Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders

In this engaging discussion, architect Scott Magic, known for his award-winning coffee shop designs, shares insights on creating spaces that blend functionality with memorable aesthetics. He emphasizes the importance of unique atmospheres in fostering connections between customers and staff. Listeners will enjoy tales of incorporating local culture and history into designs, from utilizing discarded materials to collaborating with artists. Scott also highlights how thoughtful choices in lighting and layout can significantly enhance the overall coffee shop experience.

One of the beautiful things about working in coffee today is the connectivity that is available to players in the value stream. Those who want to make the biggest difference, both use and innovate better versions of these various avenues for connection to build trusting and generous relationships that bring thriving and understanding.  Today's guest live and breaths this mission. I am so honored to welcome to the show, Beamlak Bekele!  Beamlak has experience working as a Green Coffee Export Manager, Logistics and Documentation Supervisor, and Coffee Quality Control Specialist. She is the 2nd-place national barista champion, and currently working as the project coordinator for  IWCA Ethiopia. Being raised in a family that has worked in the Ethiopian Coffee industry for decades, Beamlak is interested in learning how to bring origin country perspectives to international coffee dialogues and how to design gender-inclusive and sustainable operational systems in coffee businesses. Beamlak has also just returned from a tour in the United States after participating in the Cxffee Black barista exchange progam and being a guest at Nossa Familia In this conversation we explore her upbringing in coffee, career, perspectives on trade, and the importance of better systems and trust in coffee relationships.  You will learn about: Family Legacy in Coffee Production Education and Its Impact on Coffee Understanding Transitioning into Professional Coffee Roles Ethics in Coffee Trade and Farmer Benefits Empowering Women in the Coffee Industry Building Sustainable Relationships in Coffee Trade Ethiopian Coffee's Unique Value Proposition Connecting Trade and Consumer Experience The Role of Baristas in Coffee Culture Transforming Consumer Perceptions of Coffee Community and Collaboration in the Coffee Industry   Links:  Beamlak on IG @HUMANS_OF_COFFEE   Related episodes:  488: Founder Friday! Honoring Coffee's Root w/ Bartholomew Jones of Cxffee Black! 451: Business Growth, Integrity, and Coffee Farmer Equity w/ Martin Mayorga of Mayorga Coffee 397: Diversity and The Color of Coffee w/ Keith Hawkins, The Color of Coffee Collective 413 : Coffee Education and Training at Origin w/ Fabiola Solano of Soy Barista 335: A Better Business Model for Coffee Farmers w/ Thaleon Tremain of Pachamama Coffee 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 Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, and brick needs!  www.arto.com Follow on Instagram! @Artobrick .... and tell them Chris sent you!

It's Founder Friday! I am so thrilled to feature people who have become friends through getting to know them at coffee vents over the years. They have launched their own coffee house and made something as unique as they are themselves.  Nicolas and Krystal Tanaka are siblings and the proud owners of Kohiko Coffee House, located in Sugar Land, Texas. They’ve combined their unique backgrounds and extensive experience in the coffee and food & beverage industries to create a space that brings quality coffee and Japanese hospitality to the Houston community. Nic, the visionary behind Kohiko, shared his passion and vision for the coffee house after his first trip to Japan. He had already begun his journey as a barista in a specialty coffee shop in Sugar Land. He approached Krystal with the idea during her time pursuing her MBA, which led to them working together on an entrepreneurial project in her final semester. This is where they saw that their passions and strengths complemented each other. As Peruvian and Japanese Americans, they felt particularly connected to bringing something unique and special to Sugar Land. They honed in on the idea of bringing quality coffee with Japanese hospitality to Houston. After Nic became a two-time Coffee Fest World Latte Art Champion and Krystal graduated from her program, they chose to pursue this endeavor together. Their family has always inspired and motivated their journey. Their grandfather, Roy Tanaka, an entrepreneur who instilled Japanese values and compassion, played a key role in shaping their vision. Their youngest brother, Kenji, continues to inspire them as he makes a name for himself in the coffee world. They are grateful for their community who helped motivate and encourage them to turn their dream into a reality! Today we are exploring their story in 2 parts.  First we talk with them on their first day being open.  Next we catch up with Nic and Krystal after five months of operation.  These conversations presented back-to-back give us deep insight into the values, vision, plans, and life of the business from conception to full open and growing.  I love the whole Tanka family and after you listen to today's episode I think you will too! Enjoy! We discuss:  The journey to deciding to open a shop The Challenges of Being Your Own General Contractor Embracing Japanese Hospitality and Quality The Importance of Transparency and Openness in Service Building a Positive Work Environment through Communication Exceeding Expectations on the First Day Navigating Personal and Professional Life The Impact of Viral Success Adapting to Demand and Building a Team Why transparency and openness are key aspects of service Scaling Operations: The Ice Dilemma Strategic Growth: Balancing Innovation and Stability Resilience in Entrepreneurship: Staying Grounded Links:  www.kohikocoffeehouse.com Instagram: @kohikocoffeehouse   Related and Recommended Episodes:  396 : Founder Friday: Before + After Edition! w/ Jonathan Pascual of the Newly Opened Opo Coffee.   Founder Friday! w/ Adam Obrátil of Industra Coffee, Brno, Czech Republic' 150 : Founder Friday w/ Kyle Wells of Torpedo Coffee, Denver, CO : Before & After Episode 489: Tips for Creating a Resilient Cafe 240 : What to do before your Build your Bar 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 Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, and brick needs!  www.arto.com Follow on Instagram! @Artobrick .... and tell them Chris sent you!

