The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), the world’s largest coffee trade association, elected two new members to represent the association’s interest on the World Barista Championship (WBC) Board of Directors.
Andrew Hetzel, founder of Cafemakers, LLC and murky coffee president, Nicholas Cho are each slated to serve a two-year term on the internationally-recognized barista competition’s board.
The pair joins current SCAA members, Cindy Chang, director of development at Counter Culture and Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea Inc. Chief Executive Officer and Founder Doug Zell on the WBC Board of Directors. The four individuals are tasked with continuing the interest and growth of the WBC on a global scale while building a stronger educational and social platform for the worldwide barista community.
In addition to starting coffee consultancy firm Cafemakers, LLC in 2001, Hetzel is the only Coffee Quality Institute-licensed Q Grader in the state of Hawaii. He is also an SCAA- certified cupping judge and has been an arbitrator of the United States Barista Championship since 2003 and the WBC since 2005.
By joining the WBC board, Cho, who is also an SCAA director, holds the unique distinction of concurrently serving on two prominent specialty coffee boards. He began his career in specialty coffee in 2002 when he opened the now-popular murky coffee in Arlington, Va. Cho is also an accomplished barista having won the SCAA’s Southeast Regional Barista Competition in 2006.
“SCAA is pleased to select Andrew Hetzel and Nicholas Cho to represent our association on the WBC Board of Directors,” said SCAA Executive Director Ric Rhinehart. “We are confident Andrew and Nicholas will provide SCAA with a strong presence within the internationally-recognized specialty coffee organization while also contributing to the WBC’s continuing growth and success.”
The WBC is a nonprofit organization governed by a board representing SCAA and the SCAE members. The organization’s stated goals are:
To promote the growth, excellence and recognition in the barista profession.
To grow the barista’s knowledge of and expertise in the preparation and serving of specialty, espresso coffee through competitions.
To promote the knowledge and consumption of specialty coffee to the consumer through the Barista.
To become globally recognized as the premier world barista event in the coffee calendar.
About the SCAA
Celebrating 26 years of success, SCAA is the world’s largest coffee trade association. SCAA members are located in more than 40 countries and represent every segment of the specialty coffee industry, from coffee growers to coffee roasters and retailers. The SCAA’s mission is to be the recognized authority on specialty coffee, providing a common forum for the development and promotion of coffee excellence and sustainability. The SCAA’s dedication to excellence in coffee is realized through the setting of quality standards for the industry; conducting research on coffee, equipment and perfection of craft; and providing education, training, resources and business services for members. The SCAA’s annual conference is held in a different U.S. city each year and is the coffee industry’s largest gathering and exhibition.
About the WBC
The World Barista Championship was created initially by the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe. The first WBC took place in Monte Carlo in October 2000. The Specialty Coffee Association of America quickly joined and the WBC is now a joint venture among the two sister organizations. The WBC Corporation is headquartered in the United Kingdom with a shared ownership between the SCAE and SCAA. The organization’s 2008 event will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, June 19-22.
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View entire thread: To buy or lease equipment? What do you do?
Posted by cafemakers on 2005-10-01 19:47:56 Post Subject:
It is difficult to lease commercial espresso equipment as a startup business, startup normally being defined as a company operating in the same line of business for less than 2 years.
A few years back, banks were very excited about the prospect of a new booming capital equipment market (coffee shops) and started writing a lot of small dollar equipment leases ($15k and less) to new prospects - unfortunately, those banks soon learned that an electrical device that has water continuously flowing though it under high heat and pressure is not good collateral.
As a number of these businesses failed, the banks were left with worthless equipment that had been destroyed by improper preventative maintainence. Financial institutions learned that a failing coffee shop does not replace its water softeners; as a result, there was a strict tightening of the purse strings and I have since found that few lenders offer a reasonable product designed for new businesses leasing coffee equipment. Incidentally, you should avoid used, remarketed or repossessed espresso machines for this same reason.
The coffee equipment leases for startups that I have reviewed in the last few years have been very expensive with extremely high interest rates and some annoying "features," specifically, the inability to prepay principal on your loan or buyout the agreement without some kind of penalty. In many cases, we've learned that the referring equipment dealer or manufacturer may receive a "spiff" or referral bonus that is financed into the agreement, unbenownced to and paid for by the lessee.
We often recommend to clients the straight-out purchase of equipment using other forms of finance as being a preferable alternative. A secured bank loan, SBA assisted loan, personal line of credit (such as a home equity line of credit) and even credit cards can offer less expensive and more flexible solutions.
You or someone else here may be able to find a good lender that offers a competitive product of which we are unfamiliar, in which case, send them our way - we've got a lot of people that would like to meet them!
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Posted by cafemakers on 2005-10-01 19:47:56 Post Subject:
It is difficult to lease commercial espresso equipment as a startup business, startup normally being defined as a company operating in the same line of business for less than 2 years.
A few years back, banks were very excited about the prospect of a new booming capital equipment market (coffee shops) and started writing a lot of small dollar equipment leases ($15k and less) to new prospects - unfortunately, those banks soon learned that an electrical device that has water continuously flowing though it under high heat and pressure is not good collateral.
As a number of these businesses failed, the banks were left with worthless equipment that had been destroyed by improper preventative maintainence. Financial institutions learned that a failing coffee shop does not replace its water softeners; as a result, there was a strict tightening of the purse strings and I have since found that few lenders offer a reasonable product designed for new businesses leasing coffee equipment. Incidentally, you should avoid used, remarketed or repossessed espresso machines for this same reason.
The coffee equipment leases for startups that I have reviewed in the last few years have been very expensive with extremely high interest rates and some annoying "features," specifically, the inability to prepay principal on your loan or buyout the agreement without some kind of penalty. In many cases, we've learned that the referring equipment dealer or manufacturer may receive a "spiff" or referral bonus that is financed into the agreement, unbenownced to and paid for by the lessee.
We often recommend to clients the straight-out purchase of equipment using other forms of finance as being a preferable alternative. A secured bank loan, SBA assisted loan, personal line of credit (such as a home equity line of credit) and even credit cards can offer less expensive and more flexible solutions.
You or someone else here may be able to find a good lender that offers a competitive product of which we are unfamiliar, in which case, send them our way - we've got a lot of people that would like to meet them!
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View entire thread: Coffee Festival China 2009
Posted by intercoffee on 2008-09-29 01:36:40 Post Subject: Coffee Festival China 2009
Coffee Festival China 2009
Organizer: Canton Universal Fair Group Ltd
All-China Bakery Association
Co-organizers: All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce
Setting up: May 18-20, 2009 (08:30 a.m. - 17:00 p.m.)
Exhibition Session: May 21-23, 2009 (09:00 a.m. - 16:30 p.m.)
Dismantling: After 4 pm, on May 23, 2009
Venue: Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre (GICEC)
Invite companies from all over the world to promote trade
During the Coffee Festival China 2009, exhibitors can not only set up their best images by showing their products, but also find out their customers in the exposition. Food & beverage store owners, roasters & packagers, department & grocery store buyers, consultants, chain store buyers, Industry executives & buyer, distributors and office coffee buyer etc will be invited to this show. It is estimated that more than 73,000 visitors will participate in the show.
Exhibit Products
Coffee materials and related products: coffee beans, coffee powder, coffee mates, instant coffee, solidified milk, milk essence and syrups
Coffee ware: coffee cups, saucers, filtration paper, coffee pots, coffee tables, spoons, coffee mixers and other coffee related ware
Coffee equipment: various coffee machines and ovens
Coffee related products and ware: Refrigerators, ice cube machines, snowflake machines, ice cream machines, deep freezes and other western food ware.
Option of Participation
Option Shell Booth Price(EUR)
1 Standard Booth 9sq.m. (3m × 3m) 2,520.00
2 Raw Space 1sq.m. (1m × 1m) 250.00/Sq.m,18sq.m at least and overhead expenses will be plus(28RMB/ m2 )
The booth at the corner will be 300 plus per corner
Please contact:
Michael Liu
(Senior Project Representative)
Canton Universal Fair Group Ltd.
Tel: 86-20-34072597/98/99
Fax: 86-20-34072596
E-mail: coffee.faircanton@gmail.com
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Posted by intercoffee on 2008-09-29 01:36:40 Post Subject: Coffee Festival China 2009
Coffee Festival China 2009
Organizer: Canton Universal Fair Group Ltd
All-China Bakery Association
Co-organizers: All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce
Setting up: May 18-20, 2009 (08:30 a.m. - 17:00 p.m.)
Exhibition Session: May 21-23, 2009 (09:00 a.m. - 16:30 p.m.)
Dismantling: After 4 pm, on May 23, 2009
Venue: Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre (GICEC)
Invite companies from all over the world to promote trade
During the Coffee Festival China 2009, exhibitors can not only set up their best images by showing their products, but also find out their customers in the exposition. Food & beverage store owners, roasters & packagers, department & grocery store buyers, consultants, chain store buyers, Industry executives & buyer, distributors and office coffee buyer etc will be invited to this show. It is estimated that more than 73,000 visitors will participate in the show.
Exhibit Products
Coffee materials and related products: coffee beans, coffee powder, coffee mates, instant coffee, solidified milk, milk essence and syrups
Coffee ware: coffee cups, saucers, filtration paper, coffee pots, coffee tables, spoons, coffee mixers and other coffee related ware
Coffee equipment: various coffee machines and ovens
Coffee related products and ware: Refrigerators, ice cube machines, snowflake machines, ice cream machines, deep freezes and other western food ware.
