Episódios

  • Ah the age old debate.

    Should you hire someone who is experienced working in coffee? On onhand they have skills that may be helpful and on the other they might have bad habits you need to address.

    Or should you hire someone without experience? Their first exposure to coffee will be at your shop and you get to train them up on your standards from the start. At the same time they ma take longer to train and could experience bore inertia getting used to the work a coffee shop requires

    Today on Shift Break we will be talking all about how to decide between potential employees with varied experience backgrounds so you have the best chance of hiring the right person for the role.

    Related episodes:

    SHIFT BREAK: Minding Our Business SHIFT BREAK: Hiring based on Staff Preference vs Business Needs SHIFT BREAK: Wrong Fit For the Role, or Wrong Fit For Your Business? Raising Your Hiring Standard

    INTERESTED IN CONSULTING AND COACHING?

    If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email

    [email protected]

    of book a free call now:

    https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min

    Thank you to out sponsors!

    Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/

    The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com

  • When you think about the things that make the biggest difference in culture, hospitality experience, staff morale and the profitability of your coffee shop, you would be forgiven for being overwhelmed. There are so many moving parts in food and beverage operations it's hard to know what lever to pull to make a difference.

    Well the good news is that, according to today's guest, when you apply focus and systems to the most critical 30% of those areas that make up you cafe, you will transform the business and go from striving, to thriving!

    I am very pleased to welcome to the show, Preston Lee of The 30% Rule!

    With over 20 years in the business and being a part of 25 restaurant openings, Preston is on a mission to help independent restaurant owners gain the knowledge and best practices on how to best train, lead, and nurture their staff to build a robust culture. Ultimately leading to the highest level of consistency and customer retention.

    Today we talk with Preston all about how some hard lessons learned early on in his carrier shaped him and what he does now to help hospitality businesses with their culture, sales, training, and quality.

    This is a really motivating talk that I hope focuses you on the right areas to make the biggest difference in your coffee shop.

    In this conversation we layout the plan for:

    The Importance of Training and Development Systems and Structure in Hospitality Setting Expectations and Accountability The Importance of Systems for Job Security Focusing on the 30% That Matters Expectations for Turning Around Operations Training as the Key to Change

    Links:

    Instagram: @the30rule

    Instagram: @the_30_rule

    www.the30percentrule.com

    Related episodes:

    330 : Establishing Systems in Your Coffee Shop 430 : Embracing “Unreasonable Hospitality” w/ Will Guidara | Thank You NYC + The Welcome Conference 453 : The Craft of Operations 339 : What Good Barista Training Produces

    Get the best brewer and tool for batch espresso, iced lattes, and 8 minute cold brew! www.groundcontrol.coffee

    The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series! www.pacificfoodservice.com

    Want a beautiful coffee shop?

    All your hard surface, stone, and brick needs!

    www.arto.com

    Follow on Instagram! @Artobrick ....

    and tell them Chris sent you!

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  • In recent weeks Starbucks has announced it will no longer charge for plant-base alternative milks. This comes after efforts from activists claiming discrimination. Starbucks aside, the conversation about up-charging for alt milk has been going on for a while now with people who feel strongly on either side of the topic.

    Today on Shift Break we will be talking about whether or not you should be charging for alternative plant based milk options, how to approach this from a practical business perspective, why it's not a great idea to be so obsessed with what major retailers do, and how not to be bullied or guilted into conforming but rather make sound decisions.

    Related episodes:

    184 : Making Great Business Decisions w/ Dave Stachowiak 181 : Organizational Self-Knowledge 223 : Building a Financially Resilient Business w/ Andrew Carroll 136 : Nourishing the Barista’s Soul: A conversation w/ Deb Kaminski of Pacific Natural Foods 485: Your Shop vs The Industry - How to Free Yourself From Dependency

    INTERESTED IN CONSULTING AND COACHING?

    If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email

    [email protected]

    of book a free call now:

    https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min

    Thank you to out sponsors!

    Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/

    The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com

  • The way customers and staff experience our cafes is based many experiences and moments taken together to form what they know as our culture or brand. Each experience can be broken down into many different parts that happen within even one visit and the smart operator knows that unless there is a plan set up ahead of time for how we want those moments to go, then we will provide less than stellar service. The customer loses out on experiencing our best, and we lose out on keeping good customers and good staff.

    Today we are going to be talking about a few critical workflows I believe every coffee bar needs to have detailed nd trained on in order to serve people very well every day. Take this episode as an assignment and go create these for your shop as soon as you can! Include the staff and launch these as guiding processes so your coffee shop will thrive.

    In this conversation we layout the plan for:

    Menu Workflows Change workflows Customer Experience workflows

    Related episodes:

    399: Encore Episode! How to Change Things in the Cafe 307 : 10 Simple ways to Level Up your Coffee Shop 291 : What to do if Your Baristas Wont Listen to You 191 : Retraining your Staff on new Standards 424: Developing Menu and Hospitality Guides 421: Encore Episode: Simple, Powerful, Hospitality w/ Philip Paul Turner 058 : Holiday Hospitality

    Get the best brewer and tool for batch espresso, iced lattes, and 8 minute cold brew! www.groundcontrol.coffee

    The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series! www.pacificfoodservice.com

    Want a beautiful coffee shop?

    All your hard surface, stone, and brick needs!

    www.arto.com

    Follow on Instagram! @Artobrick ....

    and tell them Chris sent you!

  • Training your staff is easily one of the most important things to get right if you want to set them up for success and make sure your customers are getting a great experience every time. Every place has their own way of doing training and most of it is cobbled together from different sources in a desperate bid for a positive outcome. The result if all to often a staff that is under prepared, frustrated leadership, and guest experiences inconsistent standards.

    Today on Shift Break we will be talking about the absolute best way that every coffee bar should be training their staff in order to bring provide excellence day in, and day out.

    I know that seems like a big statement. All coffee shops? Yes, I truly believe and have seen time and again, that if you apply this approach in your shop you will see a real and substantial improvement in morale, consistency, and quality

    Related episodes:

    235 : 4 Tips for Training your Staff 296: Holistic Barista Training w/ David Castillo of Go Get Em Tiger , Los Angeles 301 : Hiring and Training for Excellence 339 : What Good Barista Training Produces 191 : Retraining your Staff on new Standards 178 : Training Masterclass w/ Emma Haines of London School of Coffee and Caffeina Consulting 130 : Anne Nylander | Training Principles for Specialty Coffee Professionals SHIFT BREAK: Detail Oriented Staff Starts With You You Need to Prioritize In-House Training!

    If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email [email protected] of book a free call now:

    https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min

    Thank you to out sponsors!

    Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/

    The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com

  • Innovation and an obsession with what is "new" has long been a primary force capturing the imagination of coffee pros and entrepreneurs. Trouble is that the novel and new, while it may be good at grabbing or capturing attention, is not great at keeping and sustaining us, or our businesses for that matter. In fact, innovation and constantly looking for something have the opposite effect than what it seems to promise.

    Enter the idea of maintenance over innovation and everyday excellence. I recently came across a post from today's guest on linkedIn detailing his thoughts on this and I knew immediately we needed to bring him back on the show to talk this out!

    I am thrilled to welcome back to the show Maxwell Colonna- Dashwood!

    This will be a very conversation that will illuminate the path that I believe all of us need to be walking in the coffee shop space. As always, Maxwell's keen insights serve as a guide and a resource to better shops and better coffee.

