View entire thread: New coffee sleeve with your custom graphics for cheap!
Posted by JavaGripper on 2008-10-03 18:19:04 Post Subject: New coffee sleeve with your custom graphics for cheap!
I introduced this new product recently in the B2B forum, but thought it would be appropriate here as well.
My name is Alan and I work with a company based in Los Angeles called Studio H2O. We recently launched our new product, the \"Gripper Sleeve\" at Coffee Fest Seattle on September 12, 2008. We are very excited to announce that the \"Gripper Sleeve\" won second place for best new product at Coffee Fest.
This innovative paper sleeve is made of one sheet of paper which folds into the shape of a traditional glued paper sleeve. Since our product uses no glue, it costs about half as much as traditional sleeves such as \"Java Jacket\", \"Coffee Clutch\", and others like them. An added benefit of this is that the \"Gripper Sleeve\" is 100% recycleable and compostable, hence our tagline \"Be green, save green\".
Please visit our website at www.GripperSleeve.com for additional information including product photos and our latest press release.
We are excited to announce our first promotion at the amazing price of 3 cents per unit. This includes full color custom printing with your company's logo and graphics!
I would be happy to have samples sent out to anyone who is interested.
Feel free to PM me too
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Posted by JavaGripper on 2008-10-03 18:19:04 Post Subject: New coffee sleeve with your custom graphics for cheap!
I introduced this new product recently in the B2B forum, but thought it would be appropriate here as well.
My name is Alan and I work with a company based in Los Angeles called Studio H2O. We recently launched our new product, the \"Gripper Sleeve\" at Coffee Fest Seattle on September 12, 2008. We are very excited to announce that the \"Gripper Sleeve\" won second place for best new product at Coffee Fest.
This innovative paper sleeve is made of one sheet of paper which folds into the shape of a traditional glued paper sleeve. Since our product uses no glue, it costs about half as much as traditional sleeves such as \"Java Jacket\", \"Coffee Clutch\", and others like them. An added benefit of this is that the \"Gripper Sleeve\" is 100% recycleable and compostable, hence our tagline \"Be green, save green\".
Please visit our website at www.GripperSleeve.com for additional information including product photos and our latest press release.
We are excited to announce our first promotion at the amazing price of 3 cents per unit. This includes full color custom printing with your company's logo and graphics!
I would be happy to have samples sent out to anyone who is interested.
Feel free to PM me too
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View entire thread: Is it worth the $$$
Posted by NW JAVA on 2005-12-16 17:17:57 Post Subject: Is it worth the $$$
Have you personally shown at a coffee event aka coffee fest ect? Was/is it worth it? Did you get enough new accts to make ROI? What have your experiances been?
Thanks.
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Posted by NW JAVA on 2005-12-16 17:17:57 Post Subject: Is it worth the $$$
Have you personally shown at a coffee event aka coffee fest ect? Was/is it worth it? Did you get enough new accts to make ROI? What have your experiances been?
Thanks.
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View entire thread: Need Help to sell Robusta Coffee Green
Posted by Tembak on 2005-06-16 03:48:05 Post Subject: Need Help to sell Robusta Coffee Green
Any ideas?? I have the coffee spot and i tried calling some companies that i found on coffee fest but none seems to use Robusta i'm located in Los Angeles. Desperate...... thanks..
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Posted by Tembak on 2005-06-16 03:48:05 Post Subject: Need Help to sell Robusta Coffee Green
Any ideas?? I have the coffee spot and i tried calling some companies that i found on coffee fest but none seems to use Robusta i'm located in Los Angeles. Desperate...... thanks..
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View entire thread: SCAA's 2008 MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL BARISTA COMPETITION
Posted by Michelle Campbell on 2008-02-04 01:06:19 Post Subject: SCAA's 2008 MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL BARISTA COMPETITION
Dear Barista Competition Enthusiasts,
The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) is proud to present the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Regional Barista Competition (MARBC), hosted by murky coffee.
The MARBC will take place February 15-17, 2008 at:
Coffee Fest DC
Washington Convention Center
801 Mount Vernon Place, NW
Washington, DC 20001
http://www.dcconvention.com/
Click on the following link to find the 2008 MARBC Documents:
http://www.scaa.org/about_regional_next ... d_Atlantic
2008 MARBC DOCUMENTS:
Schedule of Events
Competitor Registration Form
Judges Registration Form
Volunteer Registration Form
Competitor Rules & Regulations
Judges Rules & Regulations
Head Judge Score Sheet
Technical Judge Score Sheet
Sensory Judge Score Sheet
If you or someone you know is interested in competing, judging or volunteering at the 2008 MARBC, please direct them to the link posted above for a Registration Form.
Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions or concerns.
I look forward to seeing all of you in Washington, DC!
Kind regards,
Michelle Campbell
Director of Community & Events
Specialty Coffee Association of America
330 Golden Shore, Suite 50
Long Beach, CA 90802
TEL: (562) 624-4100
FAX: (562) 624-4104
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Posted by Michelle Campbell on 2008-02-04 01:06:19 Post Subject: SCAA's 2008 MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL BARISTA COMPETITION
Dear Barista Competition Enthusiasts,
The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) is proud to present the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Regional Barista Competition (MARBC), hosted by murky coffee.
The MARBC will take place February 15-17, 2008 at:
Coffee Fest DC
Washington Convention Center
801 Mount Vernon Place, NW
Washington, DC 20001
http://www.dcconvention.com/
Click on the following link to find the 2008 MARBC Documents:
http://www.scaa.org/about_regional_next ... d_Atlantic
2008 MARBC DOCUMENTS:
Schedule of Events
Competitor Registration Form
Judges Registration Form
Volunteer Registration Form
Competitor Rules & Regulations
Judges Rules & Regulations
Head Judge Score Sheet
Technical Judge Score Sheet
Sensory Judge Score Sheet
If you or someone you know is interested in competing, judging or volunteering at the 2008 MARBC, please direct them to the link posted above for a Registration Form.
Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions or concerns.
I look forward to seeing all of you in Washington, DC!
Kind regards,
Michelle Campbell
Director of Community & Events
Specialty Coffee Association of America
330 Golden Shore, Suite 50
Long Beach, CA 90802
TEL: (562) 624-4100
FAX: (562) 624-4104
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View entire thread: SCAA's NORTH WEST REGIONAL BARISTA COMPETITION
Posted by Michelle Campbell on 2007-10-08 16:01:36 Post Subject: SCAA's NORTH WEST REGIONAL BARISTA COMPETITION
Dear Barista Competition Enthusiasts,
The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) is proud to present the 2007 North West Regional Barista Competition (NWRBC), hosted by Zoka Coffee Roaster & Tea Co.
The NWRBC will take place November 9-11, 2007 at:
Coffee Fest Seattle
The Washington State Convention & Trade Center
800 Convention Place
Seattle, Washington 98101
http://www.wsctc.com/
Click on the following link to find the 2007 NWRBC Documents:
http://www.scaa.org/about_regional_next.asp#Northwest
2007 NWRBC DOCUMENTS:
Schedule of Events
Competitor Registration Form
Judges Registration Form
Volunteer Registration Form
Competitor Rules & Regulations
Judges Rules & Regulations
Head Judge Score Sheet
Technical Score Sheet
Sensory Judge Score Sheet
If you or someone you know is interested in competing, judging or volunteering at the 2007 NWRBC, please direct them to the link posted above for a Registration Form.
Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions or concerns.
I look forward to seeing all of you in Seattle!
Kind regards,
Michelle Campbell
Director of Community & Events
Specialty Coffee Association of America
330 Golden Shore, Suite 50
Long Beach, CA 90802
TEL: (562) 624-4100
FAX: (562) 624-4104
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Posted by Michelle Campbell on 2007-10-08 16:01:36 Post Subject: SCAA's NORTH WEST REGIONAL BARISTA COMPETITION
Dear Barista Competition Enthusiasts,
The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) is proud to present the 2007 North West Regional Barista Competition (NWRBC), hosted by Zoka Coffee Roaster & Tea Co.
The NWRBC will take place November 9-11, 2007 at:
Coffee Fest Seattle
The Washington State Convention & Trade Center
800 Convention Place
Seattle, Washington 98101
http://www.wsctc.com/
Click on the following link to find the 2007 NWRBC Documents:
http://www.scaa.org/about_regional_next.asp#Northwest
2007 NWRBC DOCUMENTS:
Schedule of Events
Competitor Registration Form
Judges Registration Form
Volunteer Registration Form
Competitor Rules & Regulations
Judges Rules & Regulations
Head Judge Score Sheet
Technical Score Sheet
Sensory Judge Score Sheet
If you or someone you know is interested in competing, judging or volunteering at the 2007 NWRBC, please direct them to the link posted above for a Registration Form.
Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions or concerns.
I look forward to seeing all of you in Seattle!
Kind regards,
Michelle Campbell
Director of Community & Events
Specialty Coffee Association of America
330 Golden Shore, Suite 50
Long Beach, CA 90802
TEL: (562) 624-4100
FAX: (562) 624-4104
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View entire thread: PR: Pre-orders being accepted for the Hawaii Coffee Book
Posted by cafemakers on 2008-05-21 19:53:04 Post Subject: PR: Pre-orders being accepted for the Hawaii Coffee Book
Colleague and coffee scientist Shawn Steiman has published the first book dedicated the coffees of Hawaii. Copies of the Hawaii Coffee Book can be pre-ordered now directly from Watermark Publishing and will soon be available from Amazon.com or a bookstore near you. Advance promotional copies are already in the mail, so regular orders (including mine) should be shipping soon.
From the publisher:
The Hawaiian Islands are known worldwide for gourmet coffee from the Kona Coast, but real aficionados know that in Hawai‘i, Kona coffee is only the beginning. The only place in the United States growing coffee as a commercial crop, the Aloha State hosts a thriving industry encompassing 11 major regions on five islands—producing more than seven million pounds of coffee last year valued at over $30 million. The Hawai‘i Coffee Book: A Gourmet’s Guide from Kona to Kaua‘i is the first-ever comprehensive overview of the Islands’ most recognizable and highly coveted product.
Books about coffee make great gifts for CoffeeForums members or others in the industry -- and, be sure to contact the publisher for wholesale ordering information to sell the Hawaii Coffee Book at your coffee shop or farm visitor center.
For those attending the Hawaii Coffee Association conference & Coffee Fest Hawaii, June 6-8 in Waikoloa, Shawn will be opening the conference with his talk, "the Myths About Coffee," and also signing copies of the book throughout the weekend.
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Posted by cafemakers on 2008-05-21 19:53:04 Post Subject: PR: Pre-orders being accepted for the Hawaii Coffee Book
Colleague and coffee scientist Shawn Steiman has published the first book dedicated the coffees of Hawaii. Copies of the Hawaii Coffee Book can be pre-ordered now directly from Watermark Publishing and will soon be available from Amazon.com or a bookstore near you. Advance promotional copies are already in the mail, so regular orders (including mine) should be shipping soon.
From the publisher:
The Hawaiian Islands are known worldwide for gourmet coffee from the Kona Coast, but real aficionados know that in Hawai‘i, Kona coffee is only the beginning. The only place in the United States growing coffee as a commercial crop, the Aloha State hosts a thriving industry encompassing 11 major regions on five islands—producing more than seven million pounds of coffee last year valued at over $30 million. The Hawai‘i Coffee Book: A Gourmet’s Guide from Kona to Kaua‘i is the first-ever comprehensive overview of the Islands’ most recognizable and highly coveted product.
Books about coffee make great gifts for CoffeeForums members or others in the industry -- and, be sure to contact the publisher for wholesale ordering information to sell the Hawaii Coffee Book at your coffee shop or farm visitor center.
For those attending the Hawaii Coffee Association conference & Coffee Fest Hawaii, June 6-8 in Waikoloa, Shawn will be opening the conference with his talk, "the Myths About Coffee," and also signing copies of the book throughout the weekend.
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View entire thread: Chicago Coffee Fest get together of forum people
Posted by jpscoffee on 2005-01-29 08:33:27 Post Subject: Chicago Coffee Fest get together of forum people
OK, here is the deal.
First, for those of you parking at Navy Pier go to this link for a reduced price parking coupon (http://www.navypier.com/pdf/parkingcoupon.pdf)
Second, I have no idea when the bulk of people are going to visit and/or want to meet so I am arranging this meeting hopefully for the most people to be able to get together.
Third, as I have no idea if there will be 5 or 50 people showing up to say, “Hiâ€
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Posted by jpscoffee on 2005-01-29 08:33:27 Post Subject: Chicago Coffee Fest get together of forum people
OK, here is the deal.
First, for those of you parking at Navy Pier go to this link for a reduced price parking coupon (http://www.navypier.com/pdf/parkingcoupon.pdf)
Second, I have no idea when the bulk of people are going to visit and/or want to meet so I am arranging this meeting hopefully for the most people to be able to get together.
Third, as I have no idea if there will be 5 or 50 people showing up to say, “Hiâ€
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View entire thread: Looking for a combination pastry case/grab & go cooler
Posted by Deb LaJoie on 2006-08-16 20:16:31 Post Subject: pasty case
try www.millrock.com
I saw them at Coffee Fest and they have beautiful coolers, exactly the type you are looking for. They are very expensive, however, but really a sleek addition to your shop. I'm saving up...
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Posted by Deb LaJoie on 2006-08-16 20:16:31 Post Subject: pasty case
try www.millrock.com
I saw them at Coffee Fest and they have beautiful coolers, exactly the type you are looking for. They are very expensive, however, but really a sleek addition to your shop. I'm saving up...
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View entire thread: 2006-2007 GREAT LAKES REGIONAL BARISTA COMPETITION
Posted by Michelle Campbell on 2007-01-31 17:21:14 Post Subject: 2006-2007 GREAT LAKES REGIONAL BARISTA COMPETITION
Dear Barista Competition Enthusiasts,
The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) is proud to present the 2007 Great Lakes Regional Barista Competition (GLRBC), hosted by Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea.
The GLRBC will take place February 23 - 25, 2007 at:
Coffee Fest Chicago
The Chicago Navy Pier, Hall A
600 East Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
Click on the following link to find the 2007 GLRBC Documents:
http://www.scaa.org/about_regional_next.asp#Great_Lakes
2007 GLRBC DOCUMENTS:
Schedule of Events
Competitor Registration Form
Judges Registration Form
Volunteer Registration Form
Competitor Rules & Regulations
Judges Rules & Regulations
Head Judge Score Sheet
Technical Score Sheet
Sensory Judge Score Sheet
If you or someone you know is interested in competing, judging or volunteering at the 2007 GLRBC, please direct them to the link posted above for a Registration Form.
Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions or concerns.
I look forward to seeing all of you in Chicago!
Kind regards,
Michelle Campbell
Director of Community & Events
Specialty Coffee Association of America
Long Beach, CA 90802
TEL: (562) 624-4100
FAX: (562) 624-4104
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Posted by Michelle Campbell on 2007-01-31 17:21:14 Post Subject: 2006-2007 GREAT LAKES REGIONAL BARISTA COMPETITION
Dear Barista Competition Enthusiasts,
The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) is proud to present the 2007 Great Lakes Regional Barista Competition (GLRBC), hosted by Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea.
The GLRBC will take place February 23 - 25, 2007 at:
Coffee Fest Chicago
The Chicago Navy Pier, Hall A
600 East Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
Click on the following link to find the 2007 GLRBC Documents:
http://www.scaa.org/about_regional_next.asp#Great_Lakes
2007 GLRBC DOCUMENTS:
Schedule of Events
Competitor Registration Form
Judges Registration Form
Volunteer Registration Form
Competitor Rules & Regulations
Judges Rules & Regulations
Head Judge Score Sheet
Technical Score Sheet
Sensory Judge Score Sheet
If you or someone you know is interested in competing, judging or volunteering at the 2007 GLRBC, please direct them to the link posted above for a Registration Form.
Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions or concerns.
I look forward to seeing all of you in Chicago!
Kind regards,
Michelle Campbell
Director of Community & Events
Specialty Coffee Association of America
Long Beach, CA 90802
TEL: (562) 624-4100
FAX: (562) 624-4104
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View entire thread: Training with Champions - New DVD from Bellissimo
Posted by BaristaTrainer on 2007-04-30 15:41:29 Post Subject: Training with Champions - New DVD from Bellissimo
After over a year of filming, Bellissimo has brought together in one DVD some of the best baristas in not only the United States, but in the world. In this approximately 45-minute training and educational DVD, each barista shares his or her techniques and philosophy of coffee and espresso, as well as what it takes to be a champion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqV7-QG42PA
This training DVD is the first in which regional, national and world barista champions share their passion one-on-one with the coffee world. Featured are 2006 World Barista Champion (WBC) Klaus Thomsen and three former United States Barista Champions (USBC): Matt Riddle, Bronwen Serna and Phuong Tran. Northwest USBC champions Kyle Larson and Billy Wilson are also included, along with Cup of Excellence judge Stephen Vick, who is featured in a special cupping section. Making appearances are long-time barista competition judges Sarah Allen, editor of Barista Magazine, and Brent Fortune, owner of Crema Bakery and Café of Portland, Oregon.
DVD is to be released in early June, at the Coffee Fest show in Atlanta.
- Matt
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Posted by BaristaTrainer on 2007-04-30 15:41:29 Post Subject: Training with Champions - New DVD from Bellissimo
After over a year of filming, Bellissimo has brought together in one DVD some of the best baristas in not only the United States, but in the world. In this approximately 45-minute training and educational DVD, each barista shares his or her techniques and philosophy of coffee and espresso, as well as what it takes to be a champion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqV7-QG42PA
This training DVD is the first in which regional, national and world barista champions share their passion one-on-one with the coffee world. Featured are 2006 World Barista Champion (WBC) Klaus Thomsen and three former United States Barista Champions (USBC): Matt Riddle, Bronwen Serna and Phuong Tran. Northwest USBC champions Kyle Larson and Billy Wilson are also included, along with Cup of Excellence judge Stephen Vick, who is featured in a special cupping section. Making appearances are long-time barista competition judges Sarah Allen, editor of Barista Magazine, and Brent Fortune, owner of Crema Bakery and Café of Portland, Oregon.
DVD is to be released in early June, at the Coffee Fest show in Atlanta.
- Matt
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View entire thread: Coffee Fest In Seattle
Posted by roaster dave on 2008-09-24 06:54:39 Post Subject:
Coffee fest is coffee fest! Whether or not the focus is on roasting, baristas or retailers, the focus is on coffee........we are all coffee addicts, no?