Option of Participation
Option Shell Booth Price(EUR)
1 Standard Booth 9sq.m. (3m × 3m) 2,520.00
2 Raw Space 1sq.m. (1m × 1m) 250.00/Sq.m,18sq.m at least and overhead expenses will be plus(28RMB/ m2 )
The booth at the corner will be 300 plus per corner
Please contact:
Michael Liu
(Senior Project Representative)
Canton Universal Fair Group Ltd.
Tel: 86-20-34072597/98/99
Fax: 86-20-34072596
E-mail: coffee.faircanton@gmail.com
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View entire thread: A different type of business
Posted by equus007 on 2007-01-21 00:55:14 Post Subject: A different type of business
Ok I'm lazy and haven't done any independant searching on this yet but this is always a good place to start.
To your(y'all's? all y'all's)knowledge are there any chain high-end coffee equipment stores the likes of crate & barrel? Somebody in upscale malls that sells expensive home equipment and high end green coffee. Everyone I've ever dealt with was more or less out of a warehouse or direct from manufacturer. If they exist who are they and how well do they do? Thanks
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Posted by equus007 on 2007-01-21 00:55:14 Post Subject: A different type of business
Ok I'm lazy and haven't done any independant searching on this yet but this is always a good place to start.
To your(y'all's? all y'all's)knowledge are there any chain high-end coffee equipment stores the likes of crate & barrel? Somebody in upscale malls that sells expensive home equipment and high end green coffee. Everyone I've ever dealt with was more or less out of a warehouse or direct from manufacturer. If they exist who are they and how well do they do? Thanks
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View entire thread: A different type of business
Posted by ElPugDiablo on 2007-01-22 11:46:18 Post Subject: Re: A different type of business
Ok I'm lazy and haven't done any independant searching on this yet but this is always a good place to start.
To your(y'all's? all y'all's)knowledge are there any chain high-end coffee equipment stores the likes of crate & barrel? Somebody in upscale malls that sells expensive home equipment and high end green coffee. Everyone I've ever dealt with was more or less out of a warehouse or direct from manufacturer. If they exist who are they and how well do they do? Thanks
Williams-Sonoma in the local mall sells pricey home espresso machines. During the X'mas season, they moved a few of those E-61 $1,500 home machines. Base on their salesperson's knowledge, I think they will end up as show pieces for million dollar homes.
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Posted by ElPugDiablo on 2007-01-22 11:46:18 Post Subject: Re: A different type of business
Ok I'm lazy and haven't done any independant searching on this yet but this is always a good place to start.
To your(y'all's? all y'all's)knowledge are there any chain high-end coffee equipment stores the likes of crate & barrel? Somebody in upscale malls that sells expensive home equipment and high end green coffee. Everyone I've ever dealt with was more or less out of a warehouse or direct from manufacturer. If they exist who are they and how well do they do? Thanks
Williams-Sonoma in the local mall sells pricey home espresso machines. During the X'mas season, they moved a few of those E-61 $1,500 home machines. Base on their salesperson's knowledge, I think they will end up as show pieces for million dollar homes.
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View entire thread: <rant on> Why, Why Why!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by CCafe on 2005-09-27 08:47:09 Post Subject:
You are correct!
Sounds like a coffee house that's half @ssin it. Either they were shown how to do it or they weren't. Or who ever taught them in the first place didn't understand it either.
Yes you are supposed to have 2 bulk grinders one for flavored and one for regular coffee. Technically you should never brew flavored coffee in your regular coffee equipment because you do get contamination.
I tell my clients if they want to brew flavored coffee to brew it another machine or if they only have one coffee brewer then to use one side of their dual machine. Never brew regular coffee on that side of the machine.
Any good coffeehouse would never brew flavored coffee anyway. Flavored coffee can cause contamination on a very large scale. You never want to store any around your regular coffee. Unflavored coffee when exposed to the aroma will start to take in that flavor. Nothing like drinking Kenya AA Hazelnut!
As for the espresso............yum
! If you think that you can save time by pregrinding a few days in advanced, please shut down you coffeehouse and go home! I to visited a shop that did that, except I was brave and tried it.
Now if it was served in a mug and offered to me like drip coffee I would have asked what blend it was. Along those lines it was actually really good. For espresso, it was dead. No creama, not even a ring around the edge, not a single drop! Made me want to cry. Plus it was rather frigid. The only good thing it did was make a neat spray pattern on the sidewalk right in front of the place!
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Posted by CCafe on 2005-09-27 08:47:09 Post Subject:
You are correct!
Sounds like a coffee house that's half @ssin it. Either they were shown how to do it or they weren't. Or who ever taught them in the first place didn't understand it either.
Yes you are supposed to have 2 bulk grinders one for flavored and one for regular coffee. Technically you should never brew flavored coffee in your regular coffee equipment because you do get contamination.
I tell my clients if they want to brew flavored coffee to brew it another machine or if they only have one coffee brewer then to use one side of their dual machine. Never brew regular coffee on that side of the machine.
Any good coffeehouse would never brew flavored coffee anyway. Flavored coffee can cause contamination on a very large scale. You never want to store any around your regular coffee. Unflavored coffee when exposed to the aroma will start to take in that flavor. Nothing like drinking Kenya AA Hazelnut!
As for the espresso............yum
! If you think that you can save time by pregrinding a few days in advanced, please shut down you coffeehouse and go home! I to visited a shop that did that, except I was brave and tried it. Now if it was served in a mug and offered to me like drip coffee I would have asked what blend it was. Along those lines it was actually really good. For espresso, it was dead. No creama, not even a ring around the edge, not a single drop! Made me want to cry. Plus it was rather frigid. The only good thing it did was make a neat spray pattern on the sidewalk right in front of the place!
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View entire thread: Looking for Bunn Equipment
Posted by barefoot on 2004-12-21 13:49:11 Post Subject:
where are you located? You should talk with the coffee roaster you have chosen and ask them about equipment discounts. We do NOT provide equipment usually for the very same reasons you mentioned. But we do give very sizeable discounts on them to our customers. We also have a great line on some awesome refurbed equipment from Fetco and American metalware that we pas along to our customers.
So talk to your roaster and see what they have. But don't skimp on coffee equipment. you will ALWAYS wish you had better coffee equipment and almost NEVER wish you had a better freezer or triple sink or dishwasher. Buy the best you can get and skimp on everything else if you have to.
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Posted by barefoot on 2004-12-21 13:49:11 Post Subject:
where are you located? You should talk with the coffee roaster you have chosen and ask them about equipment discounts. We do NOT provide equipment usually for the very same reasons you mentioned. But we do give very sizeable discounts on them to our customers. We also have a great line on some awesome refurbed equipment from Fetco and American metalware that we pas along to our customers.
So talk to your roaster and see what they have. But don't skimp on coffee equipment. you will ALWAYS wish you had better coffee equipment and almost NEVER wish you had a better freezer or triple sink or dishwasher. Buy the best you can get and skimp on everything else if you have to.
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View entire thread: Drive Thru Espresso
Posted by CoffeeNZ on 2004-04-05 21:50:16 Post Subject: Drive Thru Espresso
I am the owner of a cafe and speciality coffee business located in Auckland New Zealand. I am looking to start a drive thru coffee business which I can franchise throughout New Zealand. I will be visiting San Diego Mid June to Mid July and I would like to research coffee roasting, drive thru coffee businesses, coffee equipment and any other interesting coffee stuff on my visit. Any suggestions?
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Posted by CoffeeNZ on 2004-04-05 21:50:16 Post Subject: Drive Thru Espresso
I am the owner of a cafe and speciality coffee business located in Auckland New Zealand. I am looking to start a drive thru coffee business which I can franchise throughout New Zealand. I will be visiting San Diego Mid June to Mid July and I would like to research coffee roasting, drive thru coffee businesses, coffee equipment and any other interesting coffee stuff on my visit. Any suggestions?
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View entire thread: Is just good coffee enough or espressor a must?
Posted by Muddycup on 2005-12-04 17:13:15 Post Subject: Must Have
My highly suggest that you get the espresso machine, you can get a great new two group fully automatic machine for $4000 - $5000 you coffee supplier will provide you with all your other coffee equipment and pay help you purchase the espresso machine.
you don't have to be a coffee snob but you will be better off in the long run.
Jim
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Posted by Muddycup on 2005-12-04 17:13:15 Post Subject: Must Have
My highly suggest that you get the espresso machine, you can get a great new two group fully automatic machine for $4000 - $5000 you coffee supplier will provide you with all your other coffee equipment and pay help you purchase the espresso machine.
you don't have to be a coffee snob but you will be better off in the long run.
Jim
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View entire thread: Anyone familiar with Exobar?
Posted by angelo211 on 2004-12-14 15:03:28 Post Subject:
Hello. My company recently aquired a large inventory of coffee equipment. I have Mazzer grinders starting at $150. I also have LaMarzocco espresso machines. Please let me know if any of this interest you 585-292-7262 Angelo
adiciaccio@theadvantagegroup.com
Check out our website at: www.theadvantagegroup.com
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Posted by angelo211 on 2004-12-14 15:03:28 Post Subject:
Hello. My company recently aquired a large inventory of coffee equipment. I have Mazzer grinders starting at $150. I also have LaMarzocco espresso machines. Please let me know if any of this interest you 585-292-7262 Angelo
adiciaccio@theadvantagegroup.com
Check out our website at: www.theadvantagegroup.com
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View entire thread: Used coffee roaster wanted in UK
Posted by Coffeeexpert on 2008-06-29 21:45:44 Post Subject:
You should contact Sean@Kaffina-ltd.com Kaffina rebuilds roasters and coffee equipment in Kent.
http://www.allbusiness.com/manufacturin ... 052-1.html
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Posted by Coffeeexpert on 2008-06-29 21:45:44 Post Subject:
You should contact Sean@Kaffina-ltd.com Kaffina rebuilds roasters and coffee equipment in Kent.
http://www.allbusiness.com/manufacturin ... 052-1.html
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View entire thread: Suggestions for New Management
Posted by Zazzgirl on 2006-08-26 14:45:07 Post Subject: Suggestions for New Management
We are looking for a partner to run a previous tenants coffeeshop in our building soon.
