Do you own a fast casual market, cafe, bakery, sandwich or prepared foods enterprise? If so, take a moment to think about your coffee program. Coffee is delicious, addictive and the value added product with a great profit margin. We work with many coffee roasters and firmly believe that a good coffee program can make all the difference in enhancing your guests experience and your bottom line.

Let’s take a look at what makes up a good coffee program. One of the most important pieces to this is the relationship you have with your roaster. Your coffee roaster should view your business as an extension of theirs. The more successful you are, the more successful they are. Whether you are an existing enterprise or a new one, your coffee roaster must take the time in understanding the flow of your store, the area where the coffee will be prepared and presented and what your goals are. This includes all hot and cold espresso and coffee drinks. Once this is defined, the roaster should work with you to help choose the necessary equipment and any additional coffee paraphernalia that is necessary in executing that perfect cup. Coffee can be delivered in many different forms including whole beans, pre-packed portion sizes, ground coffee, pods and K-Cups. When evaluating what works best for you, think about the efficiency of your space, level of barista experience needed and storage space. You are now ready for training. Training plays a big part of the puzzle in the execution phase. A coffee roaster can roast beautiful green beans, next it is up to you to deliver your part in producing the great cup of coffee. The training they provide is so crucial to your staff and to your business. The last piece is maintaining the equipment and how responsive they are in responding to equipment malfunctions.

There are many great coffee roasters across the states that are producing great product. Get out there, attend a cupping, try some great coffee and get to know your roaster.

Happy Sipping… TaraPaige Group