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Posted by roaster dave on 2008-09-24 06:54:39 Post Subject:
Coffee fest is coffee fest! Whether or not the focus is on roasting, baristas or retailers, the focus is on coffee........we are all coffee addicts, no?
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View entire thread: Ward Barbee Passes Away
Posted by kathrynh on 2006-08-07 14:32:04 Post Subject: Ward Barbee Passes Away
Words cannot express the loss that we have all experienced this past weekend. While vacationing with family in Rome, Fresh Cup magazine founder Ward Barbee passed away Saturday August 5th.
Ward had an instrumental presence and passion for the specialty coffee industry. In his life, Ward breathed, slept, and dreamt coffee. His writings, education, and travels have all helped to benefit the global coffee community. It goes without saying that the scope of his life's ambition can be felt by everyone in the world of specialty coffee - this loss has caused a shock that will ripple out to impact all of us. I speak for everyone at Coffee Fest when I say that we will miss him deeply. Ward was a dear friend, and his passing has left us with a void that will be impossible to fill. We will always carry a picture of him in our hearts and fondly remember Ward with his quirky sense of humor, zest for life, passion for coffee, an electrifying smile, and a stogie out this side of his mouth. Our hearts go out to the entire Fresh Cup team, his friends and family, and the many other lives that were touched by Ward Barbee.
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/5868/ward1yd6.jpg
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Posted by kathrynh on 2006-08-07 14:32:04 Post Subject: Ward Barbee Passes Away
Words cannot express the loss that we have all experienced this past weekend. While vacationing with family in Rome, Fresh Cup magazine founder Ward Barbee passed away Saturday August 5th.
Ward had an instrumental presence and passion for the specialty coffee industry. In his life, Ward breathed, slept, and dreamt coffee. His writings, education, and travels have all helped to benefit the global coffee community. It goes without saying that the scope of his life's ambition can be felt by everyone in the world of specialty coffee - this loss has caused a shock that will ripple out to impact all of us. I speak for everyone at Coffee Fest when I say that we will miss him deeply. Ward was a dear friend, and his passing has left us with a void that will be impossible to fill. We will always carry a picture of him in our hearts and fondly remember Ward with his quirky sense of humor, zest for life, passion for coffee, an electrifying smile, and a stogie out this side of his mouth. Our hearts go out to the entire Fresh Cup team, his friends and family, and the many other lives that were touched by Ward Barbee.
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/5868/ward1yd6.jpg
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View entire thread: Opening Business & Family
Posted by jpscoffee on 2005-01-24 06:47:55 Post Subject:
Beth,
Just curious, why do you ask specifically if others have opened without attending Coffee Fest?
If it is time related, then I would question if you have the time to open a coffeehouse. If it is money related, there are other ways to research the coffee industry.
But either way, it will take either your time or your money. Or both.
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Posted by jpscoffee on 2005-01-24 06:47:55 Post Subject:
Beth,
Just curious, why do you ask specifically if others have opened without attending Coffee Fest?
If it is time related, then I would question if you have the time to open a coffeehouse. If it is money related, there are other ways to research the coffee industry.
But either way, it will take either your time or your money. Or both.
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View entire thread: Leasing a coffee shop?
Posted by NatchraLeigh on 2005-10-10 09:19:10 Post Subject: Leasing a coffee shop?
Hello there,
I have dreamed of owning my own coffee shop for years now, it's absolutely what I want to do with my life. I know I can make it work and I know that I have an idea that has not been explored yet, and I'm positive it will be a huge success.
That said:
I just moved to a new area, it's beautiful and the town is a smaller community college town. I know someone that is going to lease out a shop that is directly across the street from the college. I don't know all of the details yet, but I do know that the lease includes all that is already in the shop (it's completely set up with new appliances, espresso machine, grinders, blenders, furniture... everything, even syrups).
I am going to see it this week and get all of the details. The lease is what I think, pretty spendy. But, the location and the building are awesome. It's a converted victorian home, different sitting rooms, fireplace... everything I want and imagine a cozy coffee house to look and feel like.
Thing is, I don't know enough about the business yet, but if I can manage to pack in a lot of training in the next couple of weeks I can pull it off. My husband is a chef and I have worked as a barista and other customer service jobs all my life, and we both have ended up managing in whatever job we've had. I really believe we can pull this off and make it work.
Other thing is, that I've learned that the last two people who managed this shop walked out mid-lease, not finishing the lease and the payments. This of course leads me to wonder what happened. I know that they offered free wi-fi, maybe their expenses were a little too extravagent...
So my questions start here (finally)
1. Do you think that this is a smart move?
2. How much is too much for a lease?
3. How do I find out what happened?
4. What kind of training do I have to have?
5. Where do I find the training?
6. Do you think that I'd be able to get it all up and running in the matter of maybe a month?
Any other input would be very helpful. Thank you so much.
So far, I'm planning on going to the Coffee Fest in Seattle and attending the free classes, possibly the Barista Workshops and Trainings.
Any advice? Please?
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Posted by NatchraLeigh on 2005-10-10 09:19:10 Post Subject: Leasing a coffee shop?
Hello there,
I have dreamed of owning my own coffee shop for years now, it's absolutely what I want to do with my life. I know I can make it work and I know that I have an idea that has not been explored yet, and I'm positive it will be a huge success.
That said:
I just moved to a new area, it's beautiful and the town is a smaller community college town. I know someone that is going to lease out a shop that is directly across the street from the college. I don't know all of the details yet, but I do know that the lease includes all that is already in the shop (it's completely set up with new appliances, espresso machine, grinders, blenders, furniture... everything, even syrups).
I am going to see it this week and get all of the details. The lease is what I think, pretty spendy. But, the location and the building are awesome. It's a converted victorian home, different sitting rooms, fireplace... everything I want and imagine a cozy coffee house to look and feel like.
Thing is, I don't know enough about the business yet, but if I can manage to pack in a lot of training in the next couple of weeks I can pull it off. My husband is a chef and I have worked as a barista and other customer service jobs all my life, and we both have ended up managing in whatever job we've had. I really believe we can pull this off and make it work.
Other thing is, that I've learned that the last two people who managed this shop walked out mid-lease, not finishing the lease and the payments. This of course leads me to wonder what happened. I know that they offered free wi-fi, maybe their expenses were a little too extravagent...
So my questions start here (finally)
1. Do you think that this is a smart move?
2. How much is too much for a lease?
3. How do I find out what happened?
4. What kind of training do I have to have?
5. Where do I find the training?
6. Do you think that I'd be able to get it all up and running in the matter of maybe a month?
Any other input would be very helpful. Thank you so much.
So far, I'm planning on going to the Coffee Fest in Seattle and attending the free classes, possibly the Barista Workshops and Trainings.
Any advice? Please?
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View entire thread: Coffee Fest - Chicago
Posted by fopa on 2006-11-21 07:05:22 Post Subject:
I went to Coffee Fest in Las Vegas last June. The classes were great - if two people could go it's best as it cam be difficult to choose which one to attend.
The trade show was almost overwhelming. There were tons of great products to see. A lot of new items. Lots of samples to pick up, coffees, teas, syrups and sauces to taste.
I was thinking about going to Chicago but then I realized it was Febrrrrruary and might wait until Atlanta or SCAA.
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Posted by fopa on 2006-11-21 07:05:22 Post Subject:
I went to Coffee Fest in Las Vegas last June. The classes were great - if two people could go it's best as it cam be difficult to choose which one to attend.
The trade show was almost overwhelming. There were tons of great products to see. A lot of new items. Lots of samples to pick up, coffees, teas, syrups and sauces to taste.
I was thinking about going to Chicago but then I realized it was Febrrrrruary and might wait until Atlanta or SCAA.
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View entire thread: Freinds looking to start a future in the buss...
Posted by jpscoffee on 2005-01-17 07:10:31 Post Subject:
Yes Nick, as a matter of fact there is a great opportunity for you. Go to the Coffee Fest (http://www.coffeefest.com) website and look at the Coffee Fest Specialty Coffee Business Seminar. It was created exactly for perons such as yourself. The show is in Chicago next month and then again in Las Vegas in June.
Have a blast,
Jack
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Posted by jpscoffee on 2005-01-17 07:10:31 Post Subject:
Yes Nick, as a matter of fact there is a great opportunity for you. Go to the Coffee Fest (http://www.coffeefest.com) website and look at the Coffee Fest Specialty Coffee Business Seminar. It was created exactly for perons such as yourself. The show is in Chicago next month and then again in Las Vegas in June.
Have a blast,
Jack
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View entire thread: Coffee fest or SCAA/Seattle?
Posted by Ellie on 2005-01-02 07:19:39 Post Subject: Coffee fest or SCAA/Seattle?
OK, here is another "which should I do" question...for an aspiring coffee bar owner, which event would be the best use of our time and money...the Coffee Fest (probably Chicago) or the SCAA event in Seattle? We are looking at a probable opening date of mid-summer.
Thanks,
Ellie
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Posted by Ellie on 2005-01-02 07:19:39 Post Subject: Coffee fest or SCAA/Seattle?
OK, here is another "which should I do" question...for an aspiring coffee bar owner, which event would be the best use of our time and money...the Coffee Fest (probably Chicago) or the SCAA event in Seattle? We are looking at a probable opening date of mid-summer.
Thanks,
Ellie
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View entire thread: Coffee Fest - Chicago
Posted by Comfy Place on 2006-11-18 08:20:36 Post Subject: Coffee Fest - Chicago
Just wanted to inquire of the group to see who is making plans to attend the 2007 Chicago Coffee Fest? Has anyone been to any of the 3 Fests this past year? How were they? The Great Lakes Regional Barista Championships are also going to be held at the Chicago Fest, so we are very much looking forward to seeing this as well.
Please, share, share, share! Would you go again? Is this the first time you are attending, like us? What do you hope to get out of the show? Maybe some of us could connect and have a dinner together one of the nights in Chicago and swap stories and helpful hints. See you at the Fest!
Darren Kirby
The Comfy Place Coffeehouse
www.thecomfyplacecoffeehouse.com
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Posted by Comfy Place on 2006-11-18 08:20:36 Post Subject: Coffee Fest - Chicago
Just wanted to inquire of the group to see who is making plans to attend the 2007 Chicago Coffee Fest? Has anyone been to any of the 3 Fests this past year? How were they? The Great Lakes Regional Barista Championships are also going to be held at the Chicago Fest, so we are very much looking forward to seeing this as well.
Please, share, share, share! Would you go again? Is this the first time you are attending, like us? What do you hope to get out of the show? Maybe some of us could connect and have a dinner together one of the nights in Chicago and swap stories and helpful hints. See you at the Fest!
Darren Kirby
The Comfy Place Coffeehouse
www.thecomfyplacecoffeehouse.com
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View entire thread: How did you get experience?
Posted by NW JAVA on 2007-10-28 09:31:10 Post Subject:
I bought the espresso equipment, hires a crappy barista to train me, and then I spent all the time I can in forums, at coffee fest, ect. and learnt more and more about the craft. There are DVD's you can get (http://espresso101.com/) and a tonne of resources on the webb...try coffeegeek tooo, and so many other resources........
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Posted by NW JAVA on 2007-10-28 09:31:10 Post Subject:
I bought the espresso equipment, hires a crappy barista to train me, and then I spent all the time I can in forums, at coffee fest, ect. and learnt more and more about the craft. There are DVD's you can get (http://espresso101.com/) and a tonne of resources on the webb...try coffeegeek tooo, and so many other resources........
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View entire thread: GOV breaks for women
Posted by Baugo on 2007-02-26 15:44:35 Post Subject: GOV breaks for women
OK my roasting business is underway. Now, after we get well established, we were contemplating the idea of opening a cafe'. If we start that under my wifes name, the SBA(GOV) has special grants for women. Does anyone know if there are any laws against me owning a Roastery and my wife owning a Cafe'? Of course she will get my beans, I would not think so, but it never hurts to get a heads up before we poke around
As a post note; WE HAD A BLAST AT COFFEE FEST CHICAGO!!!!!!!!
We tried "Malabar Gold" nice, not at all what I excpected. And we tried the Redline Espresso "NICE JOB" Metropolis..
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Posted by Baugo on 2007-02-26 15:44:35 Post Subject: GOV breaks for women
OK my roasting business is underway. Now, after we get well established, we were contemplating the idea of opening a cafe'. If we start that under my wifes name, the SBA(GOV) has special grants for women. Does anyone know if there are any laws against me owning a Roastery and my wife owning a Cafe'? Of course she will get my beans, I would not think so, but it never hurts to get a heads up before we poke around
As a post note; WE HAD A BLAST AT COFFEE FEST CHICAGO!!!!!!!!
We tried "Malabar Gold" nice, not at all what I excpected. And we tried the Redline Espresso "NICE JOB" Metropolis..
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View entire thread: suppliers in illinois
Posted by j282smokey on 2006-05-03 02:22:45 Post Subject: suppliers in illinois
I'm looking for some info on local coffee suppliers and anyone who carries espresso equipment and machines. I'm located in illinois , really stinks I missed out on that coffee fest in chicago. Basically doing all my homework right now for a buisness plan. I'm finding all kinds of info on the net. to buy machines and supplies but would rather buy it locally. That way it could be serviced whenever it has to be. I appreciate any info I can get. Thanks
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Posted by j282smokey on 2006-05-03 02:22:45 Post Subject: suppliers in illinois
I'm looking for some info on local coffee suppliers and anyone who carries espresso equipment and machines. I'm located in illinois , really stinks I missed out on that coffee fest in chicago. Basically doing all my homework right now for a buisness plan. I'm finding all kinds of info on the net. to buy machines and supplies but would rather buy it locally. That way it could be serviced whenever it has to be. I appreciate any info I can get. Thanks
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View entire thread: Coffee Fest In Seattle
Posted by JavaGripper on 2008-09-23 17:45:21 Post Subject:
My company's new product won 2nd place at Coffee Fest for best new product! It's called the Gripper Sleeve.
I introduced it here: http://www.coffeeforums.com/viewtopic.p ... highlight=
Check it out! Let me know what you guys think.
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Posted by JavaGripper on 2008-09-23 17:45:21 Post Subject:
My company's new product won 2nd place at Coffee Fest for best new product! It's called the Gripper Sleeve.
I introduced it here: http://www.coffeeforums.com/viewtopic.p ... highlight=
Check it out! Let me know what you guys think.
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View entire thread: How about Selby Soft POS
Posted by brinkjr on 2006-04-20 16:27:51 Post Subject: How about Selby Soft POS
I was curious if anyone has any experience with Selby Soft POS. I met them at DC Coffee Fest and out of all 6 vendors I visited I was most impressed with them. If you have any experience or any feed back it would be appreciated.
Thanks!
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Posted by brinkjr on 2006-04-20 16:27:51 Post Subject: How about Selby Soft POS
I was curious if anyone has any experience with Selby Soft POS. I met them at DC Coffee Fest and out of all 6 vendors I visited I was most impressed with them. If you have any experience or any feed back it would be appreciated.
Thanks!
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View entire thread: UPDATE - Chicago Coffee Fest forum get together
Posted by jpscoffee on 2005-02-12 12:42:39 Post Subject: UPDATE - Chicago Coffee Fest forum get together
We have about 5 of our employees coming to Coffee Fest as well as our booth people (4 of us). We are going out for dinner on Saturday night with our team and want to open it up as an option for those forum people wanting to join us.
We are either going to Giordanos for Chicago style pizza (www.giordanos.com) or Bucca di Beppo (www.bucadibeppo.com) for great Italian food and atmosphere. I would like to be able to make reservations for a group and would like to know if anyone wants to commit to joining us. I was going to make reservations for somewhere between 10 and 50 people and wanted to narrow it down. Anyone want to commit? We will still be meeting right after the trade show floor closes on Saturday and then probably mosey over. I'll make reservations for about 7 or 8PM.
Please post if you are committing and how many will be in your group.
Thanks.
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Posted by jpscoffee on 2005-02-12 12:42:39 Post Subject: UPDATE - Chicago Coffee Fest forum get together
We have about 5 of our employees coming to Coffee Fest as well as our booth people (4 of us). We are going out for dinner on Saturday night with our team and want to open it up as an option for those forum people wanting to join us.
We are either going to Giordanos for Chicago style pizza (www.giordanos.com) or Bucca di Beppo (www.bucadibeppo.com) for great Italian food and atmosphere. I would like to be able to make reservations for a group and would like to know if anyone wants to commit to joining us. I was going to make reservations for somewhere between 10 and 50 people and wanted to narrow it down. Anyone want to commit? We will still be meeting right after the trade show floor closes on Saturday and then probably mosey over. I'll make reservations for about 7 or 8PM.
Please post if you are committing and how many will be in your group.
Thanks.
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View entire thread: Coffee Fest In Seattle
Posted by justin on 2008-08-06 11:57:46 Post Subject: Coffee Fest In Seattle
Just wondering how big the Coffee Fest trade show in Seattle next month is, is it more of a regional show or national? How many roasters, vendors etc.. are there?
Thanks for the help. I'm trying to decide if t is worth the trip from the east coast to make some contacts to get into the industry.
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Posted by justin on 2008-08-06 11:57:46 Post Subject: Coffee Fest In Seattle
Just wondering how big the Coffee Fest trade show in Seattle next month is, is it more of a regional show or national? How many roasters, vendors etc.. are there?
Thanks for the help. I'm trying to decide if t is worth the trip from the east coast to make some contacts to get into the industry.
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View entire thread: latte art championships in Chicago?
Posted by leeanne23 on 2008-11-14 10:50:17 Post Subject:
Coffee Fest is coming to Chicago Navy Pier on February 20-22, 2009.
40 Barista''s will compete in the Millrock Free Pour Latte Art Championship
preliminary rounds on Friday and Saturday morning. On Sunday morning,
10 finalists will will compete for 1st place prize of $5000, 2nd place price of $1000, and 3rd place prize of $500. To submit an application visit www.coffeefest.com.
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Posted by leeanne23 on 2008-11-14 10:50:17 Post Subject:
Coffee Fest is coming to Chicago Navy Pier on February 20-22, 2009.
40 Barista''s will compete in the Millrock Free Pour Latte Art Championship
preliminary rounds on Friday and Saturday morning. On Sunday morning,
10 finalists will will compete for 1st place prize of $5000, 2nd place price of $1000, and 3rd place prize of $500. To submit an application visit www.coffeefest.com.