Good location, small/med size space- about 1000 SF in toto, good neighborhood support, great traffic count. Bad management, lack of bus experience and undercapitalization, lack of personal attention seem to have been the downfall of the previous person. It was a small time operation as far as coffee equipment was concerned- very inexpensive machines. Food wise-They did some cold sandwiches and salads & store bought pastries. Not too imaginative and not requiring much specialized equipment.
Any suggestions for locating good potential operators/partners and structuring some sort of plan for running the operations? We are committed to serving this neighborhood with a coffeeshop/cafe in this space but we have other business interests that we must attend to personally. Any advice appreciated.
Thanks!!
Zazzgirl
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Posted by Zazzgirl on 2006-08-26 14:45:07 Post Subject: Suggestions for New Management
We are looking for a partner to run a previous tenants coffeeshop in our building soon.
Good location, small/med size space- about 1000 SF in toto, good neighborhood support, great traffic count. Bad management, lack of bus experience and undercapitalization, lack of personal attention seem to have been the downfall of the previous person. It was a small time operation as far as coffee equipment was concerned- very inexpensive machines. Food wise-They did some cold sandwiches and salads & store bought pastries. Not too imaginative and not requiring much specialized equipment.
Any suggestions for locating good potential operators/partners and structuring some sort of plan for running the operations? We are committed to serving this neighborhood with a coffeeshop/cafe in this space but we have other business interests that we must attend to personally. Any advice appreciated.
Thanks!!
Zazzgirl
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View entire thread: Restaurant wants equipment as well as coffee
Posted by Michael V on 2008-10-11 13:11:29 Post Subject: Restaurant wants equipment as well as coffee
New roaster here. So far I''ve only sold 1 pound of coffee and that was to a friend.
Did some walking around and talked to a restaurant and a couple grocery stores. The restaurant said they were willing to do a taste test with customers but if they went to me that I would have to provide all the coffee equipment along with the beans.
Is this the normal way things work? I was hoping to stick with just the beans... If I supply the equipment, do I increase how much I charge per pound of coffee? What is the going rate for business to business coffee sales? I was thinking $5/lb if less than 30lbs/week, $4.50/lb if greater than 30lbs/week for Colombian Supremo. If I supplied the equipment would I bump up the prices or just take it as the cost of doing business?
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Posted by Michael V on 2008-10-11 13:11:29 Post Subject: Restaurant wants equipment as well as coffee
New roaster here. So far I''ve only sold 1 pound of coffee and that was to a friend.
Did some walking around and talked to a restaurant and a couple grocery stores. The restaurant said they were willing to do a taste test with customers but if they went to me that I would have to provide all the coffee equipment along with the beans.
Is this the normal way things work? I was hoping to stick with just the beans... If I supply the equipment, do I increase how much I charge per pound of coffee? What is the going rate for business to business coffee sales? I was thinking $5/lb if less than 30lbs/week, $4.50/lb if greater than 30lbs/week for Colombian Supremo. If I supplied the equipment would I bump up the prices or just take it as the cost of doing business?
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View entire thread: Restaurant wants equipment as well as coffee
Posted by CCafe on 2008-10-15 01:23:45 Post Subject:
Lets also look at the other side of the coin on this. The upfront capital needed to add equipment can be daunting at best. But most large brewers like a Fetco or Bunn only costs around $1600 wholesale. Slap on 3 or 4 1.5 gallon urns and it runs the bill up another $1000 or so. A good water filtration / scale inhibitor cartridge and head will run another $200. Total investment for your little venture will run you about $2800. If your selling 15 pounds of coffee every week at $8 a pound your talking a $120 in sales a week or $6240 a year.
If you assume that half of that $8 goes to pay for the coffee equipment then it will all be paid in less then 1 year. If you stay on top of water treatment most coffee brewers will give you 5 - 8 years of reliable service. After that you'll want to bring it in for a overhaul and send it out for another 5 - 8 years. So if you look at the numbers in that sense you'll make a killing after that 1st year is up.
I've spoken with a few people that buy the coffee and get the equipment here in Iowa and most are paying slightly more then $10 a pound for coffee. But if the machine breaks a tech comes out and fixes it. All they have to do is order coffee. The only things that they have to pay for out of pocket is for the paper filters and the water treatment cartridge replacement. I've heard of people including everything in with the coffee purchase but I think that would drive the price up another few dollars and I don't know how receptive people would be to paying 13 or 14$ a pound?
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Posted by CCafe on 2008-10-15 01:23:45 Post Subject:
Lets also look at the other side of the coin on this. The upfront capital needed to add equipment can be daunting at best. But most large brewers like a Fetco or Bunn only costs around $1600 wholesale. Slap on 3 or 4 1.5 gallon urns and it runs the bill up another $1000 or so. A good water filtration / scale inhibitor cartridge and head will run another $200. Total investment for your little venture will run you about $2800. If your selling 15 pounds of coffee every week at $8 a pound your talking a $120 in sales a week or $6240 a year.
If you assume that half of that $8 goes to pay for the coffee equipment then it will all be paid in less then 1 year. If you stay on top of water treatment most coffee brewers will give you 5 - 8 years of reliable service. After that you'll want to bring it in for a overhaul and send it out for another 5 - 8 years. So if you look at the numbers in that sense you'll make a killing after that 1st year is up.
I've spoken with a few people that buy the coffee and get the equipment here in Iowa and most are paying slightly more then $10 a pound for coffee. But if the machine breaks a tech comes out and fixes it. All they have to do is order coffee. The only things that they have to pay for out of pocket is for the paper filters and the water treatment cartridge replacement. I've heard of people including everything in with the coffee purchase but I think that would drive the price up another few dollars and I don't know how receptive people would be to paying 13 or 14$ a pound?
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View entire thread: forgive me, I'm a noob...
Posted by Jenbean on 2007-09-17 20:54:32 Post Subject: forgive me, I'm a noob...
Hello everyone! I'm new here! I've been reading my this forumso much i feel like i know everyone and haven't really talked to anyone here... i have to say there are SO MANY intelligent and kind people here! This is the first site i've found like this.
I'm in the very VERY beginning stages of planning to open a coffee shop. I have to say a lot of the forums here have already answered some of my questions... but I still feel like I'm forgetting something.
I don't expect anyone to hand out info like water or anything... just maybe some pointers or direction on how to continue my research as well as any major things i may have overlooked... so here's my quick overview:
I have a vision of a shop in our area (there are none in the city i live in and only a few in neighboring cities) that serves coffee and specialty beverages, and a very limited food item menu consisting of mostly bakery goods with a few select sandwhiches and salads. I have a theme in mind that would eventually involve live music. Its a christian centered coffee shop, and we're planning a lot of advertising within the church community - which is HUGE where I live. We're really looking for a gathering / "hang out" place for people in our area to go... youth, families, small groups, etc. and feel its something the community will really take to, and for people to know they can go to for great coffee and great fellowship.
I've started doing research on equipment needed, locations, beans, food supplier's, and permits and restrictions for the city, and I've started writing up a business plan... The "vision" part of this is easy for me... the numbers part isn't. I've read a lot on this forum about getting foot or car traffic numbers, etc. and have read a lot about the % of traffic and average sale and stuff... but I feel like I'm missing something?
this is what i have under my grasp so far... i need a location, any applicable permits and stuff, coffee equipment, furnishings, financial tracking stuff (like a POS station) coolers and display cases, coffee beans, equipment and supplies for our other drinks offered... the legal stuff like incorporating and getting proper insurances ... what the heck am I missing? I've got the vision and the passion, i just feel like it can't be "that easy" (disclaimer, **not** trying to say its EASY... just trying to say what am i missing!?!)
i know i have to work my butt off for this, and i'm MORE than willing to... i just feel like I'm walking blind right now, and could use any advice of where to go or what else I need to do.
I'm still trolling the forums, and dutily making notes and bookmarking sites.
thanks in advance! I hope I get to know you all better
oh! I almost forgot! does anyone know of a paper cup vendor that offers all-over 4 color process cups in quantities of less than 25000 per size? We're planning on using real mugs for in store, but would like completely customized cups to go... the logo is black and orange, so im really hoping to get a 'solid' (all over color) black cup with the logo...
thanks!!
jen
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Posted by Jenbean on 2007-09-17 20:54:32 Post Subject: forgive me, I'm a noob...
Hello everyone! I'm new here! I've been reading my this forumso much i feel like i know everyone and haven't really talked to anyone here... i have to say there are SO MANY intelligent and kind people here! This is the first site i've found like this.
I'm in the very VERY beginning stages of planning to open a coffee shop. I have to say a lot of the forums here have already answered some of my questions... but I still feel like I'm forgetting something.
I don't expect anyone to hand out info like water or anything... just maybe some pointers or direction on how to continue my research as well as any major things i may have overlooked... so here's my quick overview:
I have a vision of a shop in our area (there are none in the city i live in and only a few in neighboring cities) that serves coffee and specialty beverages, and a very limited food item menu consisting of mostly bakery goods with a few select sandwhiches and salads. I have a theme in mind that would eventually involve live music. Its a christian centered coffee shop, and we're planning a lot of advertising within the church community - which is HUGE where I live. We're really looking for a gathering / "hang out" place for people in our area to go... youth, families, small groups, etc. and feel its something the community will really take to, and for people to know they can go to for great coffee and great fellowship.