    In this conversation we discuss:

    Innovation vs. Maintenance in Coffee The Importance of Hospitality in Coffee Shops Understanding the Value of Consistency Important Shifts in Innovation Perspectives The Role of Personal Identity in Coffee Innovation Why we need to focus on the fundamentals in coffee shops Navigating Staff Dynamics + Customer Experience Balancing Innovation and Consistency in Coffee Shops Customer Engagement in Hospitality Long-Term Vision in Coffee Shop Operations

    Links:

    www.maxwelldashwood.com

    @mcolonnadashwood

    Related episodes:

    339 : What Good Barista Training Produces SHIFT BREAK: Defining Excellence and Success SHIFT BREAK: Pull Out The Fridge 480: Focus on What Your Customers Love Three Questions for Better Cafe Decisions SHIFT BREAK: Don't Focus on Coffee

    Get the best brewer and tool for batch espresso, iced lattes, and 8 minute cold brew! www.groundcontrol.coffee

    The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series! www.pacificfoodservice.com

    Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, and brick needs!

    www.arto.com

    Follow on Instagram! @Artobrick ....

    and tell them Chris sent you!

  • Today on Founder Friday we go to Azerbaijan to talk with the founder of a coffee shop and roastery that is at the heart of the national specialty coffee movement, Parvix Dadashov, of Untied Coffee Beans!

    Parviz is Founder and CEO of United Coffee Beans project, a trailblazing coffee business in the realm of specialty coffee in Azerbaijan. Parviz graduated from Tourism and Management University and has accumulated invaluable experience in the dynamic Food & Beverage sector.

    As a visionary entrepreneur, his journey with United Coffee Beans began in April 2017, where he set out to redefine coffee experiences in Azerbaijan. United Coffee Beans is a community, an experience, and a journey. The business revolves around the meticulous import, roasting, and distribution of specialty coffee beans in Azerbaijan. As pioneers of the Third Wave Coffee Movement in Azerbaijan, they are committed to delivering freshly roasted specialty coffee that consistently delights the senses. They do coffee equipment distribution, importing top-tier products for our local market. AND they run United Coffee Academy where they share knowledge and expertise, contributing to the growth of the local industry and fostering the skills of aspiring baristas.

    This was a really cool conversation hearing his evolution in the world of hospitality and how he built this business to create community and unite people through coffee!

    We cover

    Parviz's journey into coffee from a summer job and evolution through tourism and hospitality Founding United Coffee Beans to introduce specialty coffee to Azerbaijan. Overcoming skepticism due to his country's strong tea culture. Education and community engagement as keys to building a coffee culture. Creating a welcoming environment for customer experience. The importance of storytelling in coffee. Bridging tradition and innovation in coffee culture. The potential of the coffee community of Azerbaijan Links: Instagram: @unitedcoffeebeans Website: https://www.ucb.az/az

    Related Episodes:

    434 : Founder Friday | Leo Ferreira | Puzzle Coffee Shop, Tanzania! 364 Founder Friday w/ Sarah Alakeel of Hjeen Coffee in Saudi Arabia 332: Founder Friday! w/ Iman Kusumaputra & Putri Yulandari of Kopikalyan, Jakarta, Indonesia 171 : Founder Friday w/ Matt Chitharanjan and Namrata Asthana of Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters in India
  • Well, kind of...Coffee is great! Keeping it consistently great in the shop is a challenge and there are many tactics and tools to apply in learning more about coffee and applying what we learn in the shop. But what happens when we allow our pursuit of more coffee knowledge become a distraction from focusing on needed areas of improvement and maintenance in the cafe?

    Today on Shift Break we will be talking about how our focus on coffee, while needed to a degree, can become an escape from confronting, focusing on, and growing in other very important areas of the business and the relationship with people we manage in the shop.

    Stay tuned for a new episode next week with returning guest Maxwell Dashwood talking about the need for maintenance of excellence in contrast to our pursuit of innovation and novelty.

    Related episodes:

    SHIFT BREAK : Trends You Can Ignore 502: Creating Meaningful Coffee Experiences 469: Unremarkable Hospitality and Cafe Terroir SHIFT BREAK: Reassessing Growth 390 : 7 Ways to be Consciously Competitive 275 : The Changing Landscape of Cafe Spaces w/ Dr. Jennifer Ferreira 421: Encore Episode: Simple, Powerful, Hospitality w/ Philip Paul Turner

    If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email [email protected] of book a free call now:

    https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min

    Thank you to out sponsors!

    Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/

    The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com

  • The coffee industry, specifically the coffee shop, has been changing. Trends and fads come and go, but movements are born from a collective need to evolve and mature toward a better way of operating professionally. It is not the trends that you need to worry about not getting in line with, but the movements.

    Today we will be covering five areas that have been changing in the coffee shop sector that I believe every owner and operator needs to embrace. These areas cover a virtually all corners of your business from the coffee itself, to the people making it, and how you lead and grow as a leader.

    In this conversation we discuss:

    Embracing the Five Movements in Coffee Prioritizing Hospitality in Coffee Shops Building Social Identity and Online Presence Creating Accessible Coffee Products Focusing on Customer Success Reforming Leadership in the Coffee Industry

    Related episodes:

    502: Creating Meaningful Coffee Experiences 430 : Embracing "Unreasonable Hospitality" w/ Will Guidara | Thank You NYC + The Welcome Conference Building an Accessible Coffee Menu w/ Joe Marrocco 6 Truths About Power 069: Hosting Consumer Coffee Classes

    Get the best brewer and tool for batch espresso, iced lattes, and 8 minute cold brew! www.groundcontrol.coffee

    The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series! www.pacificfoodservice.com

    Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, and brick needs!

    www.arto.com

    Follow on Instagram! @Artobrick ....

    and tell them Chris sent you!

  • So many great ideas come from conversations, trade shows, podcasts, books, and videos. Ideas and epiphanies that will make your coffee shop better and solve problems that have plagued you and your team for too long. But how do you take the first step to apply those ideas why you feel you don't have the time.

    On today's episode of Shift Break we will answer frequent question I get asked when I am speaking at a conferences and with clients, how do I find the time to do these things when I am already as busy as I am?

    Good news, it is simpler than you think.

    Related Episodes:

    399: Encore Episode! How to Change Things in the Cafe 489: Tips for Creating a Resilient Cafe 498: 10 Small Things to Fix in Your Coffee Shop This Week SHIFT BREAK : Evolution Through Small Steps

    If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email [email protected] of book a free call now:

    https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min

    Thank you to out sponsors!

    Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/

    The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com

  • We all say that guest experience is the most important thing. I would agree, but exactly what do we mean by this? In today's marketplace we are hyper focused on efficiency over effectiveness. The result is that what passes for what we believe makes a great coffee experience, is something unsustainable, ineffective, but flashy and largely based on a trend instead of truly fulfilling the core needs of a customer in our coffee shop.

    Today we will be discussing what a truly meaningful guest experience needs to get right before skipping to the bells and whistles that are poor replacements for the basics done well.

    In this conversation we discuss:

    Customer desire for something that can fit into the fabric of their lives. Why the word 'experience' can mean many things, often leading to confusion. Meeting baseline expectations is crucial for customer satisfaction. Innovation and focusing on people, not just technology. How trust is built through consistent service and quality. Basic beverages should be executed with excellence. Hyper branding does not compensate for poor service. Unique experiences should come after mastering the basics. Customer experience is about hospitality and care. Why doing basics well transforms businesses

    Related episodes:

    430 : Embracing “Unreasonable Hospitality” w/ Will Guidara | Thank You NYC + The Welcome Conference 489: Tips for Creating a Resilient Cafe 045 : Simple, Powerful Hospitality w/ Philip Turner 424: Developing Menu and Hospitality Guides

    Get the best brewer and tool for batch espresso, iced lattes, and 8 minute cold brew! www.groundcontrol.coffee

    The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series! www.pacificfoodservice.com

    Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, and brick needs!

    www.arto.com

  • Every coffee shop hosts within its walls countless stories. The life that happens on the pltform of a cafe is just breath taking. This includes stories that showcase you and your team's values in action. Wil Guidara talks about these as legends that embody the and illustrate what we are all about. Be this as it may, stories somehow do not take up very much, if any, time or attention when we onboard, train, and talk about the work with our staff

    On today's episode of Shift Break we will be talking about why you need to be paying attention to the moments in your cafe that demonstrate the real life applications of the t and values you espouse. Doing this as a discipline and rhythm will both deepen your appreciation for what your cafe creates in the lives of others and make it more likely those stories continue to unfold well into your shop's future.

    Related Episodes:

    Your Employee Handbook is Worthless

    165: The Art of Deep Listening w/ Oscar Trimboli

    181 : Organizational Self-Knowledge

    476: Founder Friday! The Story of Story Coffee w/ Don Niemyer of Story Coffee Co.

    If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email [email protected] of book a free call now:

    https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min

    Thank you to out sponsors!

    Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/

    The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com

  • Translating coffee from one form to the next, and serving it in a way that further translates the value of that coffee into a rewarding experience for the drinker, is what the craft of coffee is all about. Today's guest has gone from translating languages to working full time in roasting and serving coffee and has some critically important insights to share from her journey.

    We are talking with 2024 Brewers Cup Champion from Turkey, Nida Fetullahoğlu !

    Nida has been in the coffee industry since 2017. From Ankara, Turkey, Nida had a different career before coffee where she studied english translation and interpreting in college and has translated 4 books into Turkish on different subjects. Nida started as a barista in a boutique coffee shop in Ankara and fell in love with it thanks to the people she met along her career. She has been roasting since 2020 and is currently working in Tetra N Roastery as a junior roaster. This year (2024) Nida became the Brewers' Cup Champion of Turkey this year and placed 18th in the world championship!

    In this conversation we discuss:

    From Barista to Roaster and gaining deeper understanding The Challenges of Roasting and Retail Navigating Criticism and Building Resilience The Role of Teamwork in Competition Success Integrating Experience into Competition Routines Future Focus: Sustainability and Team Building in Coffee Bridging Traditional and Specialty Coffee Cultures together The Art of Translation in Coffee and Communication

    Related episodes:

    003: The Role of Mentorship in Specialty Coffee w/ Pete Licata 484: Demystifying Mentorship w/ Dr. Ruth Gotian, Author of "The Financial Times guide to Mentorship 382 : Hospitality, Innovation, and the Birth of a Brewer w/ Etkin Design Co-founders, Michael Butterworth and Özgür Jerdan. SPECIAL! | Coffee Fest NOLA 2024 w/ Turgay Yildizli of Specialty Turkish Coffee, Doron Petersan of Sticky Fingers Sweets and Eats, and Jonathan Riethmaier of Mammoth Coffee

    Get the best brewer and tool for batch espresso, iced lattes, and 8 minute cold brew! www.groundcontrol.coffee

    The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series! www.pacificfoodservice.com

    Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, and brick needs!

    www.arto.com

  • The allure of easily producing documents and processes for your coffee shop through AI is strong. Using tools to support your business in a thoughtful way is one thing, but too many times I hear about people all but completely outsourcing the task that should be taken on by those who can create with nuance, to software.

    On today's episode of Shift Break we will talk about what we lose when we use these to-good-to-be-true "solutions" and why the difficulty of creating effective systems, policies, and structures are a necessary part of growing a sustainable people-first business.

    Related Episodes:

    SHIFT BREAK: When Numbers Lie

    SHIFT BREAK: Quality Still Matters

    The Myth of Hands Off / Automated Leadership

    You Can't Automate Quality

    If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email [email protected] of book a free call now:

    https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min

    Thank you to out sponsors!

    Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/

    The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com

  • The impact of the coffee shop on the entire industry is astounding. The beauty and transcendence of a well run cafe offers excellence and care to staff and guests alike, and provides an accurate reflection and consistent channel through which people get to experience the work of farmers and all hands in the value stream. It is this idea, that the cafe is hugely consequential element in the thriving of people in coffee, that drive this podcast.

    On today's episode we are reflecting on the podcasts last few years leading up to main episode 500 (actual count of all episodes is 900+!) and giving some insight and guidance into the role of cafe, how leaders need to pursue growth, and what it looks like to develop a business with integrity and relationships at the core.