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View entire thread: New to forum and introducing new product!!!
Posted by JavaGripper on 2008-09-22 20:57:52 Post Subject: New to forum and introducing new product!!!
Hello all,
My name is Alan and I''m new to the forum. I work with a company based in Los Angeles called Studio H2O. We recently launched our new product, the \"Gripper Sleeve\" at Coffee Fest Seattle on September 12, 2008. We are very excited to announce that the \"Gripper Sleeve\" won second place for best new product at Coffee Fest.
This innovative paper sleeve is made of one sheet of paper which folds into the shape of a traditional glued paper sleeve. Since our product uses no glue, it costs about half as much as traditional sleeves such as \"Java Jacket\", \"Coffee Clutch\", and others like them. An added benefit of this is that the \"Gripper Sleeve\" is 100% recycleable and compostable, hence our tagline \"Be green, save green\".
Please visit our website at www.GripperSleeve.com for additional information including product photos and our latest press release.
We are excited to announce our first promotion of a 40 case minimum (1000 units per case) at the amazing price of 3 cents per unit or $30 per case. This includes full color custom printing with your company''s logo and graphics!
We would love your feedback and would be happy to answer any questions that you have.
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Posted by JavaGripper on 2008-09-22 20:57:52 Post Subject: New to forum and introducing new product!!!
Hello all,
My name is Alan and I''m new to the forum. I work with a company based in Los Angeles called Studio H2O. We recently launched our new product, the \"Gripper Sleeve\" at Coffee Fest Seattle on September 12, 2008. We are very excited to announce that the \"Gripper Sleeve\" won second place for best new product at Coffee Fest.
This innovative paper sleeve is made of one sheet of paper which folds into the shape of a traditional glued paper sleeve. Since our product uses no glue, it costs about half as much as traditional sleeves such as \"Java Jacket\", \"Coffee Clutch\", and others like them. An added benefit of this is that the \"Gripper Sleeve\" is 100% recycleable and compostable, hence our tagline \"Be green, save green\".
Please visit our website at www.GripperSleeve.com for additional information including product photos and our latest press release.
We are excited to announce our first promotion of a 40 case minimum (1000 units per case) at the amazing price of 3 cents per unit or $30 per case. This includes full color custom printing with your company''s logo and graphics!
We would love your feedback and would be happy to answer any questions that you have.
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View entire thread: Considering Hospital Carts
Posted by crema123 on 2007-11-08 11:41:08 Post Subject:
Hello,
I would recommend heading to Coffee Fest or the SCAA convention (in April?) ... you can learn about everything and it's a great investment. You're lucky to have such resources in the US.
Good financial planning is the key. Hospitals are generally good for carts, and I personally like how a lot of them will donate a percentage to the hospitals foundation - that's also a nice bargaining chip when you're talking to the administration - you can say that 5% of your gross sales will go to the foundation - you can market that to your customers - and that gives you leverage for lower lease rates ... be careful though with your numbers and don't do a % gross lease unless it really makes sense or is capped.
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Posted by crema123 on 2007-11-08 11:41:08 Post Subject:
Hello,
I would recommend heading to Coffee Fest or the SCAA convention (in April?) ... you can learn about everything and it's a great investment. You're lucky to have such resources in the US.
Good financial planning is the key. Hospitals are generally good for carts, and I personally like how a lot of them will donate a percentage to the hospitals foundation - that's also a nice bargaining chip when you're talking to the administration - you can say that 5% of your gross sales will go to the foundation - you can market that to your customers - and that gives you leverage for lower lease rates ... be careful though with your numbers and don't do a % gross lease unless it really makes sense or is capped.
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View entire thread: Coffee Fest Chicago
Posted by NordstromCoffee on 2007-01-03 09:34:13 Post Subject: Coffee Fest Chicago
I am looking for anyone who may have extra tickets to Coffee Fest. I was only able to budget in a few tickets and I would like to send some of the other managers and assistants. Please let me know if you have any to spare. I would really appreciate it.
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Posted by NordstromCoffee on 2007-01-03 09:34:13 Post Subject: Coffee Fest Chicago
I am looking for anyone who may have extra tickets to Coffee Fest. I was only able to budget in a few tickets and I would like to send some of the other managers and assistants. Please let me know if you have any to spare. I would really appreciate it.
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View entire thread: Coffee Fest Chicago
Posted by Comfy Place on 2007-01-05 17:32:05 Post Subject:
I believe that you will need to actually purchase the tickets through Coffee Fest, as each attendee has their own name badge, which is needed to get into the event and seminars. They are inexpensive as well, so I'll ask: you can't afford an extra $20 per person to have them go?
Don't mean to be rude, I'm just curious... Cheers!
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Posted by Comfy Place on 2007-01-05 17:32:05 Post Subject:
I believe that you will need to actually purchase the tickets through Coffee Fest, as each attendee has their own name badge, which is needed to get into the event and seminars. They are inexpensive as well, so I'll ask: you can't afford an extra $20 per person to have them go?
Don't mean to be rude, I'm just curious... Cheers!
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View entire thread: Hiring baristas....
Posted by Muddycup on 2006-01-24 15:00:30 Post Subject:
I thought I would be hammered on this issue by "barista trainers" thanks for agreeing.
we have 15 employees now and will double that by the end of the year and I would rather bring everyone up to a higher standard.
change in subject : just got off the phone with a vendor, I told him I was planning on going to coffee fest in DC, he said the NC scaa and coffee fest pretty much have the same vendors but half the spectators. so he likes it better because he can spend more time with potential customers. any thoughts?
Jim
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Posted by Muddycup on 2006-01-24 15:00:30 Post Subject:
I thought I would be hammered on this issue by "barista trainers" thanks for agreeing.
we have 15 employees now and will double that by the end of the year and I would rather bring everyone up to a higher standard.
change in subject : just got off the phone with a vendor, I told him I was planning on going to coffee fest in DC, he said the NC scaa and coffee fest pretty much have the same vendors but half the spectators. so he likes it better because he can spend more time with potential customers. any thoughts?
Jim
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View entire thread: When is a good time to start hiring and training baristas?
Posted by BaristaTrainer on 2007-06-15 10:19:36 Post Subject:
Good points. Keep in mind to budget for pre-opening labor expenses. I wrote an article on Hiring, Training & Retaining Employees and give a similar seminar at all the Coffee Fest shows ... here is the article:
http://vivabarista.com/content/view/142/65/
Off site training is great if you have the means, also training in house prior to opening, and during off hours shows employees that you are investing in their skills and truly want them to have the support they need to do a great job.
You may want to also look for an outstanding GM that you bring on a month or more before you open. By involving them in your start-up and day to day opps. they will have the confidence to make good decisions in your absence and will have a deeper investment in the business. The hard part is finding that perfect person
- Matt
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Posted by BaristaTrainer on 2007-06-15 10:19:36 Post Subject:
Good points. Keep in mind to budget for pre-opening labor expenses. I wrote an article on Hiring, Training & Retaining Employees and give a similar seminar at all the Coffee Fest shows ... here is the article:
http://vivabarista.com/content/view/142/65/
Off site training is great if you have the means, also training in house prior to opening, and during off hours shows employees that you are investing in their skills and truly want them to have the support they need to do a great job.
You may want to also look for an outstanding GM that you bring on a month or more before you open. By involving them in your start-up and day to day opps. they will have the confidence to make good decisions in your absence and will have a deeper investment in the business. The hard part is finding that perfect person
- Matt
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View entire thread: Attending CoffeeFest?
Posted by Coffee Guy on 2004-03-26 09:26:37 Post Subject:
IN the beginning, Coffee Fest was an exciting function to attend. I remember when it first started in Seattle a number of years ago...(Dream Music) Just about every roaster, consultant, equipment manufacturer, accessory vendor, publication person, you name it and they were there. Oh yeah and perspective customers. There were isles and isles of demostrations, ideas, samples, and all sorts of cool stuff. But the biggest thing I noticed was no sales! I recall during the first Coffee Fest that companies like Starbucks, (then) SBC, Caffe D'Arte, and a few of the other roasters where there with huge booths and advertising up the yin yang. Sort of reminded me of Vegas; tons of excitement. Then the following year, the big boys fell off, and the Fest became more of a show promoting the accessory people like chocolates, jewelery vendors, hot cup people, etc. They became more of the show and the roasters became less of a draw. Nowadays you might see the startup coffee roasters there so they can be seen by the masses or one of the larger roasters with advertising packages to hand out. Personally, I think they're okay to see if you have an entire day to walk around as a customer, but as a presenter or vendor not much gets accomplished other that spending a lot of up front money in hopes of getting business. As a vendor in the Fest it's sort of like if you have the bucks to play in this game and a couple of days to burn then this is for you. But you also have to view it from the customer's side. It new to most of them, exciting, and can be educational. Not to mention all of the freebies you can get. Well must get to work.
Just my two cents.
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Posted by Coffee Guy on 2004-03-26 09:26:37 Post Subject:
IN the beginning, Coffee Fest was an exciting function to attend. I remember when it first started in Seattle a number of years ago...(Dream Music) Just about every roaster, consultant, equipment manufacturer, accessory vendor, publication person, you name it and they were there. Oh yeah and perspective customers. There were isles and isles of demostrations, ideas, samples, and all sorts of cool stuff. But the biggest thing I noticed was no sales! I recall during the first Coffee Fest that companies like Starbucks, (then) SBC, Caffe D'Arte, and a few of the other roasters where there with huge booths and advertising up the yin yang. Sort of reminded me of Vegas; tons of excitement. Then the following year, the big boys fell off, and the Fest became more of a show promoting the accessory people like chocolates, jewelery vendors, hot cup people, etc. They became more of the show and the roasters became less of a draw. Nowadays you might see the startup coffee roasters there so they can be seen by the masses or one of the larger roasters with advertising packages to hand out. Personally, I think they're okay to see if you have an entire day to walk around as a customer, but as a presenter or vendor not much gets accomplished other that spending a lot of up front money in hopes of getting business. As a vendor in the Fest it's sort of like if you have the bucks to play in this game and a couple of days to burn then this is for you. But you also have to view it from the customer's side. It new to most of them, exciting, and can be educational. Not to mention all of the freebies you can get. Well must get to work.
Just my two cents.
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View entire thread: A few questions from a beginner (nothing quite obvious)
Posted by jpscoffee on 2007-02-10 10:34:53 Post Subject:
You can get into Coffee Fest as a a new retailer. Just enter in the comments area that you are in research mode to open a shop.
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Posted by jpscoffee on 2007-02-10 10:34:53 Post Subject:
You can get into Coffee Fest as a a new retailer. Just enter in the comments area that you are in research mode to open a shop.
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View entire thread: Extraordinary Coffee truffles at Coffee Fest Seattle!
Posted by Coffee Guy on 2004-10-18 21:39:37 Post Subject:
Hey CTM:
Welcome aboard
. Hope you enjoyed the old Coffee Fest 
Didn't make it this year...Had to wash my hair ...Anyway that's great...Ummm Chocolate!!!! I've viewed your site, very interesting. PM me, maybe there's someway we can help one another...
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Posted by Coffee Guy on 2004-10-18 21:39:37 Post Subject:
Hey CTM:
Welcome aboard
. Hope you enjoyed the old Coffee Fest Didn't make it this year...Had to wash my hair ...Anyway that's great...Ummm Chocolate!!!! I've viewed your site, very interesting. PM me, maybe there's someway we can help one another...
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View entire thread: Need some feedback please
Posted by Coffee Cup Joe on 2004-12-03 20:44:39 Post Subject: year of coffee
Hello Delamere,
A year of coffee...lucky recipient.
You will probably get a ton of responses for this post. I am from New York and was recently out in Seattle for the Coffee Fest trade show.
The Northwest is very up on and competitive about coffee roasts. Although we were there to launch our new music product, I made some connections with many roasters to consider using in our upcoming coffee gift baskets. I tried all their coffees.
The top of my list is probably Silvercup Coffee out of Seattle. Seattle Gourmet is another and you might find him through this forum and the last is Ravens Brew Coffee. While finding a quality roast seems to be subjective at times, I think the novelty and appeal of Seattle area coffee would be a real treat for whoever receives this gift.
If talking to the roasters by phone, ask for Jackie at Ravens Brew, Laurey at Silvercup and I believe Rick at Seattle Gourmet.
Now if you're on the West coast, and the appeal is for an eastern roaster, there are two who I would highly recommend. Gabe at MonkeyJoes in Kingston NY is a fave for L.A. people and BlueStone Coffee in Montclair NJ are of excellent choice.
I am sure any one of these would be great choices for you and able to work out a one year deal. Making certain or course that it is delivered fresh each month.
Depending on how you want to arrange the gifting, it might be cool to send a coffee from each of these places over the course of a year. If you see a "topher" listing on one of these forum pages, check in with him too. He is a roaster with bocajava out of Jacksonville Florida I believe.
I have not ever tried his coffee, but he certainly seems to know his stuff!
Good luck.
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Posted by Coffee Cup Joe on 2004-12-03 20:44:39 Post Subject: year of coffee
Hello Delamere,
A year of coffee...lucky recipient.
You will probably get a ton of responses for this post. I am from New York and was recently out in Seattle for the Coffee Fest trade show.
The Northwest is very up on and competitive about coffee roasts. Although we were there to launch our new music product, I made some connections with many roasters to consider using in our upcoming coffee gift baskets. I tried all their coffees.
The top of my list is probably Silvercup Coffee out of Seattle. Seattle Gourmet is another and you might find him through this forum and the last is Ravens Brew Coffee. While finding a quality roast seems to be subjective at times, I think the novelty and appeal of Seattle area coffee would be a real treat for whoever receives this gift.
If talking to the roasters by phone, ask for Jackie at Ravens Brew, Laurey at Silvercup and I believe Rick at Seattle Gourmet.
Now if you're on the West coast, and the appeal is for an eastern roaster, there are two who I would highly recommend. Gabe at MonkeyJoes in Kingston NY is a fave for L.A. people and BlueStone Coffee in Montclair NJ are of excellent choice.
I am sure any one of these would be great choices for you and able to work out a one year deal. Making certain or course that it is delivered fresh each month.
Depending on how you want to arrange the gifting, it might be cool to send a coffee from each of these places over the course of a year. If you see a "topher" listing on one of these forum pages, check in with him too. He is a roaster with bocajava out of Jacksonville Florida I believe.
I have not ever tried his coffee, but he certainly seems to know his stuff!
Good luck.
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View entire thread: Coffee conventions
Posted by BaristaTrainer on 2005-11-28 10:50:18 Post Subject:
Coffee Fest & SCAA are two large scale shows that are well worth attending, especially for retailers.
On a smaller scale, depending on where you are located you may also want to look at the calendar for the new FreshCup Roadshow.
http://www.freshcuproadshow.com/
- m
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Posted by BaristaTrainer on 2005-11-28 10:50:18 Post Subject:
Coffee Fest & SCAA are two large scale shows that are well worth attending, especially for retailers.
On a smaller scale, depending on where you are located you may also want to look at the calendar for the new FreshCup Roadshow.
http://www.freshcuproadshow.com/
- m
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View entire thread: pros and cons of hiring a Coffee Consultant
Posted by rbduha on 2004-02-20 09:25:24 Post Subject: Opening New shop
At Coffee Fest in Washington, DC March 19-21 they have a 3 day seminar on Opening a New Coffee Shop. The price is $650 for 3 full days of training on all aspects. If you go to their web site they have full information. I believe the site is www.coffeefest.com.
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Posted by rbduha on 2004-02-20 09:25:24 Post Subject: Opening New shop
At Coffee Fest in Washington, DC March 19-21 they have a 3 day seminar on Opening a New Coffee Shop. The price is $650 for 3 full days of training on all aspects. If you go to their web site they have full information. I believe the site is www.coffeefest.com.
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View entire thread: Extraordinary Coffee truffles at Coffee Fest Seattle!
Posted by Coffee Truffle Mama on 2004-10-16 20:23:42 Post Subject: Extraordinary Coffee Truffles info...
Hi Coffee Goddess,
Thanks for your interest! Indeed, our Coffee Truffles are intriguing and delicious.....they are certainly hot items at Coffee Fest this weekend. Our truffles are hand~made fresh to order, free of any preservatives, and the shelf life is 2 to 2.5 weeks. We are a local company (Seattle). Please visit us online at www.miettetruffles.com for more details. You are welcome to e-mail me directly and I am happy to send you wholesale pricing. Our web site will navigate you to my e-mail address.
Thanks again!
CTM
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Posted by Coffee Truffle Mama on 2004-10-16 20:23:42 Post Subject: Extraordinary Coffee Truffles info...
Hi Coffee Goddess,
Thanks for your interest! Indeed, our Coffee Truffles are intriguing and delicious.....they are certainly hot items at Coffee Fest this weekend. Our truffles are hand~made fresh to order, free of any preservatives, and the shelf life is 2 to 2.5 weeks. We are a local company (Seattle). Please visit us online at www.miettetruffles.com for more details. You are welcome to e-mail me directly and I am happy to send you wholesale pricing. Our web site will navigate you to my e-mail address.
Thanks again!
CTM
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View entire thread: Extraordinary Coffee truffles at Coffee Fest Seattle!
Posted by Coffee Truffle Mama on 2004-10-13 12:10:34 Post Subject: Extraordinary Coffee truffles at Coffee Fest Seattle!
Hello Coffee People....
My mom and I own a chocolate truffle business in Seattle and we are excited to announce that we will be exhibiting at Coffee Fest this weekend! I notice there are several of you who will be there, so please stop by and sample our exquisite product. Our Crushed Coffee Bean and Espresso truffles are truly extraordinary....and they are hand~made by my mother, which makes them even better. I look forward to sampling new products too and taking advantage of the meeting & greeting scene.
Cheers!!
Coffee Truffle Mama
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Posted by Coffee Truffle Mama on 2004-10-13 12:10:34 Post Subject: Extraordinary Coffee truffles at Coffee Fest Seattle!
Hello Coffee People....My mom and I own a chocolate truffle business in Seattle and we are excited to announce that we will be exhibiting at Coffee Fest this weekend! I notice there are several of you who will be there, so please stop by and sample our exquisite product. Our Crushed Coffee Bean and Espresso truffles are truly extraordinary....and they are hand~made by my mother, which makes them even better.
I look forward to sampling new products too and taking advantage of the meeting & greeting scene.Cheers!!
Coffee Truffle Mama
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View entire thread: Leasing a fully furnished and ready to go shop? HELP!
Posted by NatchraLeigh on 2005-10-09 21:21:15 Post Subject: Leasing a fully furnished and ready to go shop? HELP!
Hello there,
I have dreamed of owning my own coffee shop for years now, it's absolutely what I want to do with my life. I know I can make it work and I know that I have an idea that has not been explored yet, and I'm positive it will be a huge success.
That said:
I just moved to a new area, it's beautiful and the town is a smaller community college town. I know someone that is going to lease out a shop that is directly across the street from the college. I don't know all of the details yet, but I do know that the lease includes all that is already in the shop (it's completely set up with new appliances, espresso machine, grinders, blenders, furniture... everything, even syrups).
I am going to see it this week and get all of the details. The lease is what I think, pretty spendy. But, the location and the building are awesome. It's a converted victorian home, different sitting rooms, fireplace... everything I want and imagine a cozy coffee house to look and feel like.
Thing is, I don't know enough about the business yet, but if I can manage to pack in a lot of training in the next couple of weeks I can pull it off. My husband is a chef and I have worked as a barista and other customer service jobs all my life, and we both have ended up managing in whatever job we've had. I really believe we can pull this off and make it work.
Other thing is, that I've learned that the last two people who managed this shop walked out mid-lease, not finishing the lease and the payments. This of course leads me to wonder what happened. I know that they offered free wi-fi, maybe their expenses were a little too extravagent...
So my questions start here (finally)
1. Do you think that this is a smart move?
2. How much is too much for a lease?
3. How do I find out what happened?
4. What kind of training do I have to have?
5. Where do I find the training?
6. Do you think that I'd be able to get it all up and running in the matter of maybe a month?
Any other input would be very helpful. Thank you so much.
So far, I'm planning on going to the Coffee Fest in Seattle and attending the free classes, possibly the Barista Workshops and Trainings.
Any advice? Please?
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Posted by NatchraLeigh on 2005-10-09 21:21:15 Post Subject: Leasing a fully furnished and ready to go shop? HELP!
Hello there,
I have dreamed of owning my own coffee shop for years now, it's absolutely what I want to do with my life. I know I can make it work and I know that I have an idea that has not been explored yet, and I'm positive it will be a huge success.
That said:
I just moved to a new area, it's beautiful and the town is a smaller community college town. I know someone that is going to lease out a shop that is directly across the street from the college. I don't know all of the details yet, but I do know that the lease includes all that is already in the shop (it's completely set up with new appliances, espresso machine, grinders, blenders, furniture... everything, even syrups).
I am going to see it this week and get all of the details. The lease is what I think, pretty spendy. But, the location and the building are awesome. It's a converted victorian home, different sitting rooms, fireplace... everything I want and imagine a cozy coffee house to look and feel like.
Thing is, I don't know enough about the business yet, but if I can manage to pack in a lot of training in the next couple of weeks I can pull it off. My husband is a chef and I have worked as a barista and other customer service jobs all my life, and we both have ended up managing in whatever job we've had. I really believe we can pull this off and make it work.
Other thing is, that I've learned that the last two people who managed this shop walked out mid-lease, not finishing the lease and the payments. This of course leads me to wonder what happened. I know that they offered free wi-fi, maybe their expenses were a little too extravagent...
So my questions start here (finally)
1. Do you think that this is a smart move?
2. How much is too much for a lease?
3. How do I find out what happened?
4. What kind of training do I have to have?
5. Where do I find the training?
6. Do you think that I'd be able to get it all up and running in the matter of maybe a month?
Any other input would be very helpful. Thank you so much.
So far, I'm planning on going to the Coffee Fest in Seattle and attending the free classes, possibly the Barista Workshops and Trainings.
Any advice? Please?
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View entire thread: Looking for a bean supplier
Posted by topher on 2004-10-07 09:02:21 Post Subject:
man I had a brain fart...you use the monster roaster...no I wont be at the coffee fest...but will buy you a drink at the scaa show next year
I would like to see the no tamp coffee...does the coffee come out in a puck? The reason I am not going to the coffee fest is because I have been before and wasn't impressed...It seemed directed towards newbie's...the casino sent me to Vegas to check out the show...they sent me for 4 days...I walked the floor in under 2 hours.....went to a couple of seminars and actually walked out of 2 of them....don't get me wrong it is good for people that are starting out in the biz
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Posted by topher on 2004-10-07 09:02:21 Post Subject:
man I had a brain fart...you use the monster roaster...no I wont be at the coffee fest...but will buy you a drink at the scaa show next year
I would like to see the no tamp coffee...does the coffee come out in a puck? The reason I am not going to the coffee fest is because I have been before and wasn't impressed...It seemed directed towards newbie's...the casino sent me to Vegas to check out the show...they sent me for 4 days...I walked the floor in under 2 hours.....went to a couple of seminars and actually walked out of 2 of them....don't get me wrong it is good for people that are starting out in the biz
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View entire thread: IASC's Coffee Fest 2007 trade show
Posted by Comfy Place on 2006-12-18 17:42:28 Post Subject: Coffee Fest - Chicago 2007
Yes, we are planning to attend Coffee Fest in Chicago next year. There will be a number of interesting seminars to attend, as well as the Great Lakes Regional Barista Championship, which I am very interested in watching.
This will be our first time attending this event, but we have some idea of what to expect since we've been to a smaller event in Minneapolis this past summer. Being able to network with a lot of various industry suppliers, getting more information on how to do various things, and the general appeal of talking with other coffee shop owners is great. Hopefully we can meet up with some other owners that we've chatted with on this and other forums for a dinner to swap experiences.
As for what Andrew said, I would have to agree with him. I tried to do a little checking on the IASC, and it appears to be just something that the organizers have put together to make it sound important. To be fair, for the certification that I was reviewing, the do have both a written portion and a hands-on portion. But, in the end, how much does this mean, coming from an unrecognized organization? Do something with the SCAA, as this is a legitimate coffee industry organization (and they put on/sponsor the Barista Championship). There is a TON of information that just can't be taught in a couple of hours, no matter what aspect you look at (roasting, brewing, merchandising, etc.). I'll save my money on the certification and instead keep working on my technique, invest in the trade magazines, and go to events like Coffee Fest to attend the seminars. Cheers!
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Posted by Comfy Place on 2006-12-18 17:42:28 Post Subject: Coffee Fest - Chicago 2007
Yes, we are planning to attend Coffee Fest in Chicago next year. There will be a number of interesting seminars to attend, as well as the Great Lakes Regional Barista Championship, which I am very interested in watching.
This will be our first time attending this event, but we have some idea of what to expect since we've been to a smaller event in Minneapolis this past summer. Being able to network with a lot of various industry suppliers, getting more information on how to do various things, and the general appeal of talking with other coffee shop owners is great. Hopefully we can meet up with some other owners that we've chatted with on this and other forums for a dinner to swap experiences.
As for what Andrew said, I would have to agree with him. I tried to do a little checking on the IASC, and it appears to be just something that the organizers have put together to make it sound important. To be fair, for the certification that I was reviewing, the do have both a written portion and a hands-on portion. But, in the end, how much does this mean, coming from an unrecognized organization? Do something with the SCAA, as this is a legitimate coffee industry organization (and they put on/sponsor the Barista Championship). There is a TON of information that just can't be taught in a couple of hours, no matter what aspect you look at (roasting, brewing, merchandising, etc.). I'll save my money on the certification and instead keep working on my technique, invest in the trade magazines, and go to events like Coffee Fest to attend the seminars. Cheers!
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View entire thread: New Coffee Lounge Business
Posted by CafeBlue on 2006-12-08 02:11:59 Post Subject:
Research - on the internet, and get the books and videos from Bellissimo, SCAA, NCA, SCAE, etc.
Join the trade organizations.
Go to the trade shows and conferences - the big one is SCAA.org, but coffee fest is useful too. Take the training seminars and workshops at the conventions.
Check out your restaurant association, or at least the US NationalRestaurant Association.
Talk to a foreign franchisor about the possibility of developing their brand in England.
Good luck.
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Posted by CafeBlue on 2006-12-08 02:11:59 Post Subject:
Research - on the internet, and get the books and videos from Bellissimo, SCAA, NCA, SCAE, etc.
Join the trade organizations.
Go to the trade shows and conferences - the big one is SCAA.org, but coffee fest is useful too. Take the training seminars and workshops at the conventions.
Check out your restaurant association, or at least the US NationalRestaurant Association.
Talk to a foreign franchisor about the possibility of developing their brand in England.
Good luck.
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View entire thread: Chicago Coffee Fest get together for forum people
Posted by jpscoffee on 2005-01-29 08:34:21 Post Subject: Chicago Coffee Fest get together for forum people
OK, here is the deal.
First, for those of you parking at Navy Pier go to this link for a reduced price parking coupon (http://www.navypier.com/pdf/parkingcoupon.pdf)
Second, I have no idea when the bulk of people are going to visit and/or want to meet so I am arranging this meeting hopefully for the most people to be able to get together.
Third, as I have no idea if there will be 5 or 50 people showing up to say, “Hiâ€
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Posted by jpscoffee on 2005-01-29 08:34:21 Post Subject: Chicago Coffee Fest get together for forum people
OK, here is the deal.
First, for those of you parking at Navy Pier go to this link for a reduced price parking coupon (http://www.navypier.com/pdf/parkingcoupon.pdf)
Second, I have no idea when the bulk of people are going to visit and/or want to meet so I am arranging this meeting hopefully for the most people to be able to get together.
Third, as I have no idea if there will be 5 or 50 people showing up to say, “Hiâ€
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View entire thread: Opening a new coffee shop
Posted by Comfy Place on 2007-02-14 20:32:13 Post Subject:
Congratulations on taking the steps to open your own business. You mentioned early on that you had a bad experience with SCORE - could you elaborate? I've attended a SCORE session (group, not individual) and found it to be very interesting and informative. As for your property manager not being very amenable to your coffee shop plan - have you gone over some of your business plan with him/her? That may help to show that you have done your homework and are serious about making things work.
Coffee Fest will be a great experience for you. Many good seminars, lots of potential suppliers to network with, etc.. We'll be there too, so if you see us, say "Hi" and maybe we could talk more. Cheers!
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Posted by Comfy Place on 2007-02-14 20:32:13 Post Subject:
Congratulations on taking the steps to open your own business. You mentioned early on that you had a bad experience with SCORE - could you elaborate? I've attended a SCORE session (group, not individual) and found it to be very interesting and informative. As for your property manager not being very amenable to your coffee shop plan - have you gone over some of your business plan with him/her? That may help to show that you have done your homework and are serious about making things work.
Coffee Fest will be a great experience for you. Many good seminars, lots of potential suppliers to network with, etc.. We'll be there too, so if you see us, say "Hi" and maybe we could talk more. Cheers!
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View entire thread: A few questions from a beginner (nothing quite obvious)
Posted by Comfy Place on 2007-02-13 20:16:34 Post Subject:
First, congratulations on taking the time to really invest in yourself before starting a business (any business!). You'll be much better off and happier down the road by doing so rather than just jumping right in. While I agree with Billagirl to a point about waiting until you are older, sometimes one doesn't need to wait; they'll do just fine by going for it once they have their things in order. While age can be a detriment (most don't always give a younger entreprenuer much of a chance), it doesn't have to be. But certainly, if you can gain experience by working in an independant coffeehouse, by all means do so while you are in school. Perhaps you would be better served by waiting until you are done with high school before starting the business, if only for the fact that you will want to be present at your business all of the time until things get going strong.
I'll try to address your questions as well:
1- I'm not convinced that selling books mixes well with a coffeehouse, but that's just my opinion. If you want to have your point of distinction be that you sell quality books and quality espresso drinks, then by all means do that. But to do it just to earn money, that I'm not in favor of. My wife and I are thinking about opening a used bookstore in our town (once our coffeehouse is a little more stable), and I've had people suggest that we start selling books in our coffeehouse. While I appreciate their suggestions, this is not what we want for the image of our shop. Because of that, we are choosing not to sell books in our shop (unless, perhaps, they are educational books dealing with coffee - that matches up with our goal of helping to educate people in our area about coffee).
2- Here I agree with Billagirl 100%. If you want your coffee shop to be like a sports bar, then your idea is the way to go. However, most places do not do this because it just isn't what most people want from their local coffeehouse. However, why not adjust your idea a little? What about having weekly movie showings at your place on purpose? You could have themes, such as horror month, 1970's movies month, etc.. Make it an event, and then also charge admission for it. Have people get their drinks, etc. before the movie, and let them know that nothing will be served during the film. You could partner with a local technology store to have them supply a large plasma or LCD and a DVD player. Give the store a plug and they might go along with it (probably use one of their floor models, but so what?). Make sure that you offer a movie that is different somehow (Hitchcock, etc.) and that appeals to people.
3- See my point above about your age and about waiting until after high school. While you don't have much homework, running a business, especially your first coffee shop, is very demanding.
4- Again, I agree with Billagirl here as well. You should rethink your target market - probably increase the min/max ages by 10 years, and you'll be in a better target. As far as the Xbox/gaming situation, this could again be special offering for people. Many adults now also play video games, so this would not be out of the question. Why not plan a tournament over a weekend? Call up that technology store again and see if they would be willing to donate a machine or 2. Or, make an entry fee for the tournament to offset the cost of obtaining the machines. There is a lot of leeway here to come with something of interest for your population. Get together with your friend and start brainstorming ideas!
5- Not being in Chicago myself, I can't help you out here. Hopefully a local can step up and offer good advice on this one.
6- As long as you are using beans that have been roasted recently (less than 2 weeks), you'll be good to go.
My wife and I will also be attending Coffee Fest, and we're really looking forward to it. There is a lot of great information in the seminars, and you'll have plenty to read later from all of the vendors available (and samples, don't forget samples!). If you happen to run into us, say "Hi" and maybe we can grab a dinner and discuss things. I'd be happy to help out any futher if you want, just send me an e-mail through this site or from our website. Cheers!
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Posted by Comfy Place on 2007-02-13 20:16:34 Post Subject:
First, congratulations on taking the time to really invest in yourself before starting a business (any business!). You'll be much better off and happier down the road by doing so rather than just jumping right in. While I agree with Billagirl to a point about waiting until you are older, sometimes one doesn't need to wait; they'll do just fine by going for it once they have their things in order. While age can be a detriment (most don't always give a younger entreprenuer much of a chance), it doesn't have to be. But certainly, if you can gain experience by working in an independant coffeehouse, by all means do so while you are in school. Perhaps you would be better served by waiting until you are done with high school before starting the business, if only for the fact that you will want to be present at your business all of the time until things get going strong.
I'll try to address your questions as well:
1- I'm not convinced that selling books mixes well with a coffeehouse, but that's just my opinion. If you want to have your point of distinction be that you sell quality books and quality espresso drinks, then by all means do that. But to do it just to earn money, that I'm not in favor of. My wife and I are thinking about opening a used bookstore in our town (once our coffeehouse is a little more stable), and I've had people suggest that we start selling books in our coffeehouse. While I appreciate their suggestions, this is not what we want for the image of our shop. Because of that, we are choosing not to sell books in our shop (unless, perhaps, they are educational books dealing with coffee - that matches up with our goal of helping to educate people in our area about coffee).
2- Here I agree with Billagirl 100%. If you want your coffee shop to be like a sports bar, then your idea is the way to go. However, most places do not do this because it just isn't what most people want from their local coffeehouse. However, why not adjust your idea a little? What about having weekly movie showings at your place on purpose? You could have themes, such as horror month, 1970's movies month, etc.. Make it an event, and then also charge admission for it. Have people get their drinks, etc. before the movie, and let them know that nothing will be served during the film. You could partner with a local technology store to have them supply a large plasma or LCD and a DVD player. Give the store a plug and they might go along with it (probably use one of their floor models, but so what?). Make sure that you offer a movie that is different somehow (Hitchcock, etc.) and that appeals to people.
3- See my point above about your age and about waiting until after high school. While you don't have much homework, running a business, especially your first coffee shop, is very demanding.
4- Again, I agree with Billagirl here as well. You should rethink your target market - probably increase the min/max ages by 10 years, and you'll be in a better target. As far as the Xbox/gaming situation, this could again be special offering for people. Many adults now also play video games, so this would not be out of the question. Why not plan a tournament over a weekend? Call up that technology store again and see if they would be willing to donate a machine or 2. Or, make an entry fee for the tournament to offset the cost of obtaining the machines. There is a lot of leeway here to come with something of interest for your population. Get together with your friend and start brainstorming ideas!
5- Not being in Chicago myself, I can't help you out here. Hopefully a local can step up and offer good advice on this one.
6- As long as you are using beans that have been roasted recently (less than 2 weeks), you'll be good to go.
My wife and I will also be attending Coffee Fest, and we're really looking forward to it. There is a lot of great information in the seminars, and you'll have plenty to read later from all of the vendors available (and samples, don't forget samples!). If you happen to run into us, say "Hi" and maybe we can grab a dinner and discuss things. I'd be happy to help out any futher if you want, just send me an e-mail through this site or from our website. Cheers!
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View entire thread: Free Tickets to Coffee Fest Chicago 2005
Posted by jpscoffee on 2004-12-18 21:38:07 Post Subject: Free Tickets to Coffee Fest Chicago 2005
I have a limited amount of free tickets to Coffee Fest Chicago for anyone who is sure they are going. The coupon is good for free admission for up to six people. The only condition to recieve a coupon is that you buy me a cup of coffee at the show .
If you send me a private message or email with:
1. Business name
2. Name
3. Address
4. City
5. State
6. Zip
I will send you a coupon. When they are gone they are gone. And if you ask for one please be certain you are going to use it. When they are all gone I will post again to this thread saying so.
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Posted by jpscoffee on 2004-12-18 21:38:07 Post Subject: Free Tickets to Coffee Fest Chicago 2005
I have a limited amount of free tickets to Coffee Fest Chicago for anyone who is sure they are going. The coupon is good for free admission for up to six people. The only condition to recieve a coupon is that you buy me a cup of coffee at the show
.If you send me a private message or email with:
1. Business name
2. Name
3. Address
4. City
5. State
6. Zip
I will send you a coupon. When they are gone they are gone. And if you ask for one please be certain you are going to use it. When they are all gone I will post again to this thread saying so.
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View entire thread: Espresso Business Consultant?
Posted by phaelon56 on 2005-02-28 16:30:37 Post Subject:
I'm afraid the figure you quoted doesn't have much meaning unless we know exactly what's included in that price. And if you're hirign a consultant for ANY kind of business venture you sure as heck had better have a good contract that stipulates exactly what they provide down to the most picayune details, i.e. who pays for what.... how much time you get before during and after the sale... just too much to cover in a simple discussion forum thread.
If someone expressed a desire to get into the coffee business and had not only no coffee background but also no retail experience and no food service background... a consultant would be helpful but only AFTER many other things, such as taking some seminars or classes on how to start and run a small business, attending Coffee fest, doing exhasutive on-line research etc.
IMHO if you're already in the coffee business and just looking to open another location.... I think a consultant would be overkill at worst or a poor investment at best. Just my opinion but I strongly beleieve in doing your own research and utilizing free or inexpensive options before spending precious capital on a consultant.
I be;ieve consultants can be valuable and helpful - I actually hope to work in that capacity eventually myself. That said.... before you hire onw do some serious research about not only their listed credentials but more important try to talk to people they provided services for (and not just the ones they use as listed references).
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Posted by phaelon56 on 2005-02-28 16:30:37 Post Subject:
I'm afraid the figure you quoted doesn't have much meaning unless we know exactly what's included in that price. And if you're hirign a consultant for ANY kind of business venture you sure as heck had better have a good contract that stipulates exactly what they provide down to the most picayune details, i.e. who pays for what.... how much time you get before during and after the sale... just too much to cover in a simple discussion forum thread.
If someone expressed a desire to get into the coffee business and had not only no coffee background but also no retail experience and no food service background... a consultant would be helpful but only AFTER many other things, such as taking some seminars or classes on how to start and run a small business, attending Coffee fest, doing exhasutive on-line research etc.
IMHO if you're already in the coffee business and just looking to open another location.... I think a consultant would be overkill at worst or a poor investment at best. Just my opinion but I strongly beleieve in doing your own research and utilizing free or inexpensive options before spending precious capital on a consultant.
I be;ieve consultants can be valuable and helpful - I actually hope to work in that capacity eventually myself. That said.... before you hire onw do some serious research about not only their listed credentials but more important try to talk to people they provided services for (and not just the ones they use as listed references).
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View entire thread: Free Tickets to Coffee Fest Chicago 2005
Posted by jpscoffee on 2005-01-24 06:43:42 Post Subject:
For all those who are still not sure if you are going to Coffee Fest here is the scoop. If you want to attend for free, you can still sign up anytime before February 4th.
If you still may want to go, but won’t know for sure till the last minute, you can still save money. The tickets I have (out of printed ones, but can email you a ticket) will save you $20 off the $30 admission if you bring it along to the show.
Don’t send me a private message anymore as I cannot attach the ticket to a reply. If you would like a ticket email me at ontrack@jpscoffee.com.
Also, even if at the last minute you are unable to attend you are not wasting anything by getting the free admission.
Hope to see you there.
PS I am going to be posting a time/place for an informal get together for anyone from this forum and another coffee forum (might as well mix it up) who is interested in meeting. Look for the post in the next two weeks.
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Posted by jpscoffee on 2005-01-24 06:43:42 Post Subject:
For all those who are still not sure if you are going to Coffee Fest here is the scoop. If you want to attend for free, you can still sign up anytime before February 4th.
If you still may want to go, but won’t know for sure till the last minute, you can still save money. The tickets I have (out of printed ones, but can email you a ticket) will save you $20 off the $30 admission if you bring it along to the show.
Don’t send me a private message anymore as I cannot attach the ticket to a reply. If you would like a ticket email me at ontrack@jpscoffee.com.
Also, even if at the last minute you are unable to attend you are not wasting anything by getting the free admission.
Hope to see you there.
PS I am going to be posting a time/place for an informal get together for anyone from this forum and another coffee forum (might as well mix it up) who is interested in meeting. Look for the post in the next two weeks.
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View entire thread: Coffee Fest in Seattle
Posted by Coffee Guy on 2004-10-01 00:18:41 Post Subject:
Welllllll...Since it's in my back yard, and seeing that I've avoided it for the last number years...I may make a cameo appearence Won't be displaying any thing though...but I'll take a goody bag and look for all of the free sweets 
The Coffee Fest will be Oct. 15th, 16th & 17th and held at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center, 800 Convention Place in Downtown Seattle. If you have further questions you can contact the Coffee Fest offices located in Bellevue, WA. Their local phone number is (425) 283-5058, ext. 13.
There my public service has been done For those that have never been, have fun, those that have gone to a number of them, still pretend you're having fun, and for those who can't make it, maybe next time.
Hey AE I may attend the SCAA show next spring. You and Topher contact me once your in the great northwest...If you guys are lucky, I just might let you buy me a couple of drinks...
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Posted by Coffee Guy on 2004-10-01 00:18:41 Post Subject:
Welllllll...Since it's in my back yard, and seeing that I've avoided it for the last number years...I may make a cameo appearence
Won't be displaying any thing though...but I'll take a goody bag and look for all of the free sweets The Coffee Fest will be Oct. 15th, 16th & 17th and held at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center, 800 Convention Place in Downtown Seattle. If you have further questions you can contact the Coffee Fest offices located in Bellevue, WA. Their local phone number is (425) 283-5058, ext. 13.
There my public service has been done
For those that have never been, have fun, those that have gone to a number of them, still pretend you're having fun, and for those who can't make it, maybe next time.Hey AE I may attend the SCAA show next spring. You and Topher contact me once your in the great northwest...If you guys are lucky, I just might let you buy me a couple of drinks...
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View entire thread: Attending CoffeeFest?
Posted by topher on 2004-03-26 05:01:01 Post Subject:
and what about Atlanta? Anyone going to that? That is the good show!!! Coffee fest is ok....a bit tiny...where as the scaa shows are huge!
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Posted by topher on 2004-03-26 05:01:01 Post Subject:
and what about Atlanta? Anyone going to that? That is the good show!!! Coffee fest is ok....a bit tiny...where as the scaa shows are huge!
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View entire thread: Ever heard of a Sivetz Roaster?
Posted by CafeBlue on 2007-01-04 15:49:18 Post Subject:
Baugo;
The previous posts are valid advice.
Less than a grand is pretty cheap entry to micro-roasting. If you can "road test" the used Sivets before buying, you should do a couple different roasts with green you are familiar with.
Call Mike Sivets and ask for his input and his estimate of refurbishing and startup costs.
The commitment, skill, and palate of the cupper and roaster person make a bigger impact than the particular machinery. Having some experience with dozens of different espresso machines and different coffee roasters and roaster controls, I am convinced that virtually any equipment in good working order can produce creditable coffee. Exceptional product comes with exceptional commitment, aptitude and skilled experience. Excellent equipment with useful controls that allow repeatable production will make the pursuit of quality easier.
My experience with fluid bed roasters was similar to Diablo's for resulting cup characteristics comparing same green roasted in drum roaster. I also tend to prefer the dark roasts and espresso coffees from the roasters using drum roasters vs. fluid bed roasters. That said, any cup profile can be modified SIGNIFICANTLY by subtly (or dramatically) tweaking the roast profile (temperatures/heat transfer rates) in virtually any commercial roaster.
Folks naturally tend to be extra committed to the concepts they invented or paid for. Therefore some spirited discussions will rise (check any forum) about the subtleties between equipment.
Find equipment you will be comfortable and confident using, learn it, train on it, pay for the factory courses, pay for the skills courses at conferences (like SCAA, CAC, NCA, Coffee Expo, Coffee Fest), hire a consultant or several, take a course from a professional training operation, roast on the equipment you are considering (at the vendor/manufacturer/satisfied client), buy and evaluate coffee from your competitors, cup coffee with your green coffee vendors. Put the information you learn to the test (not all advice will be valid for you) by roasting and tasting comparatively with your standard practices.
Baugo, you have been asking a lot of questions, and received a ton of useful feedback, but you will gain more from hands-on roasting practice and comparative cupping. You will also have better informed, more directly useful questions and responses if you do a bit more basic research. Read Ken Davids' books (Coffee and Roasting), Kevin Knox's book, Ken's coffeereview.com take a course or two or ten. Do searches on forums and read the "back issue " threads, other people have already done all that you are doing and have discussed and asked the same questions already. Go to the coffee conferences, take the workshops. Hire someone experienced to roast with you on your equipment and cup the coffee with you. If you are planning to buy an Agtron meter or controls, buy it now and take their training program (same for Diedrich, etc.). If you don't have the cash to pay for training, do all the "free" reading. Then spend $100.00 buying coffee from several reputable roasters and comparatively cup them with your products.
All of this will make a much more significant impact on your roasted product quality than the particular roasting machine.
I admire your thirst for knowledge and pursuit of interesting coffee experience. I hope I only rambled and did not rant. Best regards, Bill
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Posted by CafeBlue on 2007-01-04 15:49:18 Post Subject:
Baugo;
The previous posts are valid advice.
Less than a grand is pretty cheap entry to micro-roasting. If you can "road test" the used Sivets before buying, you should do a couple different roasts with green you are familiar with.
Call Mike Sivets and ask for his input and his estimate of refurbishing and startup costs.
The commitment, skill, and palate of the cupper and roaster person make a bigger impact than the particular machinery. Having some experience with dozens of different espresso machines and different coffee roasters and roaster controls, I am convinced that virtually any equipment in good working order can produce creditable coffee. Exceptional product comes with exceptional commitment, aptitude and skilled experience. Excellent equipment with useful controls that allow repeatable production will make the pursuit of quality easier.
My experience with fluid bed roasters was similar to Diablo's for resulting cup characteristics comparing same green roasted in drum roaster. I also tend to prefer the dark roasts and espresso coffees from the roasters using drum roasters vs. fluid bed roasters. That said, any cup profile can be modified SIGNIFICANTLY by subtly (or dramatically) tweaking the roast profile (temperatures/heat transfer rates) in virtually any commercial roaster.
Folks naturally tend to be extra committed to the concepts they invented or paid for. Therefore some spirited discussions will rise (check any forum) about the subtleties between equipment.
Find equipment you will be comfortable and confident using, learn it, train on it, pay for the factory courses, pay for the skills courses at conferences (like SCAA, CAC, NCA, Coffee Expo, Coffee Fest), hire a consultant or several, take a course from a professional training operation, roast on the equipment you are considering (at the vendor/manufacturer/satisfied client), buy and evaluate coffee from your competitors, cup coffee with your green coffee vendors. Put the information you learn to the test (not all advice will be valid for you) by roasting and tasting comparatively with your standard practices.
Baugo, you have been asking a lot of questions, and received a ton of useful feedback, but you will gain more from hands-on roasting practice and comparative cupping. You will also have better informed, more directly useful questions and responses if you do a bit more basic research. Read Ken Davids' books (Coffee and Roasting), Kevin Knox's book, Ken's coffeereview.com take a course or two or ten. Do searches on forums and read the "back issue " threads, other people have already done all that you are doing and have discussed and asked the same questions already. Go to the coffee conferences, take the workshops. Hire someone experienced to roast with you on your equipment and cup the coffee with you. If you are planning to buy an Agtron meter or controls, buy it now and take their training program (same for Diedrich, etc.). If you don't have the cash to pay for training, do all the "free" reading. Then spend $100.00 buying coffee from several reputable roasters and comparatively cup them with your products.
All of this will make a much more significant impact on your roasted product quality than the particular roasting machine.
I admire your thirst for knowledge and pursuit of interesting coffee experience. I hope I only rambled and did not rant. Best regards, Bill
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View entire thread: TOPER v. Diedrich v. Ambex
Posted by Coffeeexpert on 2008-10-10 16:15:39 Post Subject:
Prefer not to say. Don't exactly want to be shanked in a dark alleyway behind Coffee Fest you know.
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Posted by Coffeeexpert on 2008-10-10 16:15:39 Post Subject:
Prefer not to say. Don't exactly want to be shanked in a dark alleyway behind Coffee Fest you know.
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View entire thread: Attending CoffeeFest?
Posted by janie1963 on 2004-04-09 16:44:06 Post Subject:
I will attend Coffee Fest in Vegas in June. Since I am new (we hope to open in the next few weeks) any advice on what to look for while there or what shops to attend??? We're going to Vegas for our daughter's wedding and the show happens to be the weekend before....we'll get there Saturday night, so we'll attend on Sunday or Monday.
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Posted by janie1963 on 2004-04-09 16:44:06 Post Subject:
I will attend Coffee Fest in Vegas in June. Since I am new (we hope to open in the next few weeks) any advice on what to look for while there or what shops to attend??? We're going to Vegas for our daughter's wedding and the show happens to be the weekend before....we'll get there Saturday night, so we'll attend on Sunday or Monday.
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View entire thread: Barista Training
Posted by deferio on 2004-10-23 09:35:28 Post Subject:
Hey,
I notice you're in Brooklyn....we have a location on 495 Lorimer ...second stop off the L train. Also...I will be teaching Latte Art courses at the Chicago Coffee Fest. Hope to see you around.
-C.D.
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Posted by deferio on 2004-10-23 09:35:28 Post Subject:
Hey,
I notice you're in Brooklyn....we have a location on 495 Lorimer ...second stop off the L train. Also...I will be teaching Latte Art courses at the Chicago Coffee Fest. Hope to see you around.
-C.D.
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View entire thread: Need Roaster Advise in the 10-15 Kilo Range....
Posted by Lumberjack on 2007-10-18 14:21:22 Post Subject:
If you purchase a used machine the best advise i could give you is make sure maintenance has been kept up on. nothing like buying a piece of equipment and having to dump more money into it right away. Buying new is always nice because warranty's are handy its just nice having that new car smell. As far as automation i think you need to figure out how extravagant you would like to go. there are quite a few different types of systems out there that go to different extremes. do you want just a logger to track your profiles, or do you want a full blown control system so you can just push a button and enjoy your morning red eye cup?
And for machine brands,i have roasted on the Deidriches, Probats, Has's, even a civits and obviously many many Ambex's. I have also logged many hours inside all of these machines and i can say all have different benefits over the others and just like buying a pair of shoes the best way to decide on one is to fire one up there are always roasting demonstrations at the coffee shows and the Roasters Guild Retreat is always a good experience. i think coffee fest in seattle is the next show coming up.
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Posted by Lumberjack on 2007-10-18 14:21:22 Post Subject:
If you purchase a used machine the best advise i could give you is make sure maintenance has been kept up on. nothing like buying a piece of equipment and having to dump more money into it right away. Buying new is always nice because warranty's are handy its just nice having that new car smell.
As far as automation i think you need to figure out how extravagant you would like to go. there are quite a few different types of systems out there that go to different extremes. do you want just a logger to track your profiles, or do you want a full blown control system so you can just push a button and enjoy your morning red eye cup? And for machine brands,i have roasted on the Deidriches, Probats, Has's, even a civits and obviously many many Ambex's. I have also logged many hours inside all of these machines and i can say all have different benefits over the others and just like buying a pair of shoes the best way to decide on one is to fire one up
there are always roasting demonstrations at the coffee shows and the Roasters Guild Retreat is always a good experience. i think coffee fest in seattle is the next show coming up.
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View entire thread: I need advice on drive-thru coffee operations
Posted by Coffee Guy on 2005-09-09 20:35:58 Post Subject:
This is a great subject. One that is near and dear to my heart It is amazing just how many experts have come around within the last few years, especially on the internet. You are both doing the right thing by researching as much as possible before considering making any decisions. I might suggest that if any of the shows like the SCAA or Coffee Fest comes to your town or a city near by that you attend one of those first to give you a good idea as to what is out there. Keep in mind that the companies that attend these shows are looking for people like yourselves to sell to. I would suggest that you ask as many questions as possible if you attend these shows. Collect more information from those that interest you, then contact them later. Another option might be to do a search on the things that interest you specifically and contact a few companies and see what they may have to offer. I don't mean freebies and such, but instead what kind of training, consulting, and support they can provide both before and after you open your doors. Additionally if you have the ability to speak with a decision maker and not just a customer serive person reading from a canned script.
This is a great industry and a great business, and you should enjoy some success if you do the proper preparation and be prepared to work.
Feel free to pm me if you have any specific questions.
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Posted by Coffee Guy on 2005-09-09 20:35:58 Post Subject:
This is a great subject. One that is near and dear to my heart
It is amazing just how many experts have come around within the last few years, especially on the internet. You are both doing the right thing by researching as much as possible before considering making any decisions. I might suggest that if any of the shows like the SCAA or Coffee Fest comes to your town or a city near by that you attend one of those first to give you a good idea as to what is out there. Keep in mind that the companies that attend these shows are looking for people like yourselves to sell to. I would suggest that you ask as many questions as possible if you attend these shows. Collect more information from those that interest you, then contact them later. Another option might be to do a search on the things that interest you specifically and contact a few companies and see what they may have to offer. I don't mean freebies and such, but instead what kind of training, consulting, and support they can provide both before and after you open your doors. Additionally if you have the ability to speak with a decision maker and not just a customer serive person reading from a canned script.This is a great industry and a great business, and you should enjoy some success if you do the proper preparation and be prepared to work.
Feel free to pm me if you have any specific questions.
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View entire thread: COFFEE SAMPLES
Posted by freshroast on 2006-02-21 16:35:43 Post Subject:
Dude - you really need to think about your location. Shipping will eat away your profits. Where are you located? Maybe we can help you identify a 1st rate roaster nearby. We would all love your business, but it's not going to serve you to try to buy coffee from a roaster that is three states away when you probably have an awesome option within a reasonable drive from your location.
Bean Grinder is on the money is trying to find a good to excellent roaster in your area within an hours drive. If you can get to a coffee/espresso festival where vendors are there showing their wears and you can try their coffee all day long you will get a ton of information at one of these shows. Example: Coffee Fest (www.coffeefest.com) or a great magazine for information is "Fresh Cup"
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Posted by freshroast on 2006-02-21 16:35:43 Post Subject:
Dude - you really need to think about your location. Shipping will eat away your profits. Where are you located? Maybe we can help you identify a 1st rate roaster nearby. We would all love your business, but it's not going to serve you to try to buy coffee from a roaster that is three states away when you probably have an awesome option within a reasonable drive from your location.