I've started doing research on equipment needed, locations, beans, food supplier's, and permits and restrictions for the city, and I've started writing up a business plan... The "vision" part of this is easy for me... the numbers part isn't. I've read a lot on this forum about getting foot or car traffic numbers, etc. and have read a lot about the % of traffic and average sale and stuff... but I feel like I'm missing something?
this is what i have under my grasp so far... i need a location, any applicable permits and stuff, coffee equipment, furnishings, financial tracking stuff (like a POS station) coolers and display cases, coffee beans, equipment and supplies for our other drinks offered... the legal stuff like incorporating and getting proper insurances ... what the heck am I missing? I've got the vision and the passion, i just feel like it can't be "that easy" (disclaimer, **not** trying to say its EASY... just trying to say what am i missing!?!)
i know i have to work my butt off for this, and i'm MORE than willing to... i just feel like I'm walking blind right now, and could use any advice of where to go or what else I need to do.
I'm still trolling the forums, and dutily making notes and bookmarking sites.
thanks in advance! I hope I get to know you all better
oh! I almost forgot! does anyone know of a paper cup vendor that offers all-over 4 color process cups in quantities of less than 25000 per size? We're planning on using real mugs for in store, but would like completely customized cups to go... the logo is black and orange, so im really hoping to get a 'solid' (all over color) black cup with the logo...
thanks!!
jen
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View entire thread: Used coffee roaster wanted in UK
Posted by DeanChalk on 2008-07-21 11:38:43 Post Subject: just bought from has garanti
You should contact Sean@Kaffina-ltd.com Kaffina rebuilds roasters and coffee equipment in Kent.
http://www.allbusiness.com/manufacturin ... 052-1.html
What a shame. Just goes to show that you should keep an eye on your forum posts more closely.
Just after your post, I ordered a big roaster from has garanti in turkey.
Ive contacted Sean at Kaffina, and let him know that I may be in the market for another roaster towards the end of the year, but to be honest if the garanti roaster is good, I'll be inclined to order another one.
Cheers
Dean
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Posted by DeanChalk on 2008-07-21 11:38:43 Post Subject: just bought from has garanti
You should contact Sean@Kaffina-ltd.com Kaffina rebuilds roasters and coffee equipment in Kent.
http://www.allbusiness.com/manufacturin ... 052-1.html
What a shame. Just goes to show that you should keep an eye on your forum posts more closely.
Just after your post, I ordered a big roaster from has garanti in turkey.
Ive contacted Sean at Kaffina, and let him know that I may be in the market for another roaster towards the end of the year, but to be honest if the garanti roaster is good, I'll be inclined to order another one.
Cheers
Dean
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View entire thread: Coffee Industry Marketing
Posted by keys00 on 2005-05-22 19:07:14 Post Subject:
James - I am interested in commercial coffee equipment. I have looked at my latest edition of Appliance magazine and see the statistics that seem to pertain to home coffee equipment. You mentioned that commercial grade coffe is declining at 3-5% a year and specialty coffee is increasing. Did you get this info from Applicance Magazine or another source? I don't see it broken out this way in Appliance Magazine.
Thanks for your help!
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Posted by keys00 on 2005-05-22 19:07:14 Post Subject:
James - I am interested in commercial coffee equipment. I have looked at my latest edition of Appliance magazine and see the statistics that seem to pertain to home coffee equipment. You mentioned that commercial grade coffe is declining at 3-5% a year and specialty coffee is increasing. Did you get this info from Applicance Magazine or another source? I don't see it broken out this way in Appliance Magazine.
Thanks for your help!
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View entire thread: When is a good time to start hiring and training baristas?
Posted by cafemakers on 2007-06-13 12:50:03 Post Subject:
Depending on the availability of labor in your local market, I generally recommend that you have your candidates lined up for training about 2-3 weeks prior to a scheduled soft opening. That way, as soon as your coffee equipment and POS are installed, you can begin training - probably for a week or two prior to opening.
If unemployment is low in your area, you may want to lock in some good candidates earlier.
Open the doors for business without announcement on your targeted soft-opening date and schedule a grand opening for a week or few weeks later; perhaps on a significant calendar date in your area.
Hope that helps,
Andrew
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Posted by cafemakers on 2007-06-13 12:50:03 Post Subject:
Depending on the availability of labor in your local market, I generally recommend that you have your candidates lined up for training about 2-3 weeks prior to a scheduled soft opening. That way, as soon as your coffee equipment and POS are installed, you can begin training - probably for a week or two prior to opening.
If unemployment is low in your area, you may want to lock in some good candidates earlier.
Open the doors for business without announcement on your targeted soft-opening date and schedule a grand opening for a week or few weeks later; perhaps on a significant calendar date in your area.
Hope that helps,
Andrew
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View entire thread: Used Equipment?
Posted by Josh on 2008-09-26 13:07:55 Post Subject:
used equipment is a GREAT idea.
however if you have no mechanical inclination you may just save money buying new.
I took my time buying equipment over the last year and have been able to come across some amazing deals. I’ve spent 20% of what I thought I would on operating equipment and furniture.
One of the coffee brewers that I got for next to nothing ended up over filling its boiler, turns out the water inlet valve was bad, it was an easy fix and a cheap replacement part but I know there are allot of people who wouldn’t want to or know how to deal with that kind of thing and end up spending up to a couple hundred getting it fixed. I’ve also had espresso machines completely apart and decaled. got it back together and it works great. Commercial coffee equipment actually is very basic. don’t let the big stainless steel box intimidate you, there is nearly nothing inside
be carefull with commercial refrigerators though. especially with older ones, when a compressor goes out it can be more expensive to replace than buying another one
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Posted by Josh on 2008-09-26 13:07:55 Post Subject:
used equipment is a GREAT idea.
however if you have no mechanical inclination you may just save money buying new.
I took my time buying equipment over the last year and have been able to come across some amazing deals. I’ve spent 20% of what I thought I would on operating equipment and furniture.
One of the coffee brewers that I got for next to nothing ended up over filling its boiler, turns out the water inlet valve was bad, it was an easy fix and a cheap replacement part but I know there are allot of people who wouldn’t want to or know how to deal with that kind of thing and end up spending up to a couple hundred getting it fixed. I’ve also had espresso machines completely apart and decaled. got it back together and it works great. Commercial coffee equipment actually is very basic. don’t let the big stainless steel box intimidate you, there is nearly nothing inside
be carefull with commercial refrigerators though. especially with older ones, when a compressor goes out it can be more expensive to replace than buying another one
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View entire thread: Coffee drinks pls advise
Posted by Coffeeexpert on 2008-10-17 19:11:38 Post Subject:
Coffee flavor degrades over time after it is brewed. The time you can store your coffee in a thermos is debatable. A thermos is better than a hot plate however, since a hot place will simply burn off the coffee aroma and flavor. Some coffee shops keep their coffee in thermoses for up to two hours. You should search for a coffee equipment supplier in your country. They will be able to sell you equipment with the proper voltage and service it if required. If you are going to sell tea or cocoa, chose a brewer with a hot water spout.
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Posted by Coffeeexpert on 2008-10-17 19:11:38 Post Subject:
Coffee flavor degrades over time after it is brewed. The time you can store your coffee in a thermos is debatable. A thermos is better than a hot plate however, since a hot place will simply burn off the coffee aroma and flavor. Some coffee shops keep their coffee in thermoses for up to two hours. You should search for a coffee equipment supplier in your country. They will be able to sell you equipment with the proper voltage and service it if required. If you are going to sell tea or cocoa, chose a brewer with a hot water spout.
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View entire thread: Light-commercial coffee machinery...
Posted by rickb33952 on 2007-06-22 22:15:16 Post Subject: Re: Light-commercial coffee machinery...
Hello all, first post from me. I was drawn here because I''''m looking to set up a cafe in the near future - with coffee generating at least some of the profits. Unfortunately, I don''''t know a great deal about the industry, so I''''ve got some questions I wanted to ask specifically about coffee machines.
Firstly, bog-standard filter coffee. I''''d like to offer my customers a nice cup of plain old coffee for a reasonable price - any reccomendations for a good machine that could serve up maybe 300 cups of coffee a day? Cost is a major consideration, as I don''''t have a lot of money to throw around (~$500 tops). Also, those machines with the jugs just don''''t seem that professional, are there any good machines that can just produce it from a spout? Or do I even need a seperate one - can espresso machines make normal coffee too?
Secondly, espresso - I''''m a bit more willing to fork out for an espresso machine (~$2000), as I would charge more for espressos and related drinks. I''''m currently looking at the Fiorenzato Bricoletta range (http://www.cofcaf.co.uk/catalog/bricole ... b763b9b7b5) but I''''m unsure which particular one to go for. I know I''''ll want to choose a mains-plumbed model to save on noise, but I''''m torn between automatic and semi-automatic.
Now, I can learn to use a coffee machine, I''''m sure, but I might have a high turnover of staff - how much harder is it to use a semi-automatic or a fully manual machine when compared to just pressing a button? Also, how much better is the coffee?
Also, a grinder - do I need to buy a seperate grinder, or can I just use ground coffee (or machines with inbuilt grinders)? Does it make much difference tastewise?
Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
I also have an interest in light commercial coffee equipment. I am a bit further along in the process and my needs were slightly different.
First, if you purchase a light comercial machine for regularly making 300 cups a day, you will be pushing the machine too hard and you will be dissapointed in it''s ability to produce at a speed matched to 300 cup per day machines.
Second, for producing a high quality coffee, an Americano is not what I would make. I would draw a cafe creme or cafe swiss which is a long draw to a larger puck to produce a 6 oz beverage. It is very popular in Europe.
Third, I would expect your staff will need training on any commercial equipment, especially to avoid maintenance problems and safeguarding the health of customers by properly operating and cleaning the equipment. The lowest cost to train and operate will be a super-automatic. Oh, there are some super-automatic machines that make quite good espresso.
