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Permalink Reply by John P on July 8, 2015 at 2:36pm

1) $1000 difference in what? Don't ever purchase coffee based on price. Get samples from all. Do blind tasting several times. Pick a winner. Done.

Also never buy espresso machine through your roaster. Buy that on your own. And with LM, sometimes you can get higher end show used machines for less than their basic models regular price. Just call LaMarzocco USA and ask.

2) Get a LaMarzocco Linea 2 Group. Faema are inconsistent. Unic is a big no, and Synesso and Slayer will run you the same or more than the top end LaMarzocco. For what you are doing, I would stick with the tried and true workhorse, yet still excellent espresso machine.

3) It depends how you construct your menu and what your focus is as to how your sales of various items will be.

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Permalink Reply by Serendipity on July 8, 2015 at 4:56pm

Hi John,

Thanks so much for your response!

$1,000.00 difference in cost of  coffee per month. By the way, I wasn't trying to say that we would be choosing coffee based on the price. What I meant to say is that the difference in price is not the deciding factor, otherwise it would be an easy choice. That's why we've been struggling to make up our mind regardless of that factor. 

John P said:

1) $1000 difference in what? Don't ever purchase coffee based on price. Get samples from all. Do blind tasting several times. Pick a winner. Done.

Also never buy espresso machine through your roaster. Buy that on your own. And with LM, sometimes you can get higher end show used machines for less than their basic models regular price. Just call LaMarzocco USA and ask.

2) Get a LaMarzocco Linea 2 Group. Faema are inconsistent. Unic is a big no, and Synesso and Slayer will run you the same or more than the top end LaMarzocco. For what you are doing, I would stick with the tried and true workhorse, yet still excellent espresso machine.

3) It depends how you construct your menu and what your focus is as to how your sales of various items will be.

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Permalink Reply by C Calkins on July 13, 2015 at 9:03am

This is exciting, stay calm.

I don't agree with the post about buying a machine from a roaster. Many roasters will cut you a deal knowing you are going to buy coffee from them. Often they will look at this as a partnership.

I would be happy to share the details of running a shop but not on line. I am old school and actually like to phone. 716-980-5282.

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Permalink Reply by Erik Barkley on July 20, 2015 at 11:46am

Hi Serendipity,

Your choice of roaster is personal & should remain that way so that you are passionate about the coffee you serve & it is an expression of you & your business.

La Marzocco makes incredible espresso machines (especially the GB5) but you are paying an enormous premium for incremental value.  If you have a specialty coffee (third wave) clientele that is going to be ordering primarily shots, macchiatos, & Americanos, then the Marzocco makes sense.  If not, Astoria & Simonelli make reliable workhorses that pull a great shot of espresso at a fraction of the cost. https://prima-coffee.com/equipment/astoria/gloria-sae-2

National Average of Coffee Sales

-Black Coffee: 24%

-Latte: 17%

-Cappuccino: 12%

-Americano: 8%

-Espresso: 8%

-Iced Coffee: 5%

-Flavored Latte: 5%

Good luck, feel free to reach out with any other questions!

Erik

1-844-488-4262

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Permalink Reply by Jen Hurd on July 21, 2015 at 10:16am

I agree with John; a blind tasting is a great idea.  Look for a roaster that not only has coffee that you think is delicious, but is someone you want to work with.  It may seem like a simple thing, but talk to their sales reps and get a feel for who you feel fits your values and your company the best.  See who can back up their promises with results and won't just leave you hanging.

As far as equipment goes, you don't have to spend $20k on a Marzocco, depending on the model and number of groups.  What are you considering from them?  I agree with John on espresso equipment, as well.  A Linea may not be the fanciest looking machine, but it more than gets the job done.

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