Many people dream of owning a coffee shop, but if your only experience with coffee is buying a latte every morning, you probably have no idea what’s needed to successfully run a coffee shop. Learning about coffee, equipment, and what it takes to run a successful coffee shop may seem like a daunting task, but there are many resources out there that can help.
Even after the coffee shop is open, it’s important to keep up with the latest developments in the industry because there are new products and equipment being developed all the time. Here are some resources to help new coffee shop owners get started.
National Coffee Association USA
The most important thing in a coffee shop is the coffee. Most people, unless they work in the coffee industry or are coffee enthusiasts, have no idea that coffees from different regions of the world have distinctly different tastes. National Coffee Association USA is a great place to go for information on coffee, from the history of coffee to market research in the coffee industry. Helpful sections on the website include the knowledge bank, which offers descriptions of coffee from different regions around the world, as well as information on coffee storage, brewing, and recipes.
Specialty Coffee Association of America
The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) was established in 1982 by coffee professionals in order to set quality standards in the specialty coffee trade. SCAA is comprised of members from over forty countries from various segments of the coffee industry including roasters, growers, and people in the retail industry.
Benefits to becoming a member of SCAA are discounted services with companies such as FedEx, UPS, and credit card processing companies among others. Networking and professional development through lectures and training classes are also a benefit along with access to news and information in the specialty coffee industry through newsletters and mailing lists.
Specialty Coffee Retailer
Specialty Coffee Retailer is a great magazine that I have been reading for years. The magazine, which is free to qualified individuals and organizations in the specialty coffee industry, is a great resource for new product information and the latest trends in the coffee industry. What I love the most are the articles that spotlight various coffee shops across the country and the informative articles on architecture and the interior design of coffee shops. In addition to the print version of the magazine, there is also a digital format where you can read the magazine just as it is in printed form and not just the articles.
Espresso Parts
Another important component in creating a great coffee beverage is equipment. Espresso machines, grinders, and coffee brewers are only a few of the things you will need to operate coffee shop, and at some point these things may break down and need to be replaced. Espresso Parts sells all types of coffee related equipment in addition to machine parts for fixing broken equipment. They also sell a variety of items such as barware, cleaning and maintenance supplies, and cafe furniture, among other things.
The American Barista & Coffee School
Even with the best coffee and brewing equipment, a coffee beverage will be subpar if the barista is not knowledgeable about getting the right espresso grind, pulling shots, and steaming milk. Unless you are a barista, you probably have no idea about the complexity involved in preparing an espresso beverage, which includes steaming the milk to the right temperature and texture and extracting the espresso shot correctly to achieve its peak flavor. The American Barista & Coffee School offers workshops and seminars for entrepreneurs who are interested in operating a specialty coffee business. In addition to lectures and demonstrations, The American Barista & Coffee School offers hands-on practice. There are even roasting workshops available as well as competition training for those interested in competing in the World Barista Championship.
Other Online Resources
Once you have perfected your barista skills you can stay on top of your profession by connecting with and learning what other baristas are doing around the world. Barista Magazine, which offers a digital and print version, helps you keep up with the latest news in the industry and Barista Exchange is a great way to connect with other baristas. With various groups and forums you can exchange information and there are also sections on events, coffee shops around the country, and job postings. Coffee Geek is another fun site where you can get all kinds of info on coffee including articles on how to buy an espresso machine, coffee cupping, and how to create latte art.
Sources:
Personal experience in the specialty coffee industry.
Membership Benefits, Specialty Coffee Association of America