Lastly I also feel that you need to budget a bit more. I purchased a super-automatic and have been testing it for several different coffee business operations. My budget was for a light commercial machine that retails from 6-7k US Dollars including a few accessories.
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Posted by rickb33952 on 2007-06-22 22:15:16 Post Subject: Re: Light-commercial coffee machinery...
Hello all, first post from me. I was drawn here because I''''m looking to set up a cafe in the near future - with coffee generating at least some of the profits. Unfortunately, I don''''t know a great deal about the industry, so I''''ve got some questions I wanted to ask specifically about coffee machines.
Firstly, bog-standard filter coffee. I''''d like to offer my customers a nice cup of plain old coffee for a reasonable price - any reccomendations for a good machine that could serve up maybe 300 cups of coffee a day? Cost is a major consideration, as I don''''t have a lot of money to throw around (~$500 tops). Also, those machines with the jugs just don''''t seem that professional, are there any good machines that can just produce it from a spout? Or do I even need a seperate one - can espresso machines make normal coffee too?
Secondly, espresso - I''''m a bit more willing to fork out for an espresso machine (~$2000), as I would charge more for espressos and related drinks. I''''m currently looking at the Fiorenzato Bricoletta range (http://www.cofcaf.co.uk/catalog/bricole ... b763b9b7b5) but I''''m unsure which particular one to go for. I know I''''ll want to choose a mains-plumbed model to save on noise, but I''''m torn between automatic and semi-automatic.
Now, I can learn to use a coffee machine, I''''m sure, but I might have a high turnover of staff - how much harder is it to use a semi-automatic or a fully manual machine when compared to just pressing a button? Also, how much better is the coffee?
Also, a grinder - do I need to buy a seperate grinder, or can I just use ground coffee (or machines with inbuilt grinders)? Does it make much difference tastewise?
Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
I also have an interest in light commercial coffee equipment. I am a bit further along in the process and my needs were slightly different.
First, if you purchase a light comercial machine for regularly making 300 cups a day, you will be pushing the machine too hard and you will be dissapointed in it''s ability to produce at a speed matched to 300 cup per day machines.
Second, for producing a high quality coffee, an Americano is not what I would make. I would draw a cafe creme or cafe swiss which is a long draw to a larger puck to produce a 6 oz beverage. It is very popular in Europe.
Third, I would expect your staff will need training on any commercial equipment, especially to avoid maintenance problems and safeguarding the health of customers by properly operating and cleaning the equipment. The lowest cost to train and operate will be a super-automatic. Oh, there are some super-automatic machines that make quite good espresso.
Lastly I also feel that you need to budget a bit more. I purchased a super-automatic and have been testing it for several different coffee business operations. My budget was for a light commercial machine that retails from 6-7k US Dollars including a few accessories.
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View entire thread: Donation Program for Coffee Shop Equipment
Posted by notmuffy on 2003-09-05 06:41:00 Post Subject:
No... in fact I would think any coffee equipment that is in good working order for free is probably hard to find....but it sounds like a really good idea!
Is it going to be open to the public?
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Posted by notmuffy on 2003-09-05 06:41:00 Post Subject:
No... in fact I would think any coffee equipment that is in good working order for free is probably hard to find....but it sounds like a really good idea!
Is it going to be open to the public?
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View entire thread: One Group or Two 2 ?
Posted by ElPugDiablo on 2005-09-13 18:58:57 Post Subject:
One of the hardest thing to do is estimate your volumn, but you will have to come up with a number. For example, how many tables and chairs are you going to have? And what kind of turn over are you looking at? You should have a machine that can handle your seating capacity. Are you more of a bookstore or are you a coffeehouse with some books titles? If you are mainly a bookstore, then concentrate on marketing books, and have a small espresso machine, maybe even a prosumer machine; but do learn the essentials on how to make good espresso drinks as many bookstores really have horrible drinks, many coffeehoues too, for that matter. If you are mainly a coffeehouse, then invest in the best coffee equipment you can afford.
If you are going to use just one portafilter, then single group machine will be fine to start out with. Recently,the trend is to using bottomless portafilter and do away with single shot espresso. If you decided on that route, you can use a one group machine. The drawback is if I come in and order a triple latte, you are going to take a bit longer to make that drink.
If you are going with the traditional set up of using a single basket (7 grams) portafilter for single espresso shot, and a double basket (14 grams) for double shots, then you should get a 2 group machine because you need to keep both portafilters hot.
When considering milk steaming ability, bigger boiler, therefore higher power heating element, is usually better, and double boilers (more money) are better than single boiler.
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Posted by ElPugDiablo on 2005-09-13 18:58:57 Post Subject:
One of the hardest thing to do is estimate your volumn, but you will have to come up with a number. For example, how many tables and chairs are you going to have? And what kind of turn over are you looking at? You should have a machine that can handle your seating capacity. Are you more of a bookstore or are you a coffeehouse with some books titles? If you are mainly a bookstore, then concentrate on marketing books, and have a small espresso machine, maybe even a prosumer machine; but do learn the essentials on how to make good espresso drinks as many bookstores really have horrible drinks, many coffeehoues too, for that matter. If you are mainly a coffeehouse, then invest in the best coffee equipment you can afford.
If you are going to use just one portafilter, then single group machine will be fine to start out with. Recently,the trend is to using bottomless portafilter and do away with single shot espresso. If you decided on that route, you can use a one group machine. The drawback is if I come in and order a triple latte, you are going to take a bit longer to make that drink.
If you are going with the traditional set up of using a single basket (7 grams) portafilter for single espresso shot, and a double basket (14 grams) for double shots, then you should get a 2 group machine because you need to keep both portafilters hot.
When considering milk steaming ability, bigger boiler, therefore higher power heating element, is usually better, and double boilers (more money) are better than single boiler.
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View entire thread: Donation Program for Coffee Shop Equipment
Posted by CoffeeLover on 2003-11-14 09:15:19 Post Subject:
Jamie any luck with the coffee equipment? Get the word out around your town to all the shops there and let them know what your looking for. It may be wise to go through the church on this one and have your person there make an announcement to the community or get something in their bullitin.
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Posted by CoffeeLover on 2003-11-14 09:15:19 Post Subject:
Jamie any luck with the coffee equipment? Get the word out around your town to all the shops there and let them know what your looking for. It may be wise to go through the church on this one and have your person there make an announcement to the community or get something in their bullitin.
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View entire thread: Wanting to purchase a coffee house
Posted by camoflauge on 2007-07-05 14:18:25 Post Subject:
If the town's population is 3500, I don't think you have the demographic to support a shop. You need to define fairly busy.
ok, our town is fairly small, but we are also 100 miles from anywhere big-such as starbucks, etc. we don't have a walmart, kmart, target, or any of those kind of stores. we are also a hunting/fishing haven. we have lots of tourist type people-all year round.
How long has the business been there? If it is less than a year, then maybe, just maybe, it is worth looking into. If it is over a year, personally I would not even consider it. Otherwise, $400-600 per day is a miserable failure of a 2400sq ft coffeeshop.
it has been open about 5 years i think. i "think" (and this is just my opinion) these people run about 4-5 other money making businesses that they don't have any creative ideas left for this one.
the whole reason for this "coffee house's existence" is the guy that opened it up is a multi-million $$$ cattle rancher/sells etc. he opened this as a place to "dine" his customers. he also has a recording studio in the building. he records for many "christian" type singers. well, he has purchased another building to completely dedicate to the recording. Since he has 4-5 other businesses, he has decided to get rid of 2 of them to concentrate on the other ones. His wife does the books on all the businesses and with everything it is too much work to do, plus make any management decisions on the coffee house, etc.
Also, is $325,000 business only or is the building included. If it is business only, they are out of their #@*$ing mind. # = f.
this price includes EVERYTHING except their limited gift shop merchandise-which doesn't bother me because i have quite a few vendors i can wholesale from, plus, i make candles and other craft things that i can fill the gift shop part up with. EVERYTHING being all the shelving, fridges, coffee equipment, basically any inventory with the coffee/restuarant business. It also comes with all the equipment and room dedicated to music recording-which could come in handy if a person was to offer musical entertainand i'm sure if i was really serious, if i wanted i could include the gift merchandise in the asking price. I believe they own the land the building is located on too-i'd have to double check for sure though.
and yes, the asking price is out of line-but 1 thing that makes it so expensive is that this guy took an old train depot and completely "restored" it-not just remodeled. it does not look like a train depot though as far as the inside is concerned. although, there is a possibility of taking the "train depot" theme further if desired.
Here is a very gross generalization. A $500,000 coffeeshop will gross you no more than $100,000 before tax, most likely $70,000. Using 2.5 times ebitda, a fair price is in the $180,000 range. This shop is doing $160,000, a third of $500,000 and they want $325,000? You should ask them to justify that crazy asking price.
I'm guessing that this means that i should probably not purchase this at the full asking price-unless the "restored" train depot somehow adds to the worth.
well, i guess i'll just sit on this for a while, doubt anyone else is going to want to pay the $325,000 asking price either. according to the owner, he has $361,000 just into the restoration. that's just crazy. why would you spend that kind of $$$? maybe if you were turning it into a museum or something.
Thanks for all the help. If anyone else has any advice please feel free to offer it.
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Posted by camoflauge on 2007-07-05 14:18:25 Post Subject:
If the town's population is 3500, I don't think you have the demographic to support a shop. You need to define fairly busy.
ok, our town is fairly small, but we are also 100 miles from anywhere big-such as starbucks, etc. we don't have a walmart, kmart, target, or any of those kind of stores. we are also a hunting/fishing haven. we have lots of tourist type people-all year round.