    Designing, planting, and cultivating a great cafe is a craft in and of itself. KTTS is here to help you along the way as you learn and grow with it.

    Thank you for your support!!!

    Related episodes:

    100! Why YOU are the Key 483: Encore: 6 Essential Qualities of Coffee Shop Leaders 485: Your Shop vs The Industry - How to Free Yourself From Dependency SHIFT BREAK : Trends You Can Ignore 067 : 6 Truths About Power : The Responsible Approach to Power Dynamics in the Cafe

    All your hard surface needs! Masters of brick, tile, and stonework for your cafe!

    https://www.arto.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/artobrick/

    Get the best brewer and tool for batch espresso, iced lattes, and 8 minute cold brew! www.groundcontrol.coffee

    The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series! www.pacificfoodservice.com

  • Today on Founder Friday are exploring the story of Three Keys Coffee in a wonderful conversation with the founders, Kenzel and Tio Fallen!

    Kenzel Fallen is Co-Founder and CEO of Three Keys Coffee. Originally from Cincinnati, OH, Kenzel received a BA in Economics from Duke University and an MBA in Finance from Rice University. After building a career as a management consultant and corporate risk manager within the banking and energy industries, she co-founded Three Keys Coffee in 2019 along with her husband, Tio Fallen. Kenzel is a Q-Arabica Grader and wears many hats for Three Keys, primarily focused on business & financial operations as well as strategic planning and growth initiatives.

    Tio Fallen is Co-Founder and Director of Coffee for Three Keys Coffee. Originally from Decatur GA, Tio has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Florida A&M University and MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. While working as an engineer in the energy industry, he began roasting coffee at home which soon expanded into a commercial venture that he started with his wife, Kenzel. His background in playing the trumpet for 15+ years influenced the branding and name of Three Keys, an homage to the valves of the instrument he picked up at the age of 8. He is a licensed Q-Arabica Grader and a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Tio placed 9th overall in the 2023 US Roaster Championship Finals and 5th overall in the 2024 Finals.

    Three Keys offers a more approachable and inclusive coffee experience through the sights and sounds of jazz culture, while remaining steadfastly committed to creating products that represent excellence and superior quality.

    They are also focused on providing professional development opportunities for their staff and have recently opened up their first brick and mortar store, taking another step into caring for their coffee, and local community.

    You are in for a treat!

    We cover

    The Convergence of Life Stories From Side Gig to Full-Time Passion Elevating the Familiar: The Story of Three Keys Coffee Balancing Science and Creativity in Roasting Receiving Feedback and Staying True to Vision Creating Range and Accessibility Transforming Employment and Developing Thought Leaders Nurturing Growth and Aspirations Building a Local Presence through a Cafe The Power of Authenticity in Business Maximizing Energy Links:
    www.threekeyscoffee.com https://www.instagram.com/threekeyscoffee/

    Related Episodes:

    423 : Founder Friday! w/ Danny and Michelle Quiroz of Reserva Coffee Roasters | McAllen, TX 310 : Founder Friday w/ Jelynn Malone and Beverly Magtanong of Mostra Coffee 156 : Founder Friday w/ Lauren Crabbe, Co-Founder of Andytown Coffee Roasters, San Fransisco

    The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series! www.pacificfoodservice.com

  • Workflow on the coffee bar is one of the most important things to design when considering how we will deliver excellent service and quality to our customers. Not only is it important to design your menu first and make the café design prioritize the production of that menu but you must also create clarity of responsibility within each station of that bar.

    On today's episode of Shift Break, we will be talking about some principles for setting up effective station responsibilities behind the bar so that your staff not only have the have the best chance of success in serving the customer but also in helping on another during service.

    Related Episodes:

    SHIFT BREAK: Wrong Fit For the Role, or Wrong Fit For Your Business? 420: Design Meaningful Roles in the Cafe Leaner Teams, Better Results

    If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email [email protected] of book a free call now:

    https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min

    Thank you to out sponsors!

    Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/

    The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com

  • Small things make a big difference in the coffee shop. Trouble is, that we tend to procrastinate addressing the natural falling away of doing small things well as we get busier, and those little actions and habits that create excellence end up atrophying causing big problems that are almost untraceable back to their small source.

    On today's episode I am going to be giving you 1 small things to challenge yourself to fix in 7 days. That's right, one week to fix of begin the process of fixing 10 things that, when taken care of will help customers love your business more, or when not cared for will sow seeds of doubt and resentment in your customer's minds.

    Will you and your team take on the 10 things in 7 days challenge? If you do I want to hear from you. How did it go? What kinds of positive change did it create?

    I'd love to shout out you and your cafe on the show.

    Have fun and don't forget to listen to the below related episodes as well.

    Related episodes:

    307 : 10 Simple ways to Level Up your Coffee Shop 399: Encore Episode! How to Change Things in the Cafe 191 : Retraining your Staff on new Standards 406 : Five Ways to Immediately Improve Your Coffee Quality The Counterbalanced Barista SHIFT BREAK : Evolution Through Small Steps

    Get the best brewer and tool for batch espresso, iced lattes, and 8 minute cold brew! www.groundcontrol.coffee

    The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series! www.pacificfoodservice.com

  • We all work hard and face challenges in the cafe. The way we interpret the effort put in to the work of running a coffee shop will determine both the quality of the shop and our own ability to sustain our energy and effort. The truth is consistent effort is a normal and necessary investment that keeps life flowing through the business.

    On today's addition of shift break we are going to follow up on our previous episode from a couple years back and add more detail and perspectives.The goal is to help clarify the difference between dysfunction and needed effort and how leaders and employees alike can embrace this work to better themselves and the shop to provide the next level of experience for the customer. This all ultimately helps the whole supply chain as we become resilient and energized to give consistent excellence in our coffee shops.

    Related episodes:

    Hard Work is Hard When Patience is not a Virtue In Praise of Long Term Imperfect Employment 355: Baristas! 6 Essential Qualities to Get Yourself Hired 031 : Essential Advice for New Baristas : Tips to help you successfully navigate and thrive in your new coffee career Long-game Management Reasonable Expectations 135 : Stay Motivated in the midst of Difficulty 067 : 6 Truths About Power : The Responsible Approach to Power Dynamics in the Cafe 253 : Mindsets that Sabotage Success

    If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email [email protected] of book a free call now:

    https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min

    Thank you to out sponsors!

    Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/

    The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com

  • The first place you're going to see burn out in the coffee bar is in the position of management. These lucky people are not only given the task to lead the team and serve them with their role, but they are also accountable to their bosses, creating a feeling of being caught between two different groups that they have to please in their work.

    Almost without fail I am asked by managers over email or at conferences some version of the same question related to being frustrated at the lack of action from their boss, or that their boss is taking actions that are frustrating to them and to the team. These folks want to figure out how to navigate these situations that can often be demoralizing and creates tension in the café.

    On today's episode, I am going to answer a few questions that have been sent to me that are related to this topic in hopes of creating some clarity and giving you some insights and next steps to take if you happen to find yourself in that place.

    Questions we address:

    How can a lead barista or shift lead effectively navigate a situation where an owner consistently undermines their authority? What strategies can help build trust between the owner and the staff?” What are some effective ways to communicate with an owner who is very particular about small details, to help them see the bigger picture and trust their team What are some constructive ways to address conflicts with an owner, especially when it feels like their approach is demotivating or causing unnecessary stress among the team?

    Related episodes:

    141 : The 27 Challenges Managers Face w/ Bruce Tulgan 475: Essential Tools for Cafe Management 472: Why Technical Skill as a Leader is Not Enough w/ Jonathan Raymond, Refound, Author: Good Authority 067 : 6 Truths About Power : The Responsible Approach to Power Dynamics in the Cafe 373 : The Owner’s Role: 5 Behaviors for Effectiveness 483: Encore: 6 Essential Qualities of Coffee Shop Leaders Study the Rules

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