Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mike Spence on March 27, 2008 at 8:21am

Hi Becky,
Congrats on taking the plunge in opening a store! I'll let the experts help you with becoming a barista :). On the equipment side, I'd talk to some of the vendors on this site and then also look at your roaster. Typically I find that a good roaster will help you determine some of the equipment and with what will work best. When you get to the Point Of Sale side, don't hesitate to contact me.
Thanks and good luck!
Mike @ SelbySoft

Permalink Reply by Brandon Timlin on March 27, 2008 at 8:47am

Becky,
I wish you the best of luck in this new venture. Espresso Partners, the company I work for sells and services a wide variety of espresso and coffee equipment. We cover much of the state of Iowa. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
1-866-432-5282

Thanks,

Brandon

Permalink Reply by Jason Dominy on March 27, 2008 at 9:16am

I would seek out the closest quality roaster in your area, and ask for help from them. They have a vested interest in seeing you succeed, and will offer all the assistance you need with getting open. I would also consider attending some classes, like the ones offered at the American Barista and Coffee School. The link is to the right of the screen, and I think classes like these will prepare you to be successful, not only in the present, but future. Good luck with it, and we hope to hear about it soon!

Permalink Reply by Becky on March 27, 2008 at 5:56pm

Thank you so much for all of your help. The PS-1 is the exact POS system we were looking at and has come very highly recommended! We would love to be able to check out your company.

Permalink Reply by Becky on March 27, 2008 at 5:57pm

Thank you so much for all of your advice. I actually meet with the banker on Saturday! Brandon, I will be calling you for help!

Permalink Reply by Jason Calhoon on March 27, 2008 at 6:12pm

Becky I would also recommend American Barista and Coffee School not only will they train you but also with getting you hooked up and connected with everyone in the industry. The classes are amazing and you will learn so much and come home excited and confidant.

Permalink Reply by Matt Milletto on March 27, 2008 at 6:18pm

Hi Becky,

We love to have you guys out to our business and barista school here in Portland, but if that is a stretch I highly recommend the book Bean Business Basics. It's well worth the investment for anyone looking to open a retail coffee bar! Feel free to give me a call anytime, or shoot an email to matt at bellissimo dot net

Good luck!

- Matt

Permalink Reply by John Owens on March 28, 2008 at 10:54am

Becky:

You and your friend should go to Portland and take the 1 week class at The American Barista & Coffee School. Matt, Jared, and the rest of the team are great. Stay for the extra day that is focused on latte art! I went back at the end of 2007 and thoroughly enjoyed every day. I also made some new friends and we're sharing ideas and experiences with each other about our coffee shop plans. The school is we'll worth the investment! If you have any questions about it, let me know.

- John (New York)

Permalink Reply by Mellisa on March 31, 2008 at 7:36pm

Becky,
Thanks for pointing me to this site! To all of you out there, Becky and her friend came in our Coffee shop last weekend and she is really jazzed and righteously so. She seems to have a great concept and is putting it into action.

Anything I can do, Becky, just let me know.

Mellisa @ HalesGuitars & Amped UP Cafe

Permalink Reply by Joe (Mojo) on April 1, 2008 at 7:37am

Move slow. Find the best location. And when you think u have a good location question it over and over. Get to ABC Barista School or some other hands on training. The wrong location will put u out of biz quicker than anything. Then you need the perfect extraction for the absolute best espresso. Find a roaster and master the bean. Incredible customer service is a must. By the way...skip the POS System at the beginning if you and your partner will be running the place.

Permalink Reply by Tamara Vigil on April 1, 2008 at 3:24pm

Hi Becky!
Check out cultivacoffee.com Jon is a local roaster in lincoln, Ne best coffee in our area!

Permalink Reply by Becky on April 3, 2008 at 7:32am

Yes, we'd love to come out to Portland. We're hoping to sign up for the June classes.

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