How long has the business been there? If it is less than a year, then maybe, just maybe, it is worth looking into. If it is over a year, personally I would not even consider it. Otherwise, $400-600 per day is a miserable failure of a 2400sq ft coffeeshop.
it has been open about 5 years i think. i "think" (and this is just my opinion) these people run about 4-5 other money making businesses that they don't have any creative ideas left for this one.
the whole reason for this "coffee house's existence" is the guy that opened it up is a multi-million $$$ cattle rancher/sells etc. he opened this as a place to "dine" his customers. he also has a recording studio in the building. he records for many "christian" type singers. well, he has purchased another building to completely dedicate to the recording. Since he has 4-5 other businesses, he has decided to get rid of 2 of them to concentrate on the other ones. His wife does the books on all the businesses and with everything it is too much work to do, plus make any management decisions on the coffee house, etc.
Also, is $325,000 business only or is the building included. If it is business only, they are out of their #@*$ing mind. # = f.
this price includes EVERYTHING except their limited gift shop merchandise-which doesn't bother me because i have quite a few vendors i can wholesale from, plus, i make candles and other craft things that i can fill the gift shop part up with. EVERYTHING being all the shelving, fridges, coffee equipment, basically any inventory with the coffee/restuarant business. It also comes with all the equipment and room dedicated to music recording-which could come in handy if a person was to offer musical entertainand i'm sure if i was really serious, if i wanted i could include the gift merchandise in the asking price. I believe they own the land the building is located on too-i'd have to double check for sure though.
and yes, the asking price is out of line-but 1 thing that makes it so expensive is that this guy took an old train depot and completely "restored" it-not just remodeled. it does not look like a train depot though as far as the inside is concerned. although, there is a possibility of taking the "train depot" theme further if desired.
Here is a very gross generalization. A $500,000 coffeeshop will gross you no more than $100,000 before tax, most likely $70,000. Using 2.5 times ebitda, a fair price is in the $180,000 range. This shop is doing $160,000, a third of $500,000 and they want $325,000? You should ask them to justify that crazy asking price.
I'm guessing that this means that i should probably not purchase this at the full asking price-unless the "restored" train depot somehow adds to the worth.
well, i guess i'll just sit on this for a while, doubt anyone else is going to want to pay the $325,000 asking price either. according to the owner, he has $361,000 just into the restoration. that's just crazy. why would you spend that kind of $$$? maybe if you were turning it into a museum or something.
Thanks for all the help. If anyone else has any advice please feel free to offer it.
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View entire thread: Coffee House for Sale!
Posted by cbespresso on 2007-01-12 15:51:12 Post Subject: Equipment still available
Hi Everyone.
I was moving and then the holidays hit so I've been offline for quite a while. The equipment is still available. Everything is cleaned and sanitized and sitting in a dark shop. The store is located in Argyle Texas and I will be in Argyle on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning if you are interested in seeing it.
Everything is in fabulous shape. I have every item detailed on a spreasheet so email me directly if you'd like a copy of that spreadsheet. The total cost is just over $21k for every piece of equipment, plus furniture that you could need to open a shop. I paid more than that for my coffee equipment - not including refrigeration, furniture, misc and more.
Tammie
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Posted by cbespresso on 2007-01-12 15:51:12 Post Subject: Equipment still available
Hi Everyone.
I was moving and then the holidays hit so I've been offline for quite a while. The equipment is still available. Everything is cleaned and sanitized and sitting in a dark shop. The store is located in Argyle Texas and I will be in Argyle on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning if you are interested in seeing it.
Everything is in fabulous shape. I have every item detailed on a spreasheet so email me directly if you'd like a copy of that spreadsheet. The total cost is just over $21k for every piece of equipment, plus furniture that you could need to open a shop. I paid more than that for my coffee equipment - not including refrigeration, furniture, misc and more.
Tammie
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View entire thread: hello im new
Posted by CCafe on 2005-06-14 06:44:29 Post Subject:
A long time ago McD's coffee wasn't too bad, but some little old lady had to spill it down her front. Now McDonalds brews there coffee at 180 degrees so by the time it hits the coffee pot its already pushing 165 to 170. This is why their coffee sucks. It’s missing the mark by a good 20 to 25 degrees!
But remember the original post, by r4byy. It was about coffee equipment and not flamming McDonalds coffee!
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Posted by CCafe on 2005-06-14 06:44:29 Post Subject:
A long time ago McD's coffee wasn't too bad, but some little old lady had to spill it down her front. Now McDonalds brews there coffee at 180 degrees so by the time it hits the coffee pot its already pushing 165 to 170. This is why their coffee sucks. It’s missing the mark by a good 20 to 25 degrees!
But remember the original post, by r4byy. It was about coffee equipment and not flamming McDonalds coffee!
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View entire thread: Keurig single cup brewers
Posted by cafemakers on 2006-08-13 13:10:53 Post Subject:
I'm not sure what your problem is.
I never said I wasn't selling them.
If you looked at my signature it's quite obvious. ( isn't that what signatures are for?)
All I did was ask for an unbaised opinion about the Keurig Brewers.
That seems to have upset you. I'm confussed.
And you're right, any one can sell Green Mountain products. They have good products that sell very well.
The purpose of the coffee machines forum is to discuss coffee equipment, features and applications - NOT to generate interest for a product that you are selling. I've relocated your message to the b2b forum.
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Posted by cafemakers on 2006-08-13 13:10:53 Post Subject:
I'm not sure what your problem is.
I never said I wasn't selling them.
If you looked at my signature it's quite obvious. ( isn't that what signatures are for?)
All I did was ask for an unbaised opinion about the Keurig Brewers.
That seems to have upset you. I'm confussed.
And you're right, any one can sell Green Mountain products. They have good products that sell very well.
The purpose of the coffee machines forum is to discuss coffee equipment, features and applications - NOT to generate interest for a product that you are selling. I've relocated your message to the b2b forum.
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View entire thread: Equipment Supplier in Mass
Posted by beans on 2004-11-18 11:25:57 Post Subject: Equipment Supplier in Mass
Could anyone recommend an espresso/coffee equipment supplier in either Mass. or southern New England area. I am looking to start a new coffee business and need everything. I would like somone local for service and training.
Any recommendations would be appreciated.
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Posted by beans on 2004-11-18 11:25:57 Post Subject: Equipment Supplier in Mass
Could anyone recommend an espresso/coffee equipment supplier in either Mass. or southern New England area. I am looking to start a new coffee business and need everything. I would like somone local for service and training.
Any recommendations would be appreciated.
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View entire thread: BIG suppliers vs. smaller ones
Posted by aeneas1 on 2006-05-21 07:06:19 Post Subject:
i couldn't disagree more with the following comment mentioned above...
"Whether amortized over the duration of an unfavorable supplier agreement or buried within the cost of your coffee, “freeâ€
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Posted by aeneas1 on 2006-05-21 07:06:19 Post Subject:
i couldn't disagree more with the following comment mentioned above...
"Whether amortized over the duration of an unfavorable supplier agreement or buried within the cost of your coffee, “freeâ€
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View entire thread: Decorate economically the coofeeshop?
Posted by fatboyflyer on 2006-02-23 12:15:48 Post Subject:
Hello Anajoeri-
Let me introduce myself. I am a coffee shop manager in California. I’ve been doing this for about two years. Before that, I was a barista at a drive thru. I’ve been in retail of some sort for most of my life. The shop that I manage is small; about 420 square feet. When I started working here the décor was mostly a mismatched hodgepodge of knickknacks that the owner had cleared out of his wife’s curio cabinet. Since then I have convinced him that we needed to create a familiar space that first time patrons will find comfortable. And while his décor was vaguely familiar to our customers, it was more reminiscent of grandma’s house than anything else.
What we’ve done over the past two years is to replace the knickknacks with antique and vintage coffee equipment. On a couple of items, such as a large urn, I have put our coffee shop logos that have been distressed to look as old as the item itself. Also, I have created a series of posters that look like old advertisements. To create them I found old artwork that was public domain and, utilizing a graphics program, I added our logo. After I had the poster printed I distressed them and mounted them. I grouped them together on the wall and put up a sign that said XYZ Coffee Through the Years (“XYZâ€
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Posted by fatboyflyer on 2006-02-23 12:15:48 Post Subject:
Hello Anajoeri-
Let me introduce myself. I am a coffee shop manager in California. I’ve been doing this for about two years. Before that, I was a barista at a drive thru. I’ve been in retail of some sort for most of my life. The shop that I manage is small; about 420 square feet. When I started working here the décor was mostly a mismatched hodgepodge of knickknacks that the owner had cleared out of his wife’s curio cabinet. Since then I have convinced him that we needed to create a familiar space that first time patrons will find comfortable. And while his décor was vaguely familiar to our customers, it was more reminiscent of grandma’s house than anything else.
What we’ve done over the past two years is to replace the knickknacks with antique and vintage coffee equipment. On a couple of items, such as a large urn, I have put our coffee shop logos that have been distressed to look as old as the item itself. Also, I have created a series of posters that look like old advertisements. To create them I found old artwork that was public domain and, utilizing a graphics program, I added our logo. After I had the poster printed I distressed them and mounted them. I grouped them together on the wall and put up a sign that said XYZ Coffee Through the Years (“XYZâ€
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View entire thread: some may consider this sacrilege!!! expert advice needed!!
Posted by MakoShark on 2008-05-03 06:13:21 Post Subject: Some may consider this sacrilege!!!
Hi There!
I measure my beans for grinding in 10ml (dessert) spoonfuls, and grind it in a grinder that was passed to me by my german grandmother - it''s a Bassenhaus \"mokka\" - dont know how old it is - but it is old!
