Coffee Shop Tips

You have a business plan for opening your coffee shop, a great location, and the perfect name with an awesome logo to go with it. Now that it's time to set up the shop, you might be unsure where to start. Even though specific requirements will vary from business to business, there are essential item

Made by soaking dried leaves in water, tea is one of the most ancient beverages on the planet. Derived from the Camellia sinensis plant species, there are many varieties of tea that range from pure black tea to herbal blends. Unlike coffee, this refreshing beverage also has many uses such as soothin

From practical to purposeful, disposable cups come in many styles, sizes, and colors. Whether you're looking for ways for your restaurant to go green or just trying to find the cup that fits your needs, the wide variety of options available can make it difficult to choose. In this guide, we'll inves

If you operate a cafe, you'll know that having a well-rounded coffee drink menu is essential to the success of your business. With over 54% of Americans over the age of 18 drinking at least one cup every day, the quality and roast color of your coffee and espresso beans can mean the difference betwe

If you have ever been to a cafe or coffee shop, you know the drink menu is often overwhelming. As a coffee shop owner, there are so many types of coffee drinks you can offer your customers that it's difficult to understand the difference between them. We explored the most popular coffee drinks and their recipes so you can get familiar with them and keep up with current coffee trends. Click the following link to check out our printable coffee drinks chart. Use these links to jump ahead and find out how your favorite coffee drink is made. Espresso Double Espresso Red Eye Black Eye Americano Long Black Macchiato Long Macchiato Cortado Breve Cappuccino Flat White Cafe Latte Mocha Vienna Affogato Cafe au Lait Iced Coffee Brewing Styles Compared Not all coffee is brewed in the same way. Different brewing styles can cause changes in the flavor and strength of the drink. Here are just a few brewing styles that you may incorporate in your shop: Drip Brew Ground coffee is added to a brew basket and placed in an automatic coffee machine for this brewing style. Gravity is used to pass water through the grounds, resulting in a traditional cup of coffee. Pour Over This brewing style is achieved by pouring boiling water slowly through coffee grounds as they sit in a filter basket. The coffee then drips into a single cup, resulting in a potent brew. Cold Brew For cold brew, coarsely ground coffee is placed in room temperature water and allowed to steep for an extended period of time. This results in a less bitter, highly caffeinated brew. Espresso To achieve an espresso brew, you'll need an espresso or cappuccino machine. These machines pass pressurized hot water through a filter containing dark roasted finely ground coffee beans. The force of the water produces a highly concentrated coffee shot. This is the method most commonly used for the base of coffee drinks. Ristretto Brewed in a similar method to the espresso, pressurized water is passed through the coffee grounds. However, you would use half the amount of water. The shorter brewing cycle creates a more concentrated and darker shot of espresso. Shop All Coffee Supplies 6 Classic Coffee Drinks VideoLearn how to make 6 of the most common types of coffee drinks with our video: Different Coffee Drinks Most types of coffee drinks comprise three common ingredients: espresso, steamed milk, and foam. Additional toppings can be added to each coffee type based on your customers’ unique preferences. The following are just some of the coffee drink definitions and possible cup pairings you may consider adding to your coffee shop menu. It’s important to note that drink ratios may vary from coffee shop to coffee shop. Espresso The espresso, also known as a short black, is approximately 1 oz. of highly concentrated coffee. Although simple in appearance, it can be difficult to master. Ratio: 1 shot of espresso Cup: 2-4 oz. Espresso Cup Double Espresso A double espresso may also be listed as doppio, which is the Italian word for double. This drink is highly concentrated and strong. Ratio: 2 shots of espresso Cup: 3-4 oz. Demitasse Cup Red Eye The red eye's purpose is to add a boost of caffeine to your standard cup of coffee. Ratio: 1 shot of espresso + 6 oz. of drip-brewed coffee Cup: 8 oz. Coffee Mug Black Eye The black eye is just the doubled version of the red eye and is very high in caffeine. Ratio: 2 shots of espresso + 6 oz. of drip-brewed coffee Cup: 8-10 oz. Coffee Mug Americano Americanos are popular breakfast drinks and thought to have originated during World War II. Soldiers would add water to their