Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders

If there is one thing most people agree upon, it is that they hate meetings. Have you ever considered why that is? Usually we hate meetings because they seem like a waste of time that only brings more confusion rather clarity. Poorly conducted or conceived meetings have led many of us to either give up entirely or to simply doggedly continue with ineffective meetings in spite of knowing they are not helping. There is a better way.  Today we will be talking about the main meetings you should be having regularly, how to conduct them, why, and what we can and should expect as a result when they are made a part of our coffee shops foundation of communication and staff care.  We discuss:  Why we hate meetings The reason we don't follow through  One one ones Team meetings Performance reviews and tracking Manager meetings Related articles: 426: Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement 415: The Best Lessons On How to Listen w/ Listening Expert, Oscar Trimboli 373 : The Owner’s Role: 5 Behaviors for Effectiveness The One-on-One : How one meeting can dramatically impact your coffee shop's culture and morale. Avoid These Cafe Meeting Mistakes Want to run an amazing coffee shop? Hire Keys to the Shop Consulting to work with you 1:1 to transform your coffee shop operations, quality, and people. Custom consulting for your unique business. Schedule a free discovery call now! https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min   Thank you to our amazing sponsors! Get the best brewer and tool for batch espresso, iced lattes, and 8 minute cold brew! www.groundcontrol.coffee   The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series! www.pacificfoodservice.com

Many people want their customers to be loyal to their shop without providing much incentive for that loyalty. In fact we often will all but demand loyalty by virtue of our status rather than based on what we deliver. Customers all over the world will bend to this insinuated expectation we have against their better interest for only so long before they leave. Today on Shift Break we will be talking about why loyalty may actually be a behavior that prevents us from improving and truly earning a customers patronage through consistently delivering value and learning from the times when we do not.  Listen to these related episodes next: 390 : 7 Ways to be Consciously Competitive 433: Winning Staff and Customer Loyalty "Local" does not Equal Quality Owners need community too! Want to be a part of a dynamic group of fellow coffee shop owners all working together for each other's success?  Apply for Key Holder Coaching Group today!     Would you like to work with me 1:1 to help you thrive in coffee? Click below for a discovery call and lets have a conversation!  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min Thank you to out sponsors! Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/ The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com    

Hospitality, patience, and giving grace to others and yourself are lessons we can learn from many areas of life. The coffee shop presents a unique opportunity for us to exercise those character traits as we serve customers along side our fellow staff members in the often pressured and fast paced day-to-day cafe work. There will many mistakes made, but in those mistakes lies opportunity for growth and re-affirming a people first focus.  Today's guest, David Foster, wraps all this up in an awesome new children's book called "Jett Goes to Work With Dad"! David Foster is a co-owner at Kiln Coffee in Grand Junction, Colorado. He is passionate about promoting intentional hospitality and his love for the coffee industry. He is also the author of this new book that teaches lessons that young and old can all learn from.  In our conversation we talk a lot about hospitality in all its iterations in the cafe business, how David got into coffee, why he wrote the book, and his insight into how we can serve others well through coffee.  Links:  https://www.kilncoffeebar.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jettgoes/   Related episodes:  323 : Reflecting on 5 Years of Keys to the Shop w/ my Wife Lynnsy Deferio 328 : Relationships and Resiliency w/ Xavier Alexander of Metric Coffee 367 : Designing Your Coffee Shop for Community w/ Dr. Lisa Waxman 331 : The 7 Deadly Sins of my Career   KTTS LINKS: Apply for the next Key Holder Coaching Group!     Want to run an amazing coffee shop? Hire Keys to the Shop Consulting to work with you 1:1 to transform your coffee shop operations, quality, and people. Custom consulting for your unique business. Schedule a free discovery call now! https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min   Thank you to our amazing sponsors! Get the best brewer and tool for batch espresso, iced lattes, and 8 minute cold brew! www.groundcontrol.coffee   The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series! www.pacificfoodservice.com

Marketing can be good, and bad. At it's best it exposes you to resources that help you mindfully build your business. At its worst it takes advantage of your insecurity and fear of not know how to build that business and turns your dream into nightmare of chasing the "next" and the "new" just to try to succeed.  Today on Shift break we will be talking about a healthy way to interact with the ever expanding universe of options, data, sales people, and stats so that you can be decisive and be confident that your decision was a well considered one.   Listen to these related episodes next: SHIFT BREAK: Make Customer Feedback a Priority Menu Simplicity as Hospitality The Myth of Hands Off / Automated Leadership Imperfect Action and Finding Time Icing on the Cake: Competitions vs. the Shop Owners need community too! Want to be a part of a dynamic group of fellow coffee shop owners all working together for each other's success?  Apply for Key Holder Coaching Group today!     Would you like to work with me 1:1 to help you thrive in coffee? Click below for a discovery call and lets have a conversation!  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min Thank you to out sponsors! Custom branded apps for your coffee shop: www.espressly.co   The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com    

Roasting has historically been shaped by the experiences of crafts people and their experiments with what works, or does not work, in their roastery. These days we hav many people entering into the industry to affirm, challenge, and explore those dogmas in an effort to find the "why" behind the assumptions we have. Today's Rate of Rise guest, Mark Al-Shemmeri is one of those people challenging dogma with data.  Mark is a chemical engineer who spent four years as a doctoral researcher (EngD) in the UK figuring out how to simulate coffee roasting in-silico, creating a digital twin of a coffee roaster. The data-driven approach meant a lot of roasting, analysis of the process and product and coding up of simulations to predict how different green coffees, in different roasters with different process conditions, transform during roasting. Mark also operates a nomadic roastery under the pseudonym 'dialect' - a name befitting for his engineering approach to coffee and his efforts to challenge the complexities entrained in the industry. In this episode we talk with mark about how as a chemical engineer he ended up also in professional coffee work, how his expertise has shaped his own approach to roasting, and a look into the experiments he has been running to explore the variables of coffee roasting in a quest to simplify the overly complex.  Links: https://www.instagram.com/kramalshemmeri/ https://medium.com/@markalshemmeri https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mark-Al-Shemmeri https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=H-A07IcAAAAJ&hl=en   Related episodes: RoR #2: Exploring Quality Control w/ Spencer Turer of Coffee Enterprises RoR # 21 : Data, Community, and the Art of Roasting w/ U.S. Roasters Champion Andrew Coe of Elevator Coffee RoR #20 : Challenging the Status Quo w/ David Lalonde of Rabbit Hole Roasters, Montreal, Quebec Visit www.roastertools.com for the best software to help you run a roastery!

When you think about quality coffee and what it takes to help usher in change in both how it is rendered and then how it is perceived globally, you would likely be overwhelmed with the notion. It is a lifelong vocation that requires not only personal commitment, but a large team of people to accomplish it Toady we get to talk with the new World Barista Champion Boram Um, who's family has been on this quest since his father moved to Brazil from Korea to begin his second professional life as a coffee farmer.  Boram graduated in Business in Boston University and joined his father in the world of coffee in 2014 being certified as a Q-grader. With the desire of an entrepreneur he founded Um Coffee Co. in 2016 and in 2017 achieved best coffee shop in Sao Paulo.  Since 2019 he began competing in Barista Competitions and for 3 years straight was crowned national champion in Brazil. In 2023 for the first time in history of Brazil Boram achieved 1st place in the World Barista Championship.  Boram has been traveling the globe speaking and presenting to audiences of coffee professionals in places like Leaders Forum at the Cafe Show in Korea, Hotelex 2023 in Shenzhen China, and Coffee Fest Madrid, and many others. Today we get to talk about Boram's career, competition, and the business of rewriting the script for coffee in Brazil and achieving higher quality in coffee.  In this episodes you will learn about: Boram's Journey in Coffee Managing People and Quality Control Impact of Coffee Shops on Farming Practices Winning the World Barista Championship Focus on People and Coffee Um Coffee Co.: From Farm to Cafe Sustainable Practices in Coffee Production Building Relationships with Coffee Producers The Importance of Training and Education Expanding Um Coffee Co.'s Reach The Global Coffee Community Um Coffee Co.'s Future Plans Links: Instagram: @boramum @umcoffeeco @fazendaumcoffeeco https://www.umcoffeeco.com.br/?lang=en WATCH Boram Um's Performance   Related episodes:  452: CHAMPIONING THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE IN COFFEE W/ 3X SA BARISTA CHAMPION, WINSTON DOUGLAS THOMAS OF CEDAR COFFEE 451: BUSINESS GROWTH, INTEGRITY, AND COFFEE FARMER EQUITY W/ MARTIN MAYORGA OF MAYORGA COFFEE 444: FOUNDER FRIDAY! W/ JULIA PEIXOTO PETERS OF PEIXOTO COFFEE, ARIZONA 061 : You Don’t Know Beans about Brazil w/ Kelly Stein, Coffea Podcast 255 : The Triumph of Black Brazilians in Coffee w/ Phyllis Johnson Sustainability Series #1 : The Farm   OWNERS! Want to be a part of a dynamic group of fellow coffee shop owners all working together for each other's success?  Apply for Key Holder Coaching Group today!      Hire Keys to the Shop Consulting to work with you 1:1 to transform your coffee shop operations, quality, and people.   Custom consulting for your unique business. Schedule a free discovery call now! https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min   Thank you to our amazing sponsors! Get the best brewer and tool for batch espresso, iced lattes, and 8 minute cold brew! www.groundcontrol.coffee   The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series! www.pacificfoodservice.com