Also I use the percolator she gave me - a Sona jug style percolator - probably not the best machine to use - but I use it for nostalgic purposes Very Happy
I'm no expert on Jamaican Blue Mountain. I tend to swim in the warm waters offshore, like all good Coffeesharks.
But I do want to comment on your coffee equipment. Keep those pieces in use! I think it's great that you're using these family heirlooms. They still work!
There are many options for grinding and brewing out there. I'm sure you can find a technically superior way to brew. But you'll never duplicate the taste you can produce with your Grandmothers pieces. I submit that your Jamaican Blue Mountain tastes distinctively different and special because of how you make it.
Mako
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Posted by MakoShark on 2008-05-03 06:13:21 Post Subject: Some may consider this sacrilege!!!
Hi There!
I measure my beans for grinding in 10ml (dessert) spoonfuls, and grind it in a grinder that was passed to me by my german grandmother - it''s a Bassenhaus \"mokka\" - dont know how old it is - but it is old!
Also I use the percolator she gave me - a Sona jug style percolator - probably not the best machine to use - but I use it for nostalgic purposes Very Happy
I'm no expert on Jamaican Blue Mountain. I tend to swim in the warm waters offshore, like all good Coffeesharks.
But I do want to comment on your coffee equipment. Keep those pieces in use! I think it's great that you're using these family heirlooms. They still work!
There are many options for grinding and brewing out there. I'm sure you can find a technically superior way to brew. But you'll never duplicate the taste you can produce with your Grandmothers pieces. I submit that your Jamaican Blue Mountain tastes distinctively different and special because of how you make it.
Mako
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View entire thread: Anyone start out part time, then........
Posted by ourcoffeebarn on 2007-10-28 19:56:03 Post Subject:
We had to expand beyond just roasted coffee to make a living. i.e green bean sales and Home coffee roaster sales, then we went into home espresso equipment pretty heavily and we have since backed off home espresso equipment sales. We are trying to target "niche" coffee equipment markets for home use. In short we had to diversify but still stay in the coffee field to make our web site my wifes full time job and I still just roast coffee 3 times a week during the evenings as my second job. We are into our 5th year now and getting ready for our biggest time of the year! Holiday Sales!
I'm not trying to scare anyone out of the coffee industry, but you have to LOVE coffee to stay with it!
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Posted by ourcoffeebarn on 2007-10-28 19:56:03 Post Subject:
We had to expand beyond just roasted coffee to make a living. i.e green bean sales and Home coffee roaster sales, then we went into home espresso equipment pretty heavily and we have since backed off home espresso equipment sales. We are trying to target "niche" coffee equipment markets for home use. In short we had to diversify but still stay in the coffee field to make our web site my wifes full time job and I still just roast coffee 3 times a week during the evenings as my second job. We are into our 5th year now and getting ready for our biggest time of the year! Holiday Sales!
I'm not trying to scare anyone out of the coffee industry, but you have to LOVE coffee to stay with it!
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View entire thread: Can I get some Feedback on my site?
Posted by CCafe on 2007-02-20 08:39:19 Post Subject:
I work for a service company specializing in espresso and coffee equipment repair and maintenance. It happens to be located in the basement of a coffee house/roaster who happens to be our roaster of choice. So when I want coffee I simply walk upstairs.
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Posted by CCafe on 2007-02-20 08:39:19 Post Subject:
I work for a service company specializing in espresso and coffee equipment repair and maintenance. It happens to be located in the basement of a coffee house/roaster who happens to be our roaster of choice. So when I want coffee I simply walk upstairs.
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View entire thread: Seattle Coffee
Posted by La Crema Coffee on 2006-05-24 20:25:26 Post Subject:
Yeah I did change to " La Crema Coffee Roasters L.L.C." And I'm still a small premere roaster that has multiple drive thrus, accounts and distribution of some premere espresso/coffee equipment. As aI a say " from Beans to Machines, I have you covered"
Toper, thanks for asking
Also. La Crema refers to the " cream of the crop" NW JAVA is a strong name: But La Crema is de la creme....
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Posted by La Crema Coffee on 2006-05-24 20:25:26 Post Subject:
Yeah I did change to " La Crema Coffee Roasters L.L.C." And I'm still a small premere roaster that has multiple drive thrus, accounts and distribution of some premere espresso/coffee equipment. As aI a say " from Beans to Machines, I have you covered"
Toper, thanks for asking
Also. La Crema refers to the " cream of the crop" NW JAVA is a strong name: But La Crema is de la creme....
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View entire thread: Any Pointers
Posted by mrgnomer on 2006-05-20 13:46:45 Post Subject: Re: Any Pointers
This is all new to me, the form that is. I am currently just finishing my business plan to start up my coffee shop and could not be more excited. I am going to be having Organic and Gourmet Coffee, both wholesale beans, and over the counter service per cup. Any pointers or hidden secrets would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you all,
Steven
I've got no personal experience running a business but from what I've experienced and read coffeewise quality and consistency is very important. Personally I haven't been to a local cafe whose beans and espresso are better than what I make at home. Either the bean roast quality/freshness, equipment maintainence or barista skills are lacking to make an espresso or even a cup of coffee I'd go out of my way to enjoy again.
I don't know how many people would be interested in excellent coffee but if you invested money into quality at every level maybe your product would be something a customer couldn't duplicate or find elsewhere. Offer it at a reasonable price and hopefully repeat business would get you and keep you going. Your roasts would probably sell well.
I know of one green bean supplier where I live that goes out of it's way to develop a relationship with it's customers by not only offering green beans for retail sale but roasters, coffee equipment and coffee roasting/brewing demonstration/courses. The first time I visited this green bean supplier it was their coffee course day and they were closed to walk ins. They not only opened the doors to me but gave me a tour of their place, let me pick a green bean to roast, used a FreshRoast roaster to roast it, ground and brewed it while I waited then demonstrated a cloth filter drip brew. That was really cool. Their green bean prices are too high for me and I've done coffee research on my own so I haven't been back there since but even while I was being courted a couple walked in for the course so I imagine they do a good business.
I think if you love what you do and sell that effort will relect in the quality of your establishment and product and others who never knew coffee could be so interesting and good will find you and support you. Good coffee is not hard nor expensive but so many people who really like coffee think that it requires a skill and resources inaccessible to the average consumer. I used to think that but it's really not the case. Showing and offering to teach people and provide them inexpensive products to duplicate excellent coffee brewing might interest more than a few people and give you sometiing special to offer that sets you apart.
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Posted by mrgnomer on 2006-05-20 13:46:45 Post Subject: Re: Any Pointers
This is all new to me, the form that is. I am currently just finishing my business plan to start up my coffee shop and could not be more excited. I am going to be having Organic and Gourmet Coffee, both wholesale beans, and over the counter service per cup. Any pointers or hidden secrets would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you all,
Steven
I've got no personal experience running a business but from what I've experienced and read coffeewise quality and consistency is very important. Personally I haven't been to a local cafe whose beans and espresso are better than what I make at home. Either the bean roast quality/freshness, equipment maintainence or barista skills are lacking to make an espresso or even a cup of coffee I'd go out of my way to enjoy again.
I don't know how many people would be interested in excellent coffee but if you invested money into quality at every level maybe your product would be something a customer couldn't duplicate or find elsewhere. Offer it at a reasonable price and hopefully repeat business would get you and keep you going. Your roasts would probably sell well.
I know of one green bean supplier where I live that goes out of it's way to develop a relationship with it's customers by not only offering green beans for retail sale but roasters, coffee equipment and coffee roasting/brewing demonstration/courses. The first time I visited this green bean supplier it was their coffee course day and they were closed to walk ins. They not only opened the doors to me but gave me a tour of their place, let me pick a green bean to roast, used a FreshRoast roaster to roast it, ground and brewed it while I waited then demonstrated a cloth filter drip brew. That was really cool. Their green bean prices are too high for me and I've done coffee research on my own so I haven't been back there since but even while I was being courted a couple walked in for the course so I imagine they do a good business.
I think if you love what you do and sell that effort will relect in the quality of your establishment and product and others who never knew coffee could be so interesting and good will find you and support you. Good coffee is not hard nor expensive but so many people who really like coffee think that it requires a skill and resources inaccessible to the average consumer. I used to think that but it's really not the case. Showing and offering to teach people and provide them inexpensive products to duplicate excellent coffee brewing might interest more than a few people and give you sometiing special to offer that sets you apart.
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View entire thread: Great Coffee for Coffee Houses. Best prices available
Posted by ralphshade on 2005-03-25 09:04:53 Post Subject: Networking Forum
Excellent idea. Subforums are definitley the way to go. Cafes, etc. that want to receive information can post their contact info. Wholesalers of coffee, equipment, supplies, etc. can then feel free to contact them without feeling like they are harrassing. Great networking potential. Organizing in subforums will allow people to find what they are looking for more easily, as well.
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Posted by ralphshade on 2005-03-25 09:04:53 Post Subject: Networking Forum
Excellent idea. Subforums are definitley the way to go. Cafes, etc. that want to receive information can post their contact info. Wholesalers of coffee, equipment, supplies, etc. can then feel free to contact them without feeling like they are harrassing. Great networking potential. Organizing in subforums will allow people to find what they are looking for more easily, as well.
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View entire thread: commercial machines-automatic vs Semi auto
Posted by barefoot on 2004-11-29 13:50:40 Post Subject:
get a Lamarzocco espresso machine. They are rock solid and amazing profit makers of consistent drinks.
use Fetco extractor brewers for drip or french press.
spend MOST of your money on the coffee equipment and the outside look of your place. Then buy used or refurb on everything else since tose are only cost centers where the coffee equip is a profit center.
find a great artisan roaster who can help you with great coffee and great business advice.