Did you know that, in spite of all the work you do for others, the sacrifices you make to run your business and do what you can for your staff, plus the positive impact on your community,  the you are ACTUALLY evil and/or complicit in the demise of coffee and the people in coffee?  Well,  if you listen to the conversations, articles, and headlines being created about you by people who don't know you and the details and nuances of the work you do, you'd be tempted to take on that accusation and guilt as statement of fact and forget about the good work and proof to the contrary in a bid to chase social standing among people whose job it is to find fault above all else. Not a great idea.  Today on Shift Break we will be talking about why it is critical that you choose to participate in and give energy to the right conversations so we can create virtuous cycles instead of downward spirals.  I am thankful for you all and the good you do for people through coffee everyday! Related episodes: Faithfulness and Honesty SHIFT BREAK: Minding Our Business Thankfulness and Giving Energy to the Positive Your Peers are not Your Customers Priorities and Deep Thankfulness 485: Your Shop vs The Industry - How to Free Yourself From Dependency INTERESTED IN CONSULTING AND COACHING? If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  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  

In this enlightening discussion, Jenny Barber, a survivor of childhood exploitation and co-founder of Talitha Coffee Roasters, and Jake Jiron, the company’s wholesale director, share their mission to combat human trafficking through coffee. They reveal how Talitha Coffee creates job opportunities for survivors, blending social impact with business success. Barber’s personal journey fuels the initiative, while Jiron emphasizes the importance of a supportive workplace culture. Together, they highlight how every cup of coffee not only tastes good but also supports a crucial cause.

Ah the age old debate. Should you hire someone who is experienced working in coffee? On onhand they have skills that may be helpful and on the other they might have bad habits you need to address.  Or should you hire someone without experience? Their first exposure to coffee will be at your shop and you get to train them up on your standards from the start. At the same time they ma take longer to train and could experience bore inertia getting used to the work a coffee shop requires Today on Shift Break we will be talking all about how to decide between potential employees with varied experience backgrounds so you have the best chance of hiring the right person for the role.  Related episodes: SHIFT BREAK: Minding Our Business SHIFT BREAK: Hiring based on Staff Preference vs Business Needs SHIFT BREAK: Wrong Fit For the Role, or Wrong Fit For Your Business? Raising Your Hiring Standard INTERESTED IN CONSULTING AND COACHING? If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  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  