coffee to extend their rations farther. The water dilutes the espresso while still maintaining a high level of caffeine. Ratio: 1 shot of espresso + 3 oz. of hot water Cup: 5-6 oz. Glass Coffee Mug Long Black The long black is a similar coffee drink to the americano, but it originated in New Zealand and Australia. It generally has more crema than an americano. Ratio: 2 shots of espresso + 3 oz. of hot water Cup: 6-8 oz. Glass Coffee Mug Back to Top Macchiato The word macchiato means mark or stain. This is in reference to the mark that steamed milk leaves on the surface of the espresso as it is dashed into the drink. Flavoring syrups are often added to the drink according to customer preference. Ratio: 1 shot of espresso + 1 to 2 teaspoons of steamed milk Cup: 3 oz. Glass Espresso Cup Long Macchiato Often confused with a standard macchiato, the long macchiato is a taller version and will usually be identifiable by its distinct layers of coffee and steamed milk. Ratio: 2 shots of espresso + 2 to 4 teaspoons of steamed milk Cup: 5 oz. Rocks Glass Cortado The cortado takes the macchiato one step further by evenly balancing the espresso with warm milk in order to reduce the acidity. Ratio: 1 shot of espresso + 1 oz. of warm milk + 1 cm of foam Cup: 5 oz. Rocks Glass Breve The breve provides a decadent twist on the average espresso, adding steamed half-and-half to create a rich and creamy texture. Ratio: 1 shot of espresso + 3 oz. of steamed half-and-half + 1 cm of foam Cup: 5-7 oz. Low Cup Cappuccino This creamy coffee drink is usually consumed at breakfast time in Italy and is loved in the United States as well. It is usually associated with indulgence and comfort because of its thick foam layer and additional flavorings that can be added to it. Ratio: 1-2 shots of espresso + 2 oz. of steamed milk + 2 oz. of foamed milk + sprinkling of chocolate powder (optional) Cup: 6-8 oz. Cappuccino Mug Flat White A flat white also originates from New Zealand and Australia and is very similar to a cappuccino but lacks the foam layer and chocolate powder. To keep the drink creamy rather than frothy, steamed milk from the bottom of the jug is used instead of from the top. Ratio: 1 shot of espresso + 4 oz. of steamed milk Cup: 6 oz. Glass Tumbler Back to Top Cafe Latte Cafe lattes are considered an introductory coffee drink since the acidity and bitterness of coffee are cut by the amount of milk in the beverage. Flavoring syrups are often added to the latte for those who enjoy sweeter drinks. Ratio: 1 shot of espresso + 8-10 oz. of steamed milk + 1 cm of foam Cup: 6-9 oz. Coffee Mug Mocha The mocha is considered a coffee and hot chocolate hybrid. The chocolate powder or syrup gives it a rich and creamy flavor and cuts the acidity of the espresso. Ratio: 1 shot of espresso + 1-2 oz. of chocolate syrup/powder + 1-3 oz. of steamed milk + 2-3 cm of foam or whipped cream Cup: 6-8 oz. Irish Coffee Mug Vienna There are a few variations on the Vienna, but one of the most common is made with two ingredients: espresso and whipped cream. The whipped cream takes the place of milk and sugar to provide a creamy texture. Ratio: 1-2 shots of espresso + 2 oz. of whipped cream Cup: 4-5 oz. Espresso Mug Affogato Affogatos are more for a dessert coffee than a drink you would find at a cafe, but they can add a fun twist to your coffee menu. They are made by pouring a shot of espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a sweet after-meal treat. Ratio: 1-2 shots of espresso + 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream Cup: 5-7 oz. Dessert Dish Cafe au Lait The cafe au lait is typically made with French press coffee instead of an espresso shot to bring out the different flavors in the coffee. It is then paired with scalded milk instead of steamed milk and poured at a 50/50 ratio. Ratio: 5 oz. French press coffee + 5 oz. scalded milk Cup: 12 oz. Coffee Mug Iced Coffee Iced coffees become very popular in the summertime in the United States. The recipes do have some variance, with some locations choosing to interchange milk with water in the recipe. Often, different flavoring syrups will be added per the preference of the customer. You can even top it off with some cold foam. Ratio: 2 oz. drip coffee or espresso + 4 oz. of ice + 4-6 oz of milk or water + flavoring syrup to taste Cup: 14 oz. Mixing Glass Back to Top Being familiar with different types of coffee drinks allows you to cater to even more customers and improve your coffee service. Providing this information where customers can see it can help them make confident decisions about their coffee order and properly kick-start their day. If you truly want to elevate your coffee drink menu, start roasting your coffee in-house for the freshest flavor. Coffee Drinks Chart Printable Version Back to Top

