Later this week I will be interviewing people to work in our cafe, so I am looking for your interview tips.. Anything I really need to ask? (or not) Eve
Read more…The Celtic Up Coffee House in Tullahoma, TN is now Open for Business! THANK YOU! fellow Barista exchangers for all the help. More later if the crowd ever slows (it didn't yesterday).
Read more…We are struggling to come up with a great (yet simple) iced menu. We know how big iced coffee's and tea's are but we want to be sure we do some quality items. Does anyone have a favourite method of iced coffee etc (and iced teas if possible)?? Any he
Read more…Trying to work on my business plan...head hurts!... Has anybody any information or statistics? I vaguely remember somewhere that while chains like *$ are shutting stores, independents are still going strong, although perhaps tightening the belt a bi
Read more…http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/12/DDMK164G9L.DTL A very thorough and surprisingly accurate article about Bay Area coffee. Woot!
Read more…Good morning, all, I've been thinking about doing some light espresso machine repair and maintenance work on the side, but have no idea what the going rate is for this kind of work. Wanted to get some quick feedback from the owners out there. For s
Read more…An article I found that seems to give a glimpse of hope for small businesses during hard economic times. I hear stories all the time from our clients and school students about how hard it is right now to get financing, etc. I think this is a step in
Read more…Has anyone seen the plastic coffee cup lid applicator that McD's uses in their McCafe? It looks like a "top hat" and applies even pressure around the rim of the lid - perfect every time. I can't find anywhere to buy this, and am hoping someone in the
Read more…I am planning to open my shop (first time!!) in the next year or two and am at the stage where I need to consider how I am going to fund my business. Unfortunately, a bank loan is inevitable; however, I would really like to consider other sources to
Read more…A great article on The Selective Echo about the the success of quality minded coffee shops, and how to best maintain success through the recession. The article features a Q&A with someone we're all friends with.
Read more…What's your process or recipe? Right now we are using Guittard powder and combining it with our "House Vanilla" (which is just simple syrup and pure vanilla extract). We use a drink whisk to break down the cocoa clumps until they are liquid-y and th
Read more…Hi everyone! I am in the process of opening a Coffee House and would love to hear from the experts!!! We're about 4 months out--so we still have A TON to figure out. Any advice will be helpful! Favorite machines? Syrups? Chocolates? Menu items? Tric
Read more…I am hoping to start a coffeehouse by the end of summer. I am currently deciding on what services, menu items, seating, etc, to offer my customers. I am also considering what equipment to use. What's the one thing you would never do? If you have mor
Read more…We are in the process of setting up a cafe/espresso bar and I really want a black coffee card / loyalty card / reward card. Obviously a stamp is impossible on a black card so I am trying to find a punch in the shape of a coffee cup or something but h
Read more…Hi everyone I'm helping a friend of mine starting up a retail coffee bar but we're struggling with the name. We want a name that instantly makes it clear that it is a coffee bar but we don't want to go in the trend like: "Barista"(mainly because the
Read more…You know, for as many people as I have trained in my life, I have never been through a training. I was dropped in front of a machine at my first shop, sort of a "learn as you go," with someone talking me through everything over my shoulder. It worked
Read more…Hi, guys! I am looking for a new supplier of cakes and pastries for my cafe in Maryland... ...who does everyone else on the east coast use? thanks alot!
Read more…Saw this in the Seattle Times yesterday. A couple of different articles were there - One on Starbucks layoffs at an end and the other on the new instant coffee they have developed. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008804726_
Read more…We have seen a couple articles in Canada and now this one in the Seattle Times about those who are opening/succeeding during a rocky economic climate. I feel that we will see some retailers fail during these times, but it also can open some doors fo
Read more…I just acquired two coffee kiosks located in a hospital and adjacent physician office building. The prices haven't been updated in many years. Where is a good place to compare reasonable prices and obtain recommendations for updating the menu?
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