When you think about the things that make the biggest difference in culture, hospitality experience, staff morale and the profitability of your coffee shop, you would be forgiven for being overwhelmed. There are so many moving parts in food and beverage operations it's hard to know what lever to pull to make a difference. Well the good news is that, according to today's guest, when you apply focus and systems to the most critical 30% of those areas that make up you cafe, you will transform the business and go from striving, to thriving! I am very pleased to welcome to the show, Preston Lee of The 30% Rule!  With over 20 years in the business and being a part of 25 restaurant openings, Preston is on a mission to help independent restaurant owners gain the knowledge and best practices on how to best train, lead, and nurture their staff to build a robust culture. Ultimately leading to the highest level of consistency and customer retention.  Today we talk with Preston all about how some hard lessons learned early on in his carrier shaped him and what he does now to help hospitality businesses with their culture, sales, training, and quality.  This is a really motivating talk that I hope focuses you on the right areas to make the biggest difference in your coffee shop.    In this conversation we layout the plan for: The Importance of Training and Development Systems and Structure in Hospitality Setting Expectations and Accountability The Importance of Systems for Job Security Focusing on the 30% That Matters Expectations for Turning Around Operations Training as the Key to Change Links: Instagram: @the30rule Instagram: @the_30_rule www.the30percentrule.com Related episodes: 330 : Establishing Systems in Your Coffee Shop 430 : Embracing “Unreasonable Hospitality” w/ Will Guidara | Thank You NYC + The Welcome Conference 453 : The Craft of Operations 339 : What Good Barista Training Produces 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 Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, and brick needs!  www.arto.com Follow on Instagram! @Artobrick .... and tell them Chris sent you!

In recent weeks Starbucks has announced it will no longer charge for plant-base alternative milks. This comes after efforts from activists claiming discrimination. Starbucks aside, the conversation about up-charging for alt milk has been going on for a while now with people who feel strongly on either side of the topic.  Today on Shift Break we will be talking about whether or not you should be charging for alternative plant based milk options, how to approach this from a practical business perspective, why it's not a great idea to be so obsessed with what major retailers do, and how not to be bullied or guilted into conforming but rather make sound decisions.  Related episodes: 184 : Making Great Business Decisions w/ Dave Stachowiak 181 : Organizational Self-Knowledge 223 : Building a Financially Resilient Business w/ Andrew Carroll 136 : Nourishing the Barista’s Soul: A conversation w/ Deb Kaminski of Pacific Natural Foods 485: Your Shop vs The Industry - How to Free Yourself From Dependency   INTERESTED IN CONSULTING AND COACHING? If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  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  

The way customers and staff experience our cafes is based many experiences and moments taken together to form what they know as our culture or brand. Each experience can be broken down into many different parts that happen within even one visit and the smart operator knows that unless there is a plan set up ahead of time for how we want those moments to go, then we will provide less than stellar service. The customer loses out on experiencing our best, and we lose out on keeping good customers and good staff.  Today we are going to be talking about a few critical workflows I believe every coffee bar needs to have detailed nd trained on in order to serve people very well every day. Take this episode as an assignment and go create these for your shop as soon as you can! Include the staff and launch these as guiding processes so your coffee shop will thrive.    In this conversation we layout the plan for: Menu Workflows Change workflows Customer Experience workflows Related episodes: 399: Encore Episode! How to Change Things in the Cafe 307 : 10 Simple ways to Level Up your Coffee Shop 291 : What to do if Your Baristas Wont Listen to You 191 : Retraining your Staff on new Standards 424: Developing Menu and Hospitality Guides 421: Encore Episode: Simple, Powerful, Hospitality w/ Philip Paul Turner 058 : Holiday Hospitality 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 Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, and brick needs!  www.arto.com Follow on Instagram! @Artobrick .... and tell them Chris sent you!

Training your staff is easily one of the most important things to get right if you want to set them up for success and make sure your customers are getting a great experience every time. Every place has their own way of doing training and most of it is cobbled together from different sources in a desperate bid for a positive outcome. The result if all to often a staff that is under prepared, frustrated leadership, and guest experiences inconsistent standards.  Today on Shift Break we will be talking about the absolute best way that every coffee bar should be training their staff in order to bring provide excellence day in, and day out. I know that seems like a big statement. All coffee shops? Yes, I truly believe and have seen time and again, that if you apply this approach in your shop you will see a real and substantial improvement in morale, consistency, and quality   Related episodes: 235 : 4 Tips for Training your Staff 296: Holistic Barista Training w/ David Castillo of Go Get Em Tiger , Los Angeles 301 : Hiring and Training for Excellence 339 : What Good Barista Training Produces 191 : Retraining your Staff on new Standards 178 : Training Masterclass w/ Emma Haines of London School of Coffee and Caffeina Consulting 130 : Anne Nylander | Training Principles for Specialty Coffee Professionals SHIFT BREAK: Detail Oriented Staff Starts With You You Need to Prioritize In-House Training! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  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