Bean Grinder is on the money is trying to find a good to excellent roaster in your area within an hours drive. If you can get to a coffee/espresso festival where vendors are there showing their wears and you can try their coffee all day long you will get a ton of information at one of these shows. Example: Coffee Fest (www.coffeefest.com) or a great magazine for information is "Fresh Cup"
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View entire thread: -------
Posted by Coffee Guy on 2004-04-17 11:01:20 Post Subject:
Okay you two put your toys back in the box and make up
I agree with both of you somewhat in your views regarding why or why not to support some of these different associations. All of these organizations serve a purpose, mainly in the areana of information. As we all know the most valuable commidity is information and people are willing to pay highly for it. In my humble opinion that is the main reason they exist. With that being said, I sometimes monitor these sources to see if I can learn anything valuable and then check each to see if they are consistent in their claims. Alot of the time I see them as nothing more than people throwing around their opinions to see you will buy into what they are saying. However, what I find more interesting is that anyone in this industry (myself included), don't hang on every word these organizations put out, its mainly the newbies that focus on the validity of their claims. I'm always interested in learning new things, but I don't need these organizations to prove to others (customers) that I know what I'm talking about. The proof is in the pudding and only experience will prevail in the end. Sure its always nice to get new customers on merit, but what do you do when prospective customers surf the net and look at only the businesses that carry these organizations banners on their sites and assume these companies are the best ones? If you check the archieves on the "Coffee Fest" posts, you'll see my thoughts on Coffee Fest. I still feel the same way. I usually don't follow the trade shows simply because they are two expensive and I don't get any business out of them. If I happen to be in a city where one is being held, I'll drop in as a spectator and go around with the general populas and collect information on either my competition or get info on new up and comers and new equipment, etc. Well enough rambling I gotta go
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Posted by Coffee Guy on 2004-04-17 11:01:20 Post Subject:
Okay you two put your toys back in the box and make up
I agree with both of you somewhat in your views regarding why or why not to support some of these different associations. All of these organizations serve a purpose, mainly in the areana of information. As we all know the most valuable commidity is information and people are willing to pay highly for it. In my humble opinion that is the main reason they exist. With that being said, I sometimes monitor these sources to see if I can learn anything valuable and then check each to see if they are consistent in their claims. Alot of the time I see them as nothing more than people throwing around their opinions to see you will buy into what they are saying. However, what I find more interesting is that anyone in this industry (myself included), don't hang on every word these organizations put out, its mainly the newbies that focus on the validity of their claims. I'm always interested in learning new things, but I don't need these organizations to prove to others (customers) that I know what I'm talking about. The proof is in the pudding and only experience will prevail in the end. Sure its always nice to get new customers on merit, but what do you do when prospective customers surf the net and look at only the businesses that carry these organizations banners on their sites and assume these companies are the best ones? If you check the archieves on the "Coffee Fest" posts, you'll see my thoughts on Coffee Fest. I still feel the same way. I usually don't follow the trade shows simply because they are two expensive and I don't get any business out of them. If I happen to be in a city where one is being held, I'll drop in as a spectator and go around with the general populas and collect information on either my competition or get info on new up and comers and new equipment, etc. Well enough rambling I gotta go
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View entire thread: Espresso brewing times
Posted by CafeWench on 2007-10-29 21:51:27 Post Subject: Espresso brewing times
I have been reading a lot of books lately, preparing myself for tagging on the label of professional barista to my name. (taking the iasc test at coffee fest!).
Point: Study book says 18-22 seconds for brewing a single or a double.
Everyone else says 20-30 seconds, some as narrow as 25 seconds and no more.
Does it honestly just depend on where you live or is there a universal brewing time on a double shot of espresso? Mine usually make it within 20-23 seconds. But I use a silvia, not a commercial machine with a stable temperature.
Also, anyone else dream of being in the barista championships? Those guys are amazing.
Some good recommendations for learning latte art? I have been practicing and practicing, but I just can't get anything to be revealed other than a heart. My foam, milk mixture is bubble-less and tastes amazing but still no picture
.
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Posted by CafeWench on 2007-10-29 21:51:27 Post Subject: Espresso brewing times
I have been reading a lot of books lately, preparing myself for tagging on the label of professional barista to my name. (taking the iasc test at coffee fest!).
Point: Study book says 18-22 seconds for brewing a single or a double.
Everyone else says 20-30 seconds, some as narrow as 25 seconds and no more.
Does it honestly just depend on where you live or is there a universal brewing time on a double shot of espresso? Mine usually make it within 20-23 seconds. But I use a silvia, not a commercial machine with a stable temperature.
Also, anyone else dream of being in the barista championships? Those guys are amazing.
Some good recommendations for learning latte art? I have been practicing and practicing, but I just can't get anything to be revealed other than a heart. My foam, milk mixture is bubble-less and tastes amazing but still no picture
.
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View entire thread: Latte Art
Posted by NordstromCoffee on 2005-02-25 16:13:22 Post Subject: Latte Art
I am looking for latte art videos for my employees. I saw a vendor at coffee fest that had them but I did not write down who they were. If anyone knows any good videos and where to get them please let me know.
Thanks
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Posted by NordstromCoffee on 2005-02-25 16:13:22 Post Subject: Latte Art
I am looking for latte art videos for my employees. I saw a vendor at coffee fest that had them but I did not write down who they were. If anyone knows any good videos and where to get them please let me know.
Thanks
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View entire thread: TOPER v. Diedrich v. Ambex
Posted by BV on 2008-10-10 20:37:21 Post Subject:
Prefer not to say. Don't exactly want to be shanked in a back alley behind Coffee Fest you know.
This has got to be one of the most ridiculous things I've read on here. With each post you loose whatever shred of credibility you might possibly have. Either present something that shows you as credible or go away. The people who are asking you questions have been there done that. You clearly are a forum troll with zero substance.
Are you a member of coffeed.com, do you have a blog that validates your knowledge, can you demonstrate a successful coffee business that you've grown? If not move along and find another coffee forum to bother.
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Posted by BV on 2008-10-10 20:37:21 Post Subject:
Prefer not to say. Don't exactly want to be shanked in a back alley behind Coffee Fest you know.
This has got to be one of the most ridiculous things I've read on here. With each post you loose whatever shred of credibility you might possibly have. Either present something that shows you as credible or go away. The people who are asking you questions have been there done that. You clearly are a forum troll with zero substance.
Are you a member of coffeed.com, do you have a blog that validates your knowledge, can you demonstrate a successful coffee business that you've grown? If not move along and find another coffee forum to bother.
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View entire thread: Latte Art
Posted by BaristaTrainer on 2005-03-01 12:48:55 Post Subject:
Hi NordstromCoffee,
We (Bellissimo) sell both David Schomers Caffe Latte Art as well as the new Advance Barista Training and Extreme Latte Art, which was released at Coffee Fest. Chris Deferio who won the Latte Art competition is one of the lead baristas in the new video.
Both of these DVD's will be helpful!
BT
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Posted by BaristaTrainer on 2005-03-01 12:48:55 Post Subject:
Hi NordstromCoffee,
We (Bellissimo) sell both David Schomers Caffe Latte Art as well as the new Advance Barista Training and Extreme Latte Art, which was released at Coffee Fest. Chris Deferio who won the Latte Art competition is one of the lead baristas in the new video.
Both of these DVD's will be helpful!
BT
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View entire thread: Creative Drive-Thru Promos?
Posted by BaristaTrainer on 2004-10-27 11:21:19 Post Subject:
I would recommend purchasing the new book "Essential & Effective Marketing for the Specialty Coffee Retailer." by Bruce Milletto It just one a platinum award at Coffee Fest Seattle in a marketing contest. I think you can get it at http://www.espresso101.com
One strategy I have seen is offering FREE drinks for a day, or a few hours. Let the press know, have your staff trained, have plenty of promo materials i.e. stickers, etc ready to hand out to the long line of cars waiting for their coffee. Even if you end up spend $300 in drink costs/labor, you will create a stir and get a lot of publicity. What else could you spend a few hundred bucks on that will secure that much exposure.
just an idea ... advertise it as your GRAND OPENING, this should still work even if you have been open for a month or two.
Good luck!
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Posted by BaristaTrainer on 2004-10-27 11:21:19 Post Subject:
I would recommend purchasing the new book "Essential & Effective Marketing for the Specialty Coffee Retailer." by Bruce Milletto It just one a platinum award at Coffee Fest Seattle in a marketing contest. I think you can get it at http://www.espresso101.com
One strategy I have seen is offering FREE drinks for a day, or a few hours. Let the press know, have your staff trained, have plenty of promo materials i.e. stickers, etc ready to hand out to the long line of cars waiting for their coffee. Even if you end up spend $300 in drink costs/labor, you will create a stir and get a lot of publicity. What else could you spend a few hundred bucks on that will secure that much exposure.
just an idea ... advertise it as your GRAND OPENING, this should still work even if you have been open for a month or two.
Good luck!
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View entire thread: To Roast or buy Wholesale?
Posted by CanyonCoffee on 2005-10-21 23:42:42 Post Subject: To Roast or buy Wholesale?
I am somewhat new to this forum, it is great lots of helpfull info.
I am in the planing stages of opening a shop. I have worked for Starbucks for a couple years and am now working at a local roaster.
I am trying to decide if I want to invest in a roaster and roast my own or if it is just better to buy wholesale at first when opening a shop? I am very concerned about the quality of coffee served and I know that if I go wholesale at first I would want to start roasting sometime thereafter.
Any info would be great!!
Also I will be attending Coffee Fest next weekend. Are there any seminars that I should make it a point to see?
Thanks
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Posted by CanyonCoffee on 2005-10-21 23:42:42 Post Subject: To Roast or buy Wholesale?
I am somewhat new to this forum, it is great lots of helpfull info.
I am in the planing stages of opening a shop. I have worked for Starbucks for a couple years and am now working at a local roaster.
I am trying to decide if I want to invest in a roaster and roast my own or if it is just better to buy wholesale at first when opening a shop? I am very concerned about the quality of coffee served and I know that if I go wholesale at first I would want to start roasting sometime thereafter.
Any info would be great!!
Also I will be attending Coffee Fest next weekend. Are there any seminars that I should make it a point to see?
Thanks
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View entire thread: UPDATE - Chicago Coffee Fest forum get together
Posted by jpscoffee on 2005-02-12 12:43:17 Post Subject: UPDATE - Chicago Coffee Fest forum get together
We have about 5 of our employees coming to Coffee Fest as well as our booth people (4 of us). We are going out for dinner on Saturday night with our team and want to open it up as an option for those forum people wanting to join us.
We are either going to Giordanos for Chicago style pizza (www.giordanos.com) or Bucca di Beppo (www.bucadibeppo.com) for great Italian food and atmosphere. I would like to be able to make reservations for a group and would like to know if anyone wants to commit to joining us. I was going to make reservations for somewhere between 10 and 50 people and wanted to narrow it down. Anyone want to commit? We will still be meeting right after the trade show floor closes on Saturday and then probably mosey over. I'll make reservations for about 7 or 8PM.
Please post if you are committing and how many will be in your group.
Thanks.
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Posted by jpscoffee on 2005-02-12 12:43:17 Post Subject: UPDATE - Chicago Coffee Fest forum get together
We have about 5 of our employees coming to Coffee Fest as well as our booth people (4 of us). We are going out for dinner on Saturday night with our team and want to open it up as an option for those forum people wanting to join us.
We are either going to Giordanos for Chicago style pizza (www.giordanos.com) or Bucca di Beppo (www.bucadibeppo.com) for great Italian food and atmosphere. I would like to be able to make reservations for a group and would like to know if anyone wants to commit to joining us. I was going to make reservations for somewhere between 10 and 50 people and wanted to narrow it down. Anyone want to commit? We will still be meeting right after the trade show floor closes on Saturday and then probably mosey over. I'll make reservations for about 7 or 8PM.
Please post if you are committing and how many will be in your group.
Thanks.
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View entire thread: Coffee Fest in Seattle
Posted by janie1963 on 2004-09-30 21:57:24 Post Subject:
I'll be there...Friday or Saturday. this will be my 2nd Coffee Fest in 4 months...happened to be in Vegas for my daughter's wedding in June. We were there the last day of the show, so it was winding down in a hurry, so this time I'm not waiting for the last day.
have fun
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Posted by janie1963 on 2004-09-30 21:57:24 Post Subject:
I'll be there...Friday or Saturday. this will be my 2nd Coffee Fest in 4 months...happened to be in Vegas for my daughter's wedding in June. We were there the last day of the show, so it was winding down in a hurry, so this time I'm not waiting for the last day.
have fun
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View entire thread: Cafe' Menu Boards
Posted by Coffee Guy on 2006-03-04 02:30:57 Post Subject:
Hey F.R.:
I went to the site you had on the link...Wow that's some pretty high end stuff! How much do you look to spend on a menu board? And how fancy do you want it? In my humble opinion if you have a simple and clean menu board (Chalk idea is a good one) that's all you really need. And it's inexpensive.
However, I did meet some reps at the last Coffee Fest here that had some pretty cool stuff . The name of the company is Main Street Menu Systems. Their site address is www.mainstreetmenus.com. Their toll free number is 1-800-782-6222. Some of their stuff was over the top as far as indoor and outdoor menu boards. They even had video intergrated in some. It was all pretty cool
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Posted by Coffee Guy on 2006-03-04 02:30:57 Post Subject:
Hey F.R.:
I went to the site you had on the link...Wow that's some pretty high end stuff! How much do you look to spend on a menu board? And how fancy do you want it? In my humble opinion if you have a simple and clean menu board (Chalk idea is a good one) that's all you really need. And it's inexpensive.
However, I did meet some reps at the last Coffee Fest here that had some pretty cool stuff
. The name of the company is Main Street Menu Systems. Their site address is www.mainstreetmenus.com. Their toll free number is 1-800-782-6222. Some of their stuff was over the top as far as indoor and outdoor menu boards. They even had video intergrated in some. It was all pretty cool
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View entire thread: Coffee Fest in Seattle
Posted by Strawberry78 on 2004-08-20 03:05:19 Post Subject: Coffee Fest in Seattle
Is anyone attending the coffee fest in Seattle? It's in October. I'm in Oregon so i'll be driving 3 hours to get there. They also have coffee education classes free with admission every morning before the covention each of the three days. I'll only be going to their Sunday convention since i have to work the other days.
Just wondering if anyone living in Seattle knew about this and are going.
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Posted by Strawberry78 on 2004-08-20 03:05:19 Post Subject: Coffee Fest in Seattle
Is anyone attending the coffee fest in Seattle? It's in October. I'm in Oregon so i'll be driving 3 hours to get there. They also have coffee education classes free with admission every morning before the covention each of the three days. I'll only be going to their Sunday convention since i have to work the other days.
Just wondering if anyone living in Seattle knew about this and are going.
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View entire thread: Barista and roasting training
Posted by topher on 2004-04-12 10:38:43 Post Subject:
I wasn't offended...just wish people would respect what "they" have done for the industry. The coffe world is an amazing place to be...I would not change the industry I am in for the world! Here is a link to coffee fest that is coming to your area...That show is schduled for october...Coffee fest is good for beginers but I would suggest you attend the SCAA show in Atlanta..all the cool kids will be there!
http://www.coffeefest.com/cgi-bin/vbbri ... ll?VBEXE=F:\users\festival\www\vhost\coffeefe\www\htdocs\cgi-bin\CoffeeFest\FrameSet.exe&Event=2&Stage=Attend&SHOW=20031111~Seattle
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Posted by topher on 2004-04-12 10:38:43 Post Subject:
I wasn't offended...just wish people would respect what "they" have done for the industry. The coffe world is an amazing place to be...I would not change the industry I am in for the world! Here is a link to coffee fest that is coming to your area...That show is schduled for october...Coffee fest is good for beginers but I would suggest you attend the SCAA show in Atlanta..all the cool kids will be there!
http://www.coffeefest.com/cgi-bin/vbbri ... ll?VBEXE=F:\users\festival\www\vhost\coffeefe\www\htdocs\cgi-bin\CoffeeFest\FrameSet.exe&Event=2&Stage=Attend&SHOW=20031111~Seattle
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View entire thread: Barista Training
Posted by topher on 2004-10-20 18:37:23 Post Subject:
No offense but coffee fest is a bit of a joke...I have been to a few over the years....last one I went to was in vegas and it basically was biscotti and granita...I saw the whole floor in under 3 hours...went for 5 days...thank god it was in vegas...SCAA shows kick ass though...everyone is at those!
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Posted by topher on 2004-10-20 18:37:23 Post Subject:
No offense but coffee fest is a bit of a joke...I have been to a few over the years....last one I went to was in vegas and it basically was biscotti and granita...I saw the whole floor in under 3 hours...went for 5 days...thank god it was in vegas...SCAA shows kick ass though...everyone is at those!
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View entire thread: coffee drive thru
Posted by wlltx on 2004-12-27 10:16:48 Post Subject:
did google search and here is the coffee fest website
http://www.coffeefest.com/
easy enough
good luck
felix
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Posted by wlltx on 2004-12-27 10:16:48 Post Subject:
did google search and here is the coffee fest website
http://www.coffeefest.com/
easy enough
good luck
felix
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View entire thread: Financing the Dream
Posted by 13 Bean on 2007-03-06 10:30:30 Post Subject: Financing the Dream
Hello everybody;
My wife and I have been kicking around the idea of opening a coffee house for the last eight months or so. We recently attended Coffee Fest and have since kicked our research into high gear. We''re developing a business plan, learning about coffee and tea, checking out the local competition, etc.
I''m sure I''ll come up with a lot of questions for you all (as I can see many in my situation have before), but for now I''m interested in the bottom line:
Money.
Not making it, mind you. I haven''t quite gotten to that part yet. I''m talking about putting together the funds to open up a business. I know what a lot of the common advice is; I''m most not going to find a bank loan or a government grant. Opening a business on credit cards is inadvisable (like I could come up with a $250-300k credit line anyway). I know there are loans through the SBA. I know I should develop a business plan and get it in front of an angel investor or a venture capital firm.
I guess I''m interested in the real world practicalities of it all. For those of you who are current coffee retailers, would you mind sharing stories of your startup days with me? Where did the money come from? (How much, if you don''t mind me asking?)
How realistic is it that I''ll find an investor as a suburban guy without many connections?
Thanks in advance, I''ve greatly enjoyed my time poking around the boards so far.
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Posted by 13 Bean on 2007-03-06 10:30:30 Post Subject: Financing the Dream
Hello everybody;
My wife and I have been kicking around the idea of opening a coffee house for the last eight months or so. We recently attended Coffee Fest and have since kicked our research into high gear. We''re developing a business plan, learning about coffee and tea, checking out the local competition, etc.