Last year we did many interviews live at Coffee Fest. I got to chat with Ian WIlliams of the famed sneaker/coffee concept Deadstock Coffee in Portland Oregon while on the show floor.  In this brief conversation Ian shared some very helpful insights around marketing, entrepreneurship, and staying true to values and culture while growing a business.  Deadstock began as a cart and has operated a sneaker-themed coffee shop in the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood since August 2015. Since then the company has won numerous accolades. Ian and his team have steadily grown the business through genuine hospitality, unique partnerships, and establishing themselves as a leading voice for black owned coffee shops.  Ian has been speaking on coffee, marketing, diversity, and business around the country for a while now and you can find him on the Coffee Fest circuit this year again doing just that.  I hope this interview helps you greatly and stay tuned for more interviews like this soon as we get ready to go to the first Coffee Fest show of 2024 in NYC! Links: Ian on IG: @eeweezie https://deadstockcoffee.com/   Related episodes:  SPECIAL: Coffee Fest Live! Chicago 2022 Part 2 w/ Marissa Childers, Jess Gulino, and Tony Dreyfuss SPECIAL! Part 1| Coffee Fest Anaheim 2023 w/ Kenneth Davids and Madeleine Longoria Garcia SPECIAL: Coffee Fest Live! Chicago 2022 Part 1 w/ Luke Waite, Kris Christian, and Perfect Cube Sponsor: www.coffeefest.com Use code KEYS15 to get 15% off your General Admission!  

It is very difficult to take criticism. Especially when you may be fully aware of the imperfections of those offering the feedback on your performance. Trust me, I have lived the rage of those moments in full, and have come to see how many opportunities I wasted being upset vs taking the feedback and using it to improve and grow.  Today on Shift break we will be talking about how we should take the imperfect criticism and feedback we receive and own our part and our response... especially when we occupy the position of barista and may be young in the industry.    Listen to these related episodes next: SHIFT BREAK : The Scourge of Nitpicking Bosses SHIFT BREAK : Candid Advice for Baristas, Managers, and Owners The Courage to Correct Baristas Are Not Magic An Essential Habit for Every Coffee Shop Worker Owners need community too! Want to be a part of a dynamic group of fellow coffee shop owners all working together for each other's success?  Apply for Key Holder Coaching Group today!    Hey Managers!  In my consulting work through KTTS Consulting, working with managers as a career coach is one of the services I offer.   Would you like to work with me 1:1 to help you thrive in coffee? Click below for a discovery call and lets have a conversation!  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min Thank you to out sponsors! Custom branded apps for your coffee shop: www.espressly.co   The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com    