Griddles are an essential piece of equipment that is used for every menu segment, so it is imperative to keep your unit functioning properly. Use this troubleshooting guide to help diagnose some issues you may be having with your Vulcan griddle. Use the following links to navigate and learn how t

Whether you are starting a coffee roasting business or you would like to start making different types of coffee roasts in-house, the high price tag of a commercial coffee roaster means you want to get your purchase right from the start. This guide will go over the different types of coffee roasters

Whether you are starting a coffee shop or looking to upgrade your current equipment, choosing the best espresso machine for your business doesn't have to be a daunting task. This guide breaks down the different types of espresso makers, the parts of an espresso machine, and the best coffee for espre

Coffee beans qualify as fair trade when they meet the 10 fair trade labor and sustainability standards and receive a certification from a fair trade organization. Increased global awareness and values-driven purchases have converted fair trade coffee from a coffee industry trend to an equity standard. Fair trade coffee creates transparency around where our coffee is sourced and addresses the challenges producers face in each region. Whether you operate a coffee roasting business or a cafe, learn more about the fair trade movement, how it affects the coffee industry, and where to purchase fair trade coffee so you can ethically engage in the world marketplace. Shop Fair Trade Coffee Use these links to learn more about fair trade coffee: What Is Fair Trade? What Does Fair Trade Mean for Coffee? Fair Trade Certified Coffee Fair Trade Coffee Benefits Buy Fair Trade Coffee What Is Direct Trade Coffee? What Is Fair Trade? Fair trade is a movement that promotes fair pay and ethical treatment for producer groups in developing countries when they export their goods to the developed world. It is regulated by a set of standards established by non-profit, third-party fair trade associations. Fair trade certifications are awarded to companies that follow the 10 principles of fair trade. 10 Principles of Fair Trade The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) prescribes the following as the 10 principles of fair trade: Create employment opportunities in the developing world. Practice transparency in communication and take accountability in actions. Focus on improving the lives of producers through long-term agreements and interest-free cash advances. Pay a fair wage to producer groups promptly and in the amount previously agreed upon by both parties. Prohibit the use of child labor and forced labor. Do not discriminate based on race, caste, ethnicity, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, HIV/AIDS status, or age. Maintain safe and healthy working conditions. Foster independence for producer groups by encouraging them to improve their internal management skills and access new markets. Promote fair trade by raising awareness of the issues in the developing world and how ethical trade can improve the lives of producers. Respect the environment by using responsible production methods. What Does Fair Trade Mean for Coffee? The best coffee in the world grows in a specific climate found in regions near the equator. Unfortunately, many countries where this climate exists face economic uncertainties due to governmental issues or other factors. As a result, the global price of coffee is volatile. Fair trade provides stability for farmers by offering a Fairtrade Minimum Price. There is an additional price incentive for organically grown fair trade coffee. Fair trade allows single origin coffee farmers to remain operable, producing coffee beans that showcase the flavors of their land. How Much Do Fair Trade Coffee Farmers Get Paid? Fair trade contracts signed as of August 1st, 2023, will have an increased baseline Fairtrade Minimum Price. Fairtrade-certified Robusta prices will increase 19% to $1.20 per pound, and Fairtrade-certified Arabica prices will rise 29% to $1.80 per pound. The additional value for organic Fairtrade Minimum Price is increasing from 30 to 40 cents per pound. The Fairtrade Minimum Price has historically been approximately 40% greater than the current coffee market price. Its increase will provide farmers with price risk management support to offset steep inflation and costs incurred by climate change adaptation. How much each fair trade coffee farmer earns depends on their specific operation. Many