I run an espresso bar.  No drip.  No single serve pour-over.  We do serve S.O. french press that we brew up as needed in 1.5 litre pots.  This position is not to dis pour-over styles or say they're wrong rather it's to say that our shop serves espresso first and foremost.

Convince me that I'm wrong.  Convince me that espresso bars should deviate from their core (the core that has paid the bills for the past however-many-years) and delve into something new and time-consuming...And…

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The gas fitter was in today and tomorrow the venting goes in. Bean order is placed. Nervous! Excited!
Hoping to be running our beans for the New Year...Expecting hiccups.

What's your best summer drink.
Not most popular but favourite.
The one with the most redeeming features...

15 miles from here a new Starbucks opened a few months ago. It's a drive-thru/walk-up/stand-alone shop in the parking lot of an existing strip mall. There had been a small and successful independent in the main portion of the complex that sold just prior to the Starbucks' opening. There's also a Tim Horton's (big Cdn chain) across the street.



Last night I went in to the old shop to see how things were going. The new owner was there by himself cleaning up behind the counter. I asked… Continue

Anybody know about the Aerabica's? One has come on the market around here and I can't find out much except that they're not made anymore...

I have this 2 unit pour-over contraption on a shelf at my shop that we've never used for the same reason we don't make drip for our "regular coffee". For the 25% of our clients who don't ask for espresso-based drinks we make French Press. The French Press coffee is made in 1.5 litre presses then decanted into airpots and refreshed/replaced as need be depending on how it ages and tastes (+/- 30 minutes) depending on the beans and their roast. But when someone wants a coffee other than what is… Continue

I received a call from the spouse of a regular customer...Somebody wants to treat their Valentine to a treat in the shop and I don't know what to nake...Cinnamon Latte maybe?

I normally discourage flavoured drinks in favour of tasty espresso but the masses speak.

Any suggestions?

My wife and kids have just left for Kauai for a few days and I'm wondering if anyone knows of a terrific cafe on that island...She would love to hear of a funky third wave joint someplace so she can satisfy her cappuccino needs.

Let me know!

I was hoping that the offer of a winter-time warm and dry shop to work in, a fairly competitive wage, nearly unlimited cappuccinos, relaxed atmosphere and pretty good tips would have yielded a few more applicants. It seems that anyone who can lean on a shovel-handle can get $15/hour these days doing construction. Anybody have any tips on recruiting staff?

Anybody recommend a good-looking and good-working hot water tower or something for americanos? I'm currently using a small boiler plumbed into a tap on the counter but it doesn't hold enough volume. I need something plumbed-in that can almost boil and that can hold 4 litres (1 gallon) minimum. It has to be good-looking enough to be on the counter! At least as beautiful as thick, caramelly crema!

Thanks for your ideas.