Special announcement! Applications are still open for the next round of Key Holder Coaching Groups!  The Key Holder Coaching Group is a select group of coffee shop owners who love coffee, people, and want to see their business and others succeed!    Insights, perspective, accountability, and growth.   These are just some of the benefits I have seen change lives through consulting and over my years facilitating workshops and trainings. ​ ​I have personally been in a group for podcasters for the last 6 years and have also hired coaches, consultant, and been a part of an online community. It has all been indescribably transformational. ​ ​For the last few years I have wanted to bring to more people, that same kind of transformational experience in a small group setting and now we are now ready to launch the second round of peer-to-peer mastermind groups! ​ ​About the groups: ​ ​🔑 Key Holder Coaching Groups will be hosted by myself and consist of a curated group of 5-6 coffee shop owners. ​ ​🔑 We will meet together 2x per month for 2 hours over a 6 month period. 12 calls total! ​ ​🔑 This structured group will allow each member to have multiple hot seat opportunities to present specific issues to the group and gain insight, feedback and direction to help them develop themselves, their people, and their business. ​ ​🔑 In addition we will be consistently updated on each others progress and have opportunity to speak into each others lives. ​ ​🔑 Key Holder Coaching members will have access to each other via the Signal app as well.   ​ ​I will be keeping applications open for the rest of this month (February) ​ ​Selected members will be notified end of February and beginning of March. New rounds of groups will begin in March!     If you have questions or want to reach out for anything else, including one-on-one coaching and special consulting projects then email chris@keystotheshop.com. -Chris Deferio  President | Host  Keys to the Shop   Want to be a part of a dynamic group of fellow coffee shop owners all working together for each other's success?  Apply for Key Holder Coaching Group today!    A couple testimonials:    "The most beneficial aspect of the KHCG has been getting the opportunity to explore topics from multiple perspectives. I have found that even If I am not in the “Hot Seat” I am gaining valuable information that is relative to my business in some way. KHCG has proven to be a safe space for me to be vulnerable, increase my self-worth and positively adjust my mindset to get the most out of the experience. As business owners, we are, without a doubt, our most valuable asset. Investing in ourselves, stepping outside of our patterns and opening up to fellow business professionals within our field will absolutely bring fresh perspectives to solve problems and reminders to celebrate wins. You do not have to do it all or do it all alone, KHCG will be a valuable ally on your journey to success."   -Sunny Cover   Founder ~ The Boss The Peekskill Coffee House Peekskill Coffee Roasting Company Ryze Collective Inc     "I've been part of quite a few different mentorship programs, and coaching programs and the Key holder coaching group has by far provided the most value. I loved being part of a group with businesses that are all so different because you learn so much that isn't just applicable now, but what might apply 1 or 2 years down the road. Chris does a great job facilitating the group in a way that everyone feels comfortable contributing, and can be honest and vulnerable. I'm blown away by the generosity of the group!" -Susannah Winters Hilton Head Coffee  

People don't leave jobs, they leave managers. This is an old but still true saying that, for me, underscores the importance of selecting the right person to take on a management role in the cafe. A bad manager makes the work miserable, and a good manager makes the work rewarding and just like a conductor, orchestrates the talents of the players into a harmonious experience. But how do you find this person and what should you be looking for when it is time to put an manager in place? This week we are going to discus several key character traits and behaviors you will want to make certain are present in the person you have in mind to be a manager. Your coffee shop's future actually does depend on it! We cover: Why we get management wrong Your role in a manager's success Personal resilience Patience with change and trust Communication and Self awareness Ability to earn trust Big big picture + detail focus Caring and Kindness Related episodes:  383 : How to Train a Manager 261 : The Basics of Managing Managers 378: 5 Areas to Develop in Managers 229 : 7 Tips for New Managers 141 : The 27 Challenges Managers Face w/ Bruce Tulgan   Want to be a part of a dynamic group of fellow coffee shop owners all working together for each other's success?  Apply for Key Holder Coaching Group today!    Hire Keys to the Shop Consulting to work with you 1:1 to transform your coffee shop operations, quality, and people.   Custom consulting for your unique business. Schedule a free discovery call now! https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min   Thank you to our amazing sponsors! Get the best brewer and tool for batch espresso, iced lattes, and 8 minute cold brew! www.groundcontrol.coffee   The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series! www.pacificfoodservice.com