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Posted by barefoot on 2004-11-29 13:50:40 Post Subject:
get a Lamarzocco espresso machine. They are rock solid and amazing profit makers of consistent drinks.
use Fetco extractor brewers for drip or french press.
spend MOST of your money on the coffee equipment and the outside look of your place. Then buy used or refurb on everything else since tose are only cost centers where the coffee equip is a profit center.
find a great artisan roaster who can help you with great coffee and great business advice.
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View entire thread: Best process for great coffee at home?
Posted by mrgnomer on 2006-05-08 17:29:44 Post Subject:
I just wish there was an easier way to make a larger quantity that remained hot and tasty. Any thoughts on making and preserving large amounts of coffee via manual drip? Maybe even a large french press, but maybe I am getting ahead of myself since it is really just two of us drinking.....
A guy at a coffee equipment/green bean supplier showed me something interesting once. He fresh roasted some beans, ground them and brewed with a cloth filter. He used enough grinds for about 5 mugs but caught the brew in a smaller container. Of course the coffee was very strong. He poured about 1/2 a cup full of very strong brewed coffee into each mug and topped it off with water.
What he showed me and explained is that coffee can be diluted with water to taste after brewing without having any effect on the cup other than dilution. Brew strong for company and dilute with boiled water at the appropriate temperature. You could even pour a really strong brew into a large vacuum carafe and dilute it to taste, stir it up and stretch a 6 cup french press to 12 cups to serve company.
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Posted by mrgnomer on 2006-05-08 17:29:44 Post Subject:
I just wish there was an easier way to make a larger quantity that remained hot and tasty. Any thoughts on making and preserving large amounts of coffee via manual drip? Maybe even a large french press, but maybe I am getting ahead of myself since it is really just two of us drinking.....
A guy at a coffee equipment/green bean supplier showed me something interesting once. He fresh roasted some beans, ground them and brewed with a cloth filter. He used enough grinds for about 5 mugs but caught the brew in a smaller container. Of course the coffee was very strong. He poured about 1/2 a cup full of very strong brewed coffee into each mug and topped it off with water.
What he showed me and explained is that coffee can be diluted with water to taste after brewing without having any effect on the cup other than dilution. Brew strong for company and dilute with boiled water at the appropriate temperature. You could even pour a really strong brew into a large vacuum carafe and dilute it to taste, stir it up and stretch a 6 cup french press to 12 cups to serve company.
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View entire thread: Mobile espresso truck/van?
Posted by beans on 2005-06-09 06:29:13 Post Subject:
I just assumed that you could run an exhaust hose either through a hole in the side of the truck or the back...when the truck is stopped at an event.
Do you have all of your coffee equipment secured down on tables? We are going to have everything in bins under the tables and once we stop, pull everything out and hook up to the power. Bolting everything down seemed like a pain considering that when we park the truck at the end of the day, we want to bring everything inside to clean and store.
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Posted by beans on 2005-06-09 06:29:13 Post Subject:
I just assumed that you could run an exhaust hose either through a hole in the side of the truck or the back...when the truck is stopped at an event.
Do you have all of your coffee equipment secured down on tables? We are going to have everything in bins under the tables and once we stop, pull everything out and hook up to the power. Bolting everything down seemed like a pain considering that when we park the truck at the end of the day, we want to bring everything inside to clean and store.
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View entire thread: Coffee Shop Business Plans
Posted by barefoot on 2004-11-12 13:29:47 Post Subject:
Leasing or buying is a simply a case of cash flow.If you have lots of upfront cash then buy most of the stuff. If not then lease. But make sure you assume that you will NOT make a profit for at elast the first 12 months. You MAY make it sooner but plan to have enough cash to keep going for a year at a loss. Otherwise you will be deeply sad and out of business.
And get your own coffee equipment. Do NOT get cornered by a coffee company that offers "free" equipment cause then they have ALL the power and you cannot change no matter how bad they are. ALWAYS own the equipment that makes you profit. Coffee equipment is where you make your profit. Own and control it yourself to control your destiny. Also clean and service it constantly to keep it in tip top shape. Be nice to it and it will be nice to you.
as far as average ticket prices and average sales there is no true average. Everyone is differnet. However it is VERY easy to make some guesses. Figure that to be profitable you need to have at least 60% of your revenue be espresso based drinks and that the average drink price is about $3.00 to $3.50. Figure that about 10-25% of those people will buy something else like a muffin or scone and you have your average ticket easily.
BE CONSERVATIVE in your model for revenue growth. Have extra cash on hand! ALWAYS go for the BEST location NOT the lowest rent. Pay 30% more rent and likely you will get 70% higher revenue and traffic. Don't cut costs tomake money, raise revenues and customer satisfaction.
choose a good roaster partner NOT just a coffee supplier. Train your Baristas to execute coffee perfection EVERY TIME. Quality, quality, quality.
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Posted by barefoot on 2004-11-12 13:29:47 Post Subject:
Leasing or buying is a simply a case of cash flow.If you have lots of upfront cash then buy most of the stuff. If not then lease. But make sure you assume that you will NOT make a profit for at elast the first 12 months. You MAY make it sooner but plan to have enough cash to keep going for a year at a loss. Otherwise you will be deeply sad and out of business.
And get your own coffee equipment. Do NOT get cornered by a coffee company that offers "free" equipment cause then they have ALL the power and you cannot change no matter how bad they are. ALWAYS own the equipment that makes you profit. Coffee equipment is where you make your profit. Own and control it yourself to control your destiny. Also clean and service it constantly to keep it in tip top shape. Be nice to it and it will be nice to you.
as far as average ticket prices and average sales there is no true average. Everyone is differnet. However it is VERY easy to make some guesses. Figure that to be profitable you need to have at least 60% of your revenue be espresso based drinks and that the average drink price is about $3.00 to $3.50. Figure that about 10-25% of those people will buy something else like a muffin or scone and you have your average ticket easily.
BE CONSERVATIVE in your model for revenue growth. Have extra cash on hand! ALWAYS go for the BEST location NOT the lowest rent. Pay 30% more rent and likely you will get 70% higher revenue and traffic. Don't cut costs tomake money, raise revenues and customer satisfaction.
choose a good roaster partner NOT just a coffee supplier. Train your Baristas to execute coffee perfection EVERY TIME. Quality, quality, quality.
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View entire thread: Gavalia Coffee
Posted by Coffee Guy on 2003-10-24 10:19:39 Post Subject:
During dessert (German Chocolate Cake) they had served Gevalia, Colombian. I usually take a sip before tasting desserts so I don't retard the taste of the coffee. Although this was not a cupping. I had noticed a sort of citrus aftertaste when sipping this coffee. I did not know at first that this was Gevalia, and the only way I knew was when my wife had commented on how nice the coffee accessories were. That's when the hostess said that she had gotten them when she purchased this coffee. As we were clearing the table after dessert I had asked the host how long he had this coffee and he mentioned only a couple of weeks. I then asked when they purchased it was it in whole bean form or ground? He said that it was ground. I told him that Colombian should not possess a citrus or sour after taste and asked him if his coffee equipment was clean before brewing his coffee. He assured me it was. I then told him I would send him a sample of our Colombian Supremo and if he liked it then order from me in the future. I did, and he does. He had ordered from me twice so far. My personal feeling on Gevalia's coffees are inconclusive, since this was the only time I have tasted them. For whatever reason, it was not good that evening. I don't like to pass judgement on others without them having the opportunity to correct. I've even been passed up for other coffees at times because someone else's tasted different that mine.
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Posted by Coffee Guy on 2003-10-24 10:19:39 Post Subject:
During dessert (German Chocolate Cake) they had served Gevalia, Colombian. I usually take a sip before tasting desserts so I don't retard the taste of the coffee. Although this was not a cupping. I had noticed a sort of citrus aftertaste when sipping this coffee. I did not know at first that this was Gevalia, and the only way I knew was when my wife had commented on how nice the coffee accessories were. That's when the hostess said that she had gotten them when she purchased this coffee. As we were clearing the table after dessert I had asked the host how long he had this coffee and he mentioned only a couple of weeks. I then asked when they purchased it was it in whole bean form or ground? He said that it was ground. I told him that Colombian should not possess a citrus or sour after taste and asked him if his coffee equipment was clean before brewing his coffee. He assured me it was. I then told him I would send him a sample of our Colombian Supremo and if he liked it then order from me in the future. I did, and he does. He had ordered from me twice so far. My personal feeling on Gevalia's coffees are inconclusive, since this was the only time I have tasted them. For whatever reason, it was not good that evening. I don't like to pass judgement on others without them having the opportunity to correct. I've even been passed up for other coffees at times because someone else's tasted different that mine.
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View entire thread: Welcome, Introduce Yourself!
Posted by axileon on 2008-02-20 20:31:11 Post Subject:
i see.. i have been thinking of getting some coffee equipment.. but i am still procrastinating.... anything you can recommend to me?
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Posted by axileon on 2008-02-20 20:31:11 Post Subject:
i see.. i have been thinking of getting some coffee equipment.. but i am still procrastinating.... anything you can recommend to me?
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View entire thread: Welcome, Introduce Yourself!
Posted by jlyon10 on 2007-07-18 07:20:52 Post Subject: Welcome
Welcome thinkattitude, I recently bought a great combo coffee machine from Delonghi that makes regular coffee and espresso because my wife doesn't like strong coffee. It works great. If you would like some good coffee visit my site. I also sell coffee equipment.
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Posted by jlyon10 on 2007-07-18 07:20:52 Post Subject: Welcome
Welcome thinkattitude, I recently bought a great combo coffee machine from Delonghi that makes regular coffee and espresso because my wife doesn't like strong coffee. It works great. If you would like some good coffee visit my site. I also sell coffee equipment.
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