I''m sure I''ll come up with a lot of questions for you all (as I can see many in my situation have before), but for now I''m interested in the bottom line:
Money.
Not making it, mind you. I haven''t quite gotten to that part yet. I''m talking about putting together the funds to open up a business. I know what a lot of the common advice is; I''m most not going to find a bank loan or a government grant. Opening a business on credit cards is inadvisable (like I could come up with a $250-300k credit line anyway). I know there are loans through the SBA. I know I should develop a business plan and get it in front of an angel investor or a venture capital firm.
I guess I''m interested in the real world practicalities of it all. For those of you who are current coffee retailers, would you mind sharing stories of your startup days with me? Where did the money come from? (How much, if you don''t mind me asking?)
How realistic is it that I''ll find an investor as a suburban guy without many connections?
Thanks in advance, I''ve greatly enjoyed my time poking around the boards so far.
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View entire thread: Barista Training
Posted by Coffee Guy on 2004-10-21 20:13:35 Post Subject:
Hey BT:
I never said Coffee Fest was a joke. It's just focused toward the new comer to the industry. Keep in mind, I'm sure that most of us have been to at least one and the newness wears off after the first one. Especially for those of us that work in this industry. As the case in any trade show, we all pick and choose what sticks to us
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Posted by Coffee Guy on 2004-10-21 20:13:35 Post Subject:
Hey BT:
I never said Coffee Fest was a joke. It's just focused toward the new comer to the industry. Keep in mind, I'm sure that most of us have been to at least one and the newness wears off after the first one. Especially for those of us that work in this industry. As the case in any trade show, we all pick and choose what sticks to us
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View entire thread: coffee drive thru
Posted by wlltx on 2004-12-27 10:15:05 Post Subject:
good luck in your new venture.
we did research for about a year and the best thing we ever did was attend the coffee fest in las vegas (and it was fun to see how vegas has changed) the majority of the vendors where there and we had the opportunity to taste and try many different types of coffee and equipment. my advice is to spend the money to attend an event like this. the money we spent on the trip was well worth the time it saved having to find a lot of these vendors and resources.
Good luck
felix
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Posted by wlltx on 2004-12-27 10:15:05 Post Subject:
good luck in your new venture.
we did research for about a year and the best thing we ever did was attend the coffee fest in las vegas (and it was fun to see how vegas has changed) the majority of the vendors where there and we had the opportunity to taste and try many different types of coffee and equipment. my advice is to spend the money to attend an event like this. the money we spent on the trip was well worth the time it saved having to find a lot of these vendors and resources.
Good luck
felix
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View entire thread: POS system? Need advice
Posted by neglid on 2006-04-01 17:17:30 Post Subject:
At Coffee Fest DC, I spoke with the rep from TwoTouchPOS. It is a $$$$
POS, but I was treated with courtesy and consideration. So far, there has not been any pressure to buy their POS over any other. It is a strong incentive for me that they are located about 30 miles away (and not 3,000 plus) from where I live. It is an easy system to learn and master. It will be a tough decision when I have to make the final decision to buy a POS. I'm not looking for a cheap POS, I'm looking for a system that will meet my business needs and will be there for me before the sale and after the sale. So far, there has been a couple of well known POS that have not been responsive (how about if I were ready to buy if they had responded to my calls and e-mails). Lip-service does not cut it for me.
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Posted by neglid on 2006-04-01 17:17:30 Post Subject:
At Coffee Fest DC, I spoke with the rep from TwoTouchPOS. It is a $$$$
POS, but I was treated with courtesy and consideration. So far, there has not been any pressure to buy their POS over any other. It is a strong incentive for me that they are located about 30 miles away (and not 3,000 plus) from where I live. It is an easy system to learn and master. It will be a tough decision when I have to make the final decision to buy a POS. I'm not looking for a cheap POS, I'm looking for a system that will meet my business needs and will be there for me before the sale and after the sale. So far, there has been a couple of well known POS that have not been responsive (how about if I were ready to buy if they had responded to my calls and e-mails). Lip-service does not cut it for me.
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View entire thread: coffee coins
Posted by Miss Java on 2007-11-14 20:37:34 Post Subject:
Your point is well taken and definitely considered; however, I actually talked with the owner of Coffee Coins as well as the general manager at Coffee Fest Seattle this past weekend and they were extremely helpful and had some great marketing tips as well. Why do you think they seem "like something a beginning, bottom of the class, marketing student would come up with for a class project?" The company is small but deals well with start up shops/stands. They also are willing to work with individual companies on unique designs and custom promos. I'm definitely curious as to why you think they are inferior! I received nothing but the best of customer service, the owner actually gave me his personal cell phone number so I could talk with him exclusively about my order. Have you seen them used or distributed through a local coffee house? What was the customer feedback?
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Posted by Miss Java on 2007-11-14 20:37:34 Post Subject:
Your point is well taken and definitely considered; however, I actually talked with the owner of Coffee Coins as well as the general manager at Coffee Fest Seattle this past weekend and they were extremely helpful and had some great marketing tips as well. Why do you think they seem "like something a beginning, bottom of the class, marketing student would come up with for a class project?" The company is small but deals well with start up shops/stands. They also are willing to work with individual companies on unique designs and custom promos. I'm definitely curious as to why you think they are inferior! I received nothing but the best of customer service, the owner actually gave me his personal cell phone number so I could talk with him exclusively about my order. Have you seen them used or distributed through a local coffee house? What was the customer feedback?
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View entire thread: Which blended ice drink do you use?
Posted by editorbob on 2005-05-31 07:40:11 Post Subject:
While I look forward to trying a number of these at Coffee Fest in Vegas this weekend, I'm wondering how many of you hacve experience with the Island Oasis product and their equipment program. Do any other suppliers offer an equipment program? While I'd love to own the hardware out-right, cash is a little tight and a good equipment program would be a nice thing.
Bob DeLano
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Posted by editorbob on 2005-05-31 07:40:11 Post Subject:
While I look forward to trying a number of these at Coffee Fest in Vegas this weekend, I'm wondering how many of you hacve experience with the Island Oasis product and their equipment program. Do any other suppliers offer an equipment program? While I'd love to own the hardware out-right, cash is a little tight and a good equipment program would be a nice thing.
Bob DeLano
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View entire thread: Which blended ice drink do you use?
Posted by ElPugDiablo on 2005-06-08 12:37:45 Post Subject:
While I look forward to trying a number of these at Coffee Fest in Vegas this weekend, I'm wondering how many of you hacve experience with the Island Oasis product and their equipment program. Do any other suppliers offer an equipment program? While I'd love to own the hardware out-right, cash is a little tight and a good equipment program would be a nice thing.
Bob DeLano
I use Island Oasis smoothie mixes and frozen yogurt. Their own R2D2 looking blender is not bad, but I think Blendtec Smoother, which I think Island Oasis can get, produces a smoothie that is silkier in texture. Having said that, I must admit customers are more impress with the big bad R2D2 blender. I don't know if there is a minimum volume you need to meet before they let you use one of their blenders, but I do know if they want your business bad enough, they will wave the delivery and set up charge ($400???).
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Posted by ElPugDiablo on 2005-06-08 12:37:45 Post Subject:
While I look forward to trying a number of these at Coffee Fest in Vegas this weekend, I'm wondering how many of you hacve experience with the Island Oasis product and their equipment program. Do any other suppliers offer an equipment program? While I'd love to own the hardware out-right, cash is a little tight and a good equipment program would be a nice thing.
Bob DeLano
I use Island Oasis smoothie mixes and frozen yogurt. Their own R2D2 looking blender is not bad, but I think Blendtec Smoother, which I think Island Oasis can get, produces a smoothie that is silkier in texture. Having said that, I must admit customers are more impress with the big bad R2D2 blender. I don't know if there is a minimum volume you need to meet before they let you use one of their blenders, but I do know if they want your business bad enough, they will wave the delivery and set up charge ($400???).
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View entire thread: Who's going?
Posted by topher on 2007-01-17 04:29:37 Post Subject: Who's going?
I was wondering who is going to Coffee fest in Chicago? I 99% sure I am going to make the show and also the SCAA show in Long beach..I am stoked..hope to meet some of Y'all at one of these shows...so holla if you're going!
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Posted by topher on 2007-01-17 04:29:37 Post Subject: Who's going?
I was wondering who is going to Coffee fest in Chicago? I 99% sure I am going to make the show and also the SCAA show in Long beach..I am stoked..hope to meet some of Y'all at one of these shows...so holla if you're going!
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View entire thread: Who's going?
Posted by cherylann324 on 2007-03-27 08:40:21 Post Subject:
Just realized Coffee Fest is June 1-3, I can't go. Vacation planned for hubby's b-day.
I am looking into a barista school. Any recommendations, anyone? I don't know if any are close to NC or if it would be worth it to travel to the West Coast.
Cheryl Ann
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Posted by cherylann324 on 2007-03-27 08:40:21 Post Subject:
Just realized Coffee Fest is June 1-3, I can't go. Vacation planned for hubby's b-day.
I am looking into a barista school. Any recommendations, anyone? I don't know if any are close to NC or if it would be worth it to travel to the West Coast.
Cheryl Ann
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View entire thread: Since we''re new...why not franchise?
Posted by chocoholic on 2007-01-26 15:25:35 Post Subject:
Looks like there's a consensus on the marraige counseling/business expense! I should have thought of that a long time ago! Especially since he does our taxes too! ha ha
I will be researching for a while it looks like. I also would like to go to the Coffee fest if you guys think the Business Seminar is worth attending??
Otherwise, I guess read, read, read is my answer for a while.
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Posted by chocoholic on 2007-01-26 15:25:35 Post Subject:
Looks like there's a consensus on the marraige counseling/business expense! I should have thought of that a long time ago! Especially since he does our taxes too! ha ha
I will be researching for a while it looks like. I also would like to go to the Coffee fest if you guys think the Business Seminar is worth attending??
Otherwise, I guess read, read, read is my answer for a while.
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View entire thread: CHARLOTTE, N.C
Posted by Rockcreekcoffee on 2006-04-12 17:00:09 Post Subject: Charlotte
Charlotte for us this year was more "work related" than "play related" that Seattle was. Yes, it was lighter attended this year, but I agree with Andrew (Cafemakers) that Seattle is a one-of-a kind city and it being paired with good coffee.
It was difficult and very expensive to get to Charlotte. SCAA did a great job in getting it all together for this show. I attend quite a few classes and networked the entire show. I made some great contacts and wouldn't have changed anything. I do think that the SCAA should take a lesson from Coffee Fest and the great seminars they offer and for free!
Next year it's in Long Beach and it will be alot easier for people to get in/out of the area. Plus near the convention center this year, they just revitalized the area and it's really great, plus there are some great coffee houses to see.
Peggy
PS - Topher we never connected
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Posted by Rockcreekcoffee on 2006-04-12 17:00:09 Post Subject: Charlotte
Charlotte for us this year was more "work related" than "play related" that Seattle was. Yes, it was lighter attended this year, but I agree with Andrew (Cafemakers) that Seattle is a one-of-a kind city and it being paired with good coffee.
It was difficult and very expensive to get to Charlotte. SCAA did a great job in getting it all together for this show. I attend quite a few classes and networked the entire show. I made some great contacts and wouldn't have changed anything. I do think that the SCAA should take a lesson from Coffee Fest and the great seminars they offer and for free!
Next year it's in Long Beach and it will be alot easier for people to get in/out of the area. Plus near the convention center this year, they just revitalized the area and it's really great, plus there are some great coffee houses to see.
Peggy
PS - Topher we never connected
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View entire thread: The Art of Coffee Roasting
Posted by nzroaster on 2006-01-25 19:33:33 Post Subject:
I think in a year you can have a great lever puller...as to a competent roaster that can buy, cup, create blends, and roast...I think not. It is a lot to take in...I think after a year one can have a good grasp on things..but I think it takes a lot of trial an error after that first year. but like nzroaster said...I could be wrong.
I guess it depends what you cover in that year. In my first year I cupped with a green importer as well as learned the fundementals of roasting/blending 40 hours/week. I would not say I was a great roaster after that year (even though I picked up an award at nz's coffee fest.), but add a year of trial and error and lots of playing around and I believe I'm very competent, as do many other roasters who try my coffee.
I guess what I'm trying to say is if you can learn the basics the rest can be self-developement.
But its a craft you will really enjoy learning
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Posted by nzroaster on 2006-01-25 19:33:33 Post Subject:
I think in a year you can have a great lever puller...as to a competent roaster that can buy, cup, create blends, and roast...I think not. It is a lot to take in...I think after a year one can have a good grasp on things..but I think it takes a lot of trial an error after that first year. but like nzroaster said...I could be wrong.
I guess it depends what you cover in that year. In my first year I cupped with a green importer as well as learned the fundementals of roasting/blending 40 hours/week. I would not say I was a great roaster after that year (even though I picked up an award at nz's coffee fest.), but add a year of trial and error and lots of playing around and I believe I'm very competent, as do many other roasters who try my coffee.
I guess what I'm trying to say is if you can learn the basics the rest can be self-developement.
But its a craft you will really enjoy learning
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View entire thread: SuperAutomatics ---updates?
Posted by Parts Guru on 2006-04-23 03:14:29 Post Subject: Re: SuperAutomatics ---updates?
We are opening a small commercial operation...What is the best SuperAuto? We will pay a higher wage to retain good employees..The SuperAutos have been out for a while now what is the best machine for us? Ease of operation, cleaning and dependability? Price point $1200.00-$1800.00...or do we need to be spending more?
You may not have heard and none of the senior members has made any mention about this new superautomatic - Fiorenzato's Ducale Superautomatic.
Check it out using the following linnk:
http://www.partsguru.com/FiorenzatoDuca ... matic.html
This is simple to operate and no motor driven brewing unit. The stainless steel brewing unit has hydraulic system that moves the brewing unit piston up for tamping and return to home position. Boiler is for steam and hot water. The brew unit has a separate brass heat exchanger mounted on top. Very little maintenance or breakdowns because the only motor in the machine is for the pump. Large dredge drawer is good for 50 shots.
This machine was recently displayed at Coffee fest in Wash.DC and also at SCAA show in Charlotte. The dispensing faucet can be moved up for tall cups just with the push with a finger.
The machine was designed for trouble free operation and the only part that can have any problems is the removable brew unit. That can be shipped for immediate replacement and back to operation. No techs, not many parts required. Sound too good? Yes it is. Check it out. Competiors wished they had concieved the hydraulic brewing unit!
Most other commercial superautomatic models are heavy, have complicated design with too many motors and gears, complicated wiring. Not easy to repair and not easy to find qualified help outside of Metropolitan areas.
Price US$8000.00 plus shipping & water line connection charges.
Programming the doses, temperature, coffee per shot needs instructions. That can be programmed before shipping or instructions will be sent and explained after installation.
This is niether a promotion nor a comparison with other models.
Good luck.
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Posted by Parts Guru on 2006-04-23 03:14:29 Post Subject: Re: SuperAutomatics ---updates?
We are opening a small commercial operation...What is the best SuperAuto? We will pay a higher wage to retain good employees..The SuperAutos have been out for a while now what is the best machine for us? Ease of operation, cleaning and dependability? Price point $1200.00-$1800.00...or do we need to be spending more?
You may not have heard and none of the senior members has made any mention about this new superautomatic - Fiorenzato's Ducale Superautomatic.
Check it out using the following linnk:
http://www.partsguru.com/FiorenzatoDuca ... matic.html
This is simple to operate and no motor driven brewing unit. The stainless steel brewing unit has hydraulic system that moves the brewing unit piston up for tamping and return to home position. Boiler is for steam and hot water. The brew unit has a separate brass heat exchanger mounted on top. Very little maintenance or breakdowns because the only motor in the machine is for the pump. Large dredge drawer is good for 50 shots.
This machine was recently displayed at Coffee fest in Wash.DC and also at SCAA show in Charlotte. The dispensing faucet can be moved up for tall cups just with the push with a finger.
The machine was designed for trouble free operation and the only part that can have any problems is the removable brew unit. That can be shipped for immediate replacement and back to operation. No techs, not many parts required. Sound too good? Yes it is. Check it out. Competiors wished they had concieved the hydraulic brewing unit!
Most other commercial superautomatic models are heavy, have complicated design with too many motors and gears, complicated wiring. Not easy to repair and not easy to find qualified help outside of Metropolitan areas.
Price US$8000.00 plus shipping & water line connection charges.
Programming the doses, temperature, coffee per shot needs instructions. That can be programmed before shipping or instructions will be sent and explained after installation.
This is niether a promotion nor a comparison with other models.
Good luck.
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View entire thread: what's a good personal roaster.
Posted by La Crema Coffee on 2005-11-07 15:21:16 Post Subject:
My opinion is get :http://www.diedrichroasters.com/sample.html
The for mentioned in other posts is not my first choice. Although probably less $$ I didn't like the way the YM-2's drum dump handle was balanced to make it easy to slam the " door" on the drums axle protrusion. ( I checked it out at coffee fest) I have to admit that maybe you are more gentle while getting the bean out of the drum, but I like to dump the bean ASAP! This is only my opinion and feedback.
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Posted by La Crema Coffee on 2005-11-07 15:21:16 Post Subject:
My opinion is get :http://www.diedrichroasters.com/sample.html
The for mentioned in other posts is not my first choice. Although probably less $$ I didn't like the way the YM-2's drum dump handle was balanced to make it easy to slam the " door" on the drums axle protrusion. ( I checked it out at coffee fest) I have to admit that maybe you are more gentle while getting the bean out of the drum, but I like to dump the bean ASAP! This is only my opinion and feedback.
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View entire thread: Opening a drive-thru and exchanging advice
Posted by janie1963 on 2004-03-11 12:32:51 Post Subject:
Thanks for the advice! Where do you work...for which coffee company? I was so hoping to be ready to open next month, but I'm not sure if that will happen. We are going to Las Vegas in June for our daughter's wedding ( and will attend Coffee Fest) so I wanted to have a few weeks in operation before then. Now I'm thinking it may be more realistic to open after Vegas. Today we will find out if we'll have to pay over $2000 to get the water hooked up...hopefully there is already a meter in place in which case we'll pay only $5. to hook up. The county sent a letter yesterday saying that our building permit was on hold until we complete applications (and pay fees) for the water dept. and fire dept. All we had to do was have the fire chief sign a paper that says they can get fire trucks to the site. I don't mind having to do that or paying extra fees, but I am irked that the county didn't give us these forms to begin with.
Back to the coffee; I like B&B's coffee and later found out that the two most successful places here serve B&B. On one hand, I felt good about that, but on the other I wanted something different than what other locals serve. Maybe you'd be interested in sending some samples?
Thanks, again!
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Posted by janie1963 on 2004-03-11 12:32:51 Post Subject:
Thanks for the advice! Where do you work...for which coffee company? I was so hoping to be ready to open next month, but I'm not sure if that will happen. We are going to Las Vegas in June for our daughter's wedding ( and will attend Coffee Fest) so I wanted to have a few weeks in operation before then. Now I'm thinking it may be more realistic to open after Vegas. Today we will find out if we'll have to pay over $2000 to get the water hooked up...hopefully there is already a meter in place in which case we'll pay only $5. to hook up. The county sent a letter yesterday saying that our building permit was on hold until we complete applications (and pay fees) for the water dept. and fire dept. All we had to do was have the fire chief sign a paper that says they can get fire trucks to the site. I don't mind having to do that or paying extra fees, but I am irked that the county didn't give us these forms to begin with.
Back to the coffee; I like B&B's coffee and later found out that the two most successful places here serve B&B. On one hand, I felt good about that, but on the other I wanted something different than what other locals serve. Maybe you'd be interested in sending some samples?
Thanks, again!
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View entire thread: Barista Training Needed In New Jersey
Posted by BaristaTrainer on 2005-02-04 12:13:52 Post Subject:
Chris would be a great choice if you are looking for someone close to home. He is a solid trianer and a great guy ... At the same time, I wouldn't limit yourself based on your location only. You should feel comfortable with who you work with and look at what added value you will receieve depending on the consultants experience.
true "hardcore" barista training You will find both Deferio and myself instructing in the newest advanced barista training and latte art video by bellissimo to be released at coffee fest chicago.
(Chris I will send you an advanced copy as soon as they come off production)
Good luck Daniel!
BT
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Posted by BaristaTrainer on 2005-02-04 12:13:52 Post Subject:
Chris would be a great choice if you are looking for someone close to home. He is a solid trianer and a great guy ... At the same time, I wouldn't limit yourself based on your location only. You should feel comfortable with who you work with and look at what added value you will receieve depending on the consultants experience.
true "hardcore" barista training
You will find both Deferio and myself instructing in the newest advanced barista training and latte art video by bellissimo to be released at coffee fest chicago. (Chris I will send you an advanced copy as soon as they come off production)
Good luck Daniel!
BT
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View entire thread: Your favourite coffee house?
Posted by scooter on 2004-03-17 19:33:58 Post Subject: Coffee Fest, DC
In for town at the coffee fest this weekend. Any advice on coffee shops in the area? Stopped in to Mayorga Coffee Factory, very cool and quite an impressive store.
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Posted by scooter on 2004-03-17 19:33:58 Post Subject: Coffee Fest, DC
In for town at the coffee fest this weekend. Any advice on coffee shops in the area? Stopped in to Mayorga Coffee Factory, very cool and quite an impressive store.
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View entire thread: I want to roast & sell from home - why not?
Posted by lachris on 2008-08-21 07:11:13 Post Subject:
I guess a point I didn't clearly make in my original post on this topic was that one of the reasons we were taking so long was that we were trying to write our business plan and get it right - not just making it work - but getting the real numbers. 6 versions of it. Each time we got to where we thought we were going to be able to wrap it up, we learned something new that casued us to have to make adjustments. Each time it seemed to really change the outcome of the idea and cause us set backs. Of course one of the main things I learned from a siminar at Coffee Fest in DC this year was about "under captialization". In writing this plan we could see that very fast. We were under capitalized. So...
Then we figured we would turn to the SBA for help. Basically they told us the same thing. Oh - in one of their workshops the guy acutally said at the start of his spill was that he hoped no one was there hoping to open another coffee shop - that this area did not need another coffee shop - so right off the bat I new we were not going to get the attention and help we needed from them - perhaps I did though - our mentor basically said, in his experiance, we needed to have 5 times the capital of what I needed to renovate and get the doors open. He was probably right and we did not - open that is. Probably saved me my home.
That is what brought us to roasting at home and starting small - very small - learning more about cupping, roasting, relationships, and business.
Should I write another plan - Probably - but now I don't really know how far we really want to go beyond the pure joy of roasting your own and drinking REALLY GOOD COFFEE.
To roast for income, or not to roast for income - that is the question.
lachris
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Posted by lachris on 2008-08-21 07:11:13 Post Subject:
I guess a point I didn't clearly make in my original post on this topic was that one of the reasons we were taking so long was that we were trying to write our business plan and get it right - not just making it work - but getting the real numbers. 6 versions of it. Each time we got to where we thought we were going to be able to wrap it up, we learned something new that casued us to have to make adjustments. Each time it seemed to really change the outcome of the idea and cause us set backs. Of course one of the main things I learned from a siminar at Coffee Fest in DC this year was about "under captialization". In writing this plan we could see that very fast. We were under capitalized. So...
Then we figured we would turn to the SBA for help. Basically they told us the same thing. Oh - in one of their workshops the guy acutally said at the start of his spill was that he hoped no one was there hoping to open another coffee shop - that this area did not need another coffee shop - so right off the bat I new we were not going to get the attention and help we needed from them - perhaps I did though - our mentor basically said, in his experiance, we needed to have 5 times the capital of what I needed to renovate and get the doors open. He was probably right and we did not - open that is. Probably saved me my home.
That is what brought us to roasting at home and starting small - very small - learning more about cupping, roasting, relationships, and business.
Should I write another plan - Probably - but now I don't really know how far we really want to go beyond the pure joy of roasting your own and drinking REALLY GOOD COFFEE.
To roast for income, or not to roast for income - that is the question.
lachris
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View entire thread: I want to roast & sell from home - why not?
Posted by lachris on 2008-08-11 14:58:11 Post Subject: I want to roast & sell from home - why not?
New to this board (second post)
I’ve been into specialty coffee for over two years now. By that I mean I caught the bug by buying some just roasted beans from ROJO roasters in the Northeast. Once I tasted that, I was off and running to find out more – I sought out and found folks that sell specialty greens – like Sweet Maria’s and tried roasting some on my very own popcorn popper. Even that was very good – better than my Eight –O’clock from Kroger.
I started seeking out specialty coffee houses in the local Louisville, KY area and found some very good ones – and some not so good, yet still in business. I got so caught up in the whole thing I found myself buying and roasting greens all the time. Friends and family are now seeking my next roast dates to scrounge fresh roasted coffee. I bought a *$ Barista espresso machine and a Virtuoso grinder and have been making some surprisingly good shots and milk drinks – more scroungers…
This past February I decided I wanted to look into opening my own coffee house in our small town outside Louisville – did I say small – 5000-6000? I found out about coffee fest in DC and attended and met everyone and attended ten or more seminars – sampled some really great espresso and packed home three bags full of brochures and business cards from folks I met and spoke to that weekend. From the follow ups I was swamped by coffee and flavor samples and other stuff like POS systems and counter/cabinet makers. Everything you can imagine.
I found a location - perfect, did several layouts, priced everything down to the frothed milk in an espresso macchiato and did all the due diligence we could think of. I spoke to and attended our local SCORE folks on business and opening a new start up. Worked out a brand and logo, colors and anything else you could think of.
At the end – our landlord decided we were taking too long and moved in a different direction with the space. Most likely this was better for me – our numbers for all the effort were coming up to be pretty pricey. More that I had capital for – of course that was the idea in the first place – the plan writing exercise was to find out if we could do it or not – right? NOT was the answer
– at least for now.
Meanwhile, my wife don’t want to stop thinking about the business, so we’ve been toying around with starting a small roasting business from home and growing it until we can make a good move to opening a small store selling espresso and beans. I want to renovate my garage and install an Ambex YM-2 and get on with the training.
Why shouldn’t we pursue this? Is it not a good idea to try and roast greens at home to eventually sell retail locally at markets and retailers – or internet? Someone tell me why I shouldn’t keep getting experience roasting and peruse this two year + old dream in the specialty coffee roasting business.
Money is tight but we can buy the roaster and set up shop. I have capital to work on getting more cupping knowledge and more experience - profiling experience and sampling. Is the retail environment good for this right now? Are there too many micro-roasters out there?
Need advice in LaGrange, KY.
Lachris
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Posted by lachris on 2008-08-11 14:58:11 Post Subject: I want to roast & sell from home - why not?
New to this board (second post)
I’ve been into specialty coffee for over two years now. By that I mean I caught the bug by buying some just roasted beans from ROJO roasters in the Northeast. Once I tasted that, I was off and running to find out more – I sought out and found folks that sell specialty greens – like Sweet Maria’s and tried roasting some on my very own popcorn popper. Even that was very good – better than my Eight –O’clock from Kroger.
I started seeking out specialty coffee houses in the local Louisville, KY area and found some very good ones – and some not so good, yet still in business. I got so caught up in the whole thing I found myself buying and roasting greens all the time. Friends and family are now seeking my next roast dates to scrounge fresh roasted coffee. I bought a *$ Barista espresso machine and a Virtuoso grinder and have been making some surprisingly good shots and milk drinks – more scroungers…
This past February I decided I wanted to look into opening my own coffee house in our small town outside Louisville – did I say small – 5000-6000? I found out about coffee fest in DC and attended and met everyone and attended ten or more seminars – sampled some really great espresso and packed home three bags full of brochures and business cards from folks I met and spoke to that weekend. From the follow ups I was swamped by coffee and flavor samples and other stuff like POS systems and counter/cabinet makers. Everything you can imagine.
I found a location - perfect, did several layouts, priced everything down to the frothed milk in an espresso macchiato and did all the due diligence we could think of. I spoke to and attended our local SCORE folks on business and opening a new start up. Worked out a brand and logo, colors and anything else you could think of.
At the end – our landlord decided we were taking too long and moved in a different direction with the space. Most likely this was better for me – our numbers for all the effort were coming up to be pretty pricey. More that I had capital for – of course that was the idea in the first place – the plan writing exercise was to find out if we could do it or not – right? NOT was the answer
– at least for now. Meanwhile, my wife don’t want to stop thinking about the business, so we’ve been toying around with starting a small roasting business from home and growing it until we can make a good move to opening a small store selling espresso and beans. I want to renovate my garage and install an Ambex YM-2 and get on with the training.
Why shouldn’t we pursue this? Is it not a good idea to try and roast greens at home to eventually sell retail locally at markets and retailers – or internet? Someone tell me why I shouldn’t keep getting experience roasting and peruse this two year + old dream in the specialty coffee roasting business.
Money is tight but we can buy the roaster and set up shop. I have capital to work on getting more cupping knowledge and more experience - profiling experience and sampling. Is the retail environment good for this right now? Are there too many micro-roasters out there?
Need advice in LaGrange, KY.
Lachris
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View entire thread: Opening a coffee shop
Posted by ds40014 on 2006-01-12 22:29:27 Post Subject:
Jim/ ElPugDiablo:
Did you guys both attend the Coffee Fest? Was it helpful for you to attend in opening your business?
Just curious... Thx!
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Posted by ds40014 on 2006-01-12 22:29:27 Post Subject:
Jim/ ElPugDiablo:
Did you guys both attend the Coffee Fest? Was it helpful for you to attend in opening your business?
Just curious... Thx!
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Posted by ElPugDiablo on 2006-01-13 16:31:49 Post Subject:
For me it was very helpful. But I know people that do very well without going to shows but do their research by other means.
The coffee fest is in DC in Feb, the SCAA is at NC in April. In both events you get to see a lot of equipment and suppliers in person. Most booth will let you taste their products, or try their machine. You can sign up for demonstrations and quick classes. And usually you get to meet and talk to some respected industry figures, most of them are more than willing to share their knowledge with new comers. However, you need to keep in mind each booth is there for one reason - to get business. If it is between talking to a newbie and writing orders, guess what they will rather do? Wear your best walking shoes, and a notebook pre-fill with all the specific questions you have. Don't be shy and lurk, ask your questions, and ask to work the machine push the buttons. You will have a lot of sales propaganda to overload you, and it is up to you to filter them inot useful information. At the end of the show, you will know a lot more than you did before. I don't have the time to go DC, but am going to NC. If you can only go to one, NC is my suggestion. If you are going with other people, walk the booths seperately and meet up from time to time to compare notes. One more hint, taste the drinks but spit them out otherwise you will be totally caffeinated and constantly going to restroom with endless long long line.
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Posted by ElPugDiablo on 2006-01-13 16:31:49 Post Subject:
For me it was very helpful. But I know people that do very well without going to shows but do their research by other means.
The coffee fest is in DC in Feb, the SCAA is at NC in April. In both events you get to see a lot of equipment and suppliers in person. Most booth will let you taste their products, or try their machine. You can sign up for demonstrations and quick classes. And usually you get to meet and talk to some respected industry figures, most of them are more than willing to share their knowledge with new comers. However, you need to keep in mind each booth is there for one reason - to get business. If it is between talking to a newbie and writing orders, guess what they will rather do? Wear your best walking shoes, and a notebook pre-fill with all the specific questions you have. Don't be shy and lurk, ask your questions, and ask to work the machine push the buttons. You will have a lot of sales propaganda to overload you, and it is up to you to filter them inot useful information. At the end of the show, you will know a lot more than you did before. I don't have the time to go DC, but am going to NC. If you can only go to one, NC is my suggestion. If you are going with other people, walk the booths seperately and meet up from time to time to compare notes. One more hint, taste the drinks but spit them out otherwise you will be totally caffeinated and constantly going to restroom with endless long long line.
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View entire thread: Research on Opening a Coffee Shop
Posted by Sweet7 on 2004-06-17 11:03:10 Post Subject: Coffee Fest
Hi all!
Coffee Fest was great, and it was in Vegas... so that made it better :-D
Anyway, I saw a lot of great vendors... (Topher, I know you think Coffee Fest is a waste of time, but we are all not as smart as you!) and learned quite a bit.
If anyone has any questions about the convention, let me know... I have literature coming out of my ears!
Hope everyone is doing well. I am starting to look for locations this week, and will keep you all updated with my progress. I know I have been absent for a while, but I have had SO much to do!
~aliya
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Posted by Sweet7 on 2004-06-17 11:03:10 Post Subject: Coffee Fest
Hi all!
Coffee Fest was great, and it was in Vegas... so that made it better :-D
Anyway, I saw a lot of great vendors... (Topher, I know you think Coffee Fest is a waste of time, but we are all not as smart as you!) and learned quite a bit.
If anyone has any questions about the convention, let me know... I have literature coming out of my ears!
Hope everyone is doing well. I am starting to look for locations this week, and will keep you all updated with my progress. I know I have been absent for a while, but I have had SO much to do!
~aliya
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Posted by Aliya on 2004-05-22 11:31:01 Post Subject: Barista Aliya
Hey guys!
I have been doing some training with a local barista, and things are going great! I am going to Coffee Fest in June, so I will keep you guys updated. Also, I am now officially a member of SCAA!! I will keep ya'll in the loop
~aliya
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Posted by Aliya on 2004-05-22 11:31:01 Post Subject: Barista Aliya
Hey guys!
I have been doing some training with a local barista, and things are going great! I am going to Coffee Fest in June, so I will keep you guys updated. Also, I am now officially a member of SCAA!! I will keep ya'll in the loop
~aliya
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Posted by Coffee Guy on 2004-05-09 12:35:54 Post Subject:
Hey Aliya:
Yeah, Coffee Fest is for new customers to see equipment, products, asscessories, etc. It's good that you are doing some basic training. This gives you some experience so when your actual training for the business begins you won't be a stranger to the training. Don't worry about Starbucks; they can actually be of some benefit to you.
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Posted by Coffee Guy on 2004-05-09 12:35:54 Post Subject:
Hey Aliya:
Yeah, Coffee Fest is for new customers to see equipment, products, asscessories, etc. It's good that you are doing some basic training. This gives you some experience so when your actual training for the business begins you won't be a stranger to the training. Don't worry about Starbucks; they can actually be of some benefit to you.
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View entire thread: Research on Opening a Coffee Shop
Posted by Aliya on 2004-05-07 11:03:19 Post Subject:
Hey you guys! Haven't been on here in a while. I have been at a local cafe learning how to use the machines after hours. Really helpful girl behind the counter.
Anyway, everyone I keep talking to keeps asking how I am going to compete with Starbucks. That it would be impossible to do so. I agree Starbucks is great and they have their stuff down, but does that mean that an independent shop can't do well?
I was thinking about going to Coffee Fest in Vegas... good idea?
~aliya
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Posted by Aliya on 2004-05-07 11:03:19 Post Subject:
Hey you guys! Haven't been on here in a while. I have been at a local cafe learning how to use the machines after hours. Really helpful girl behind the counter.
Anyway, everyone I keep talking to keeps asking how I am going to compete with Starbucks. That it would be impossible to do so. I agree Starbucks is great and they have their stuff down, but does that mean that an independent shop can't do well?
I was thinking about going to Coffee Fest in Vegas... good idea?
~aliya
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View entire thread: Research on Opening a Coffee Shop
Posted by Garbero's on 2004-10-11 16:53:54 Post Subject:
Hi, I went to the Barista training in Portland Oregon. I did a one day crash course. If you have the money to spend I would do it. Ausin is one of the consultanta, he is very nice. What I would suggest to you, if you can get there in time is go to Coffee Fest in Seattle this weekend. All of those people will be there and everybody is incredibly friendly. They will be able to answer any of your questions. Also, if you want to talk to me, I can answer your questions. Or at least try. I have been working on opening my shop for the past year. I will open in December in downtown portland OR. I also have a degree in hospitality and restaurant managment. if you e mail me you #'s I can call you after 7pm PST. ghansenpc@comcast.net
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Posted by Garbero's on 2004-10-11 16:53:54 Post Subject:
Hi, I went to the Barista training in Portland Oregon. I did a one day crash course. If you have the money to spend I would do it. Ausin is one of the consultanta, he is very nice. What I would suggest to you, if you can get there in time is go to Coffee Fest in Seattle this weekend. All of those people will be there and everybody is incredibly friendly. They will be able to answer any of your questions. Also, if you want to talk to me, I can answer your questions. Or at least try. I have been working on opening my shop for the past year. I will open in December in downtown portland OR. I also have a degree in hospitality and restaurant managment. if you e mail me you #'s I can call you after 7pm PST. ghansenpc@comcast.net
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