What are your hours Monday? I should be able to leave Sutherland about 10 am and I'll bring whipping cream with me if you have a mixer. I use a stand mixer for convenience sake. If you have pastry sheets and a tip you can fill those. If not you can buy the cannister that whips it for you for under $40 and just get cartridges as needed. You won't need a mixer for that and its alot tidier and quicker..... very convenient. This is the optimum in convenience. Personally, I just buy the whipped cream in aerosol cans by the case and they seem to last a while. I do special whipped cream for mochas, however. I will show you how.

Hey, girl! I understand you opened on Tuesday! I soon have a full time staff starting and I might breeze up one day if I can ever teach her to froth adequately. I'm hoping all is going well. Sorry to have dropped off the face of the earth in July, but my Mom passed away. I'm back and willing to help in any way. Stop by and check out our new addition in Sutherland.
Mellisa Amped UP Cafe

Hi Becky,
This is Kevin from Upper Midwest Gourmet in Minneapolis. I think I can help you with some or all of your needs for your future coffee shop. Would love to chat to see if we have anything to offer you that will fit your style and taste.
Please visit our web site at www.uppermidwestgourmet.net, or contact me via kevin@uppermidwestgourmet.net, 612-250-8277 and I can send you some info
Good luck. I offer FREE lifetime training!!
Kevin Selig

Hi Becky,

I just sent you some brief information via email. Don't hesitate to call me with any questions and we can talk more. 800-454-4434. I know a few people have recommeded the American Barista & Coffee School and I'll second and third :) that recommendation.
Mike@SelbySoft.com

Hey Becky! I work as coffee shop consultant in California. I am a bit far to stop by, but if you have any questions I am sure I can help. I have all kinds of spread sheets and coffee info. Good Luck.

Hey neighbor! From another Iowa coffee enthusiast, I'm psyched to hear you are bringing more coffee presence to Iowa. I spend much time in Seattle and find that a lot of the small rural coffee shops I've been to here have just as much quality and dedicated customers as the famed names in Seattle. We're just a little bit under the radar in the Midwest. Let me know if you have any questions about getting things going!

Hey Becky! Congrats on your new endeavor. I'd love to help you in any way I can. If you have any questions, just ask. I am not an owner, but I am very familiar with coffee and have managed a third wave shop. I also love sharing coffee knowledge with eager listeners.

I would seriously consider attending a school such as the American Barista and Coffee School. I went this past November to their six day business and barista training class, and I really feel like it was the best thing i could have done. Its an investment for sure -- but it is completely worth it. Between the contacts I made there (such as Matt Milletto who runs this site) from ABC, to their sponsors who have been a huge network, to the experience working on the many different espresso machines they have there at the school, it was absolutely the best thing I've done. (No, they're not paying me to say all of this :) ) I just got a great overview of the industry and the business.
If that isn't an option for you, I would at least investigate perhaps buying some of their publications and DVDs- they've been really helpful for me as well.
You are off to a great start joining this site -- its full of some great information and great people.
Ask anything you need -- I'd be happy to try to help!