farmers form cooperatives in their communities. These cooperatives can sell their products to coffee companies based in North America and Europe. Fair trade coffee companies work directly with farmers to agree on a price that will work for both parties, taking into account factors such as market value and operation expenses. Once a sustainable price is agreed on, the company will pay the farmers a portion of the order cost upfront. This helps the farmers cover their expenses until the order is complete, at which time they receive the remaining balance of their order price. How Much Profit Do Fair Trade Coffee Farmers Make? A common misconception is that a portion of the price a customer pays for a fair trade item goes directly to the farmer. The farmer will already have been paid in full by the time the product reaches shelves. The importance of buying fair trade commodities is that customers make it possible for fair trade organizations to continue placing orders from the developing world. Often, coffee farmers will invest their earned profits in their communities for education, healthcare, the environment, or for improving living and working conditions. For these improvements to continue, farmers must receive consistent orders from distributors. However, distributors can only buy as much as they can sell, creating a cycle that’s driven by consumers’ choice to buy fair trade. Back to Top Certified Fair Trade Coffee Fair trade coffee companies must meet the standards set up by fair trade organizations. They can then apply for a fair trade certification and pay membership fees to fair trade associations. To maintain this certification, fair trade coffee brands complete an annual assessment that provides information like how many times each producer has been visited. This process ensures working conditions are up to par. Peer reviews are also common in the certification process, meaning that competitors will assess each other and report back to their organization. That way, you can trust that a fair trade-certified company is keeping up with all 10 principles of fair trade. Once they’re certified, they can put a Fair Trade Certified™ logo on their packaging. Fair Trade Organizations Fair trade organizations include: Fairtrade International FLOCERT Fair Trade Federation World Fair Trade Organization Benefits of Fair Trade Coffee Fair trade coffee addresses many of the obstacles developing countries face. In areas where employment opportunities are scarce, people are left with no other option than to work long hours for low wages, often in unsafe conditions. Many local markets where coffee is produced are oversaturated, making the value of locally produced commodities drop substantially. Middlemen, or commodities traders, pay farmers lower prices than their goods are worth to raise their profits. As a result, farmers, their families, and their communities suffer. Fair trade-certified coffee offers the following benefits to both you as a business owner and to local coffee growers in developing countries: Earn Customer Loyalty - As the public becomes more aware of problems in the developing world and the issues arising from unethical trading practices, more people are changing their purchasing decisions. Consumers have the power and want to make a positive change through the businesses they support. By offering fair trade coffee, you show your customers that you share their values and earn their loyalty. Long-Term Commitments - Fair trade companies commit to working with the same producer for a minimum of 3 years. Real change takes time, so long-term agreements give farmers a chance to improve their methods under the guidance of their distributors. Producers who sell their goods to a fair trade company are paid livable wages for their work, educated about human rights, and ensured safe working conditions. Higher Quality Coffee Beans - While the focus of fair trade is to improve the lives of people, the coffee produced under fair trade conditions is often of better quality than standard trade alternatives. This is because corners are not cut at any step of the process. For example, protecting the environment not only protects farmers against harmful chemicals but also yields a healthier coffee plant with more flavorful berries. Fair trade coffee supports farmers in the developing world and tastes better than non-fair trade coffee. New Markets - By selling their goods to North America and Europe, producers can get a better price because the demand is higher in those markets than at the local level. Eliminate Middlemen - Distributors work directly with coffee producers. This means that green coffee buyers (who purchase coffee berries before they are roasted) travel to the developing world and meet with farmers to form trading relationships built on trust and ensuring high-quality beans. Where to Buy Fair Trade Coffee When purchasing different kinds of coffee roasts, you should look for a fair trade-certified logo. Many companies are not strictly fair trade but still offer some fair trade products. You can often find aisles dedicated to fair trade products in grocery stores and co-ops. If you’re buying coffee in bulk online, product descriptions will mention fair trade and packages will show a Fair Trade Certified™ logo. Fair Trade Coffee Brands Some good fair trade coffee brands include: Equal Exchange Level Ground Serrv Pura Vida Higher Grounds Cafe Direct Grumpy Mule What Is Direct Trade Coffee? Direct trade coffee is when a roaster buys coffee directly from a producer. Direct trade coffee relies on roasters and producers establishing relationships. Together, they agree on factors like quality and pricing, resulting in lasting partnerships and higher-quality coffee beans. Fair Trade vs Direct Trade Fair trade and direct trade both cut out the middleman, meaning that green coffee buyers work directly with coffee farmers. Another similarity is that building a long-term buying relationship yields a better quality of coffee beans and a better quality of life for farmers. The main difference between fair trade and direct trade is their end goals. Fair trade was established to improve the lives of farmers, while direct trade places its focus on the quality of their coffee. But, just like fair trade’s social standards result in a better-quality product, direct trade’s commitment to a high-quality product ends up helping farmers. Another difference is that while fair trade must be certified by a third-party fair trade association, direct trade does not have a legal definition and each company defines what direct trade means to them. Since there is no certification process in place for direct trade at this time, you won’t see a direct trade logo on packages. This can make it harder to distinguish true direct trade brands from brands that use the term simply for marketing purposes. So, before buying a direct trade brand, it may be a good idea to check out their website and read about their sourcing standards. Back to Top Second only to oil, coffee has the highest export volume to North America and Europe, allowing farmers in developing countries to sell their coffee to the developed world. It is always a good idea to research brands and companies online before buying their coffee. Not only does coffee sourcing affect working conditions for farmers and their communities, but it is also a factor in the quality and flavor of the product itself. The more you know about a brand, the more confidence you can have about providing your guests with a quality product.

House-roasted beans are becoming a fixture in local coffee shops. Taking single origin beans from far-flung locales and roasting them yourself is the perfect example of the glocalization movement. Glocalization is the call to adapt global and international products to the local contexts where they’re used and sold. But are roasting businesses just the latest coffee trend? Buzz aside, roasting coffee beans in-house allows cafes to offer superior beverages and diversify their sales by offering their roasts a la carte or as a part of a coffee subscription service. Whether you’re operating a coffee shop and want to add house-roasted beans to your wheelhouse, or you’re wondering what it takes to roast coffee beans professionally, we guide you through the steps of starting a coffee roasting business. Shop All Coffee Roasters Use these links to jump to the step of starting a coffee roasting business that interests you: Coffee Education Branding Business Plan Startup Costs Licenses and Permits Insurance Location Supplies Website Advertising How to Roast Coffee Beans Professionally 60% of coffee consumed in the U.S. is from the specialty coffee market, making fresh and sustainable coffee beans an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs. Roasting coffee beans professionally takes more than choosing the types of coffee roasts you want to make. You must acquire equipment, business permits, and marketing strategies. Implement these steps to start roasting coffee beans professionally. 1. Coffee Education Before starting a coffee roasting business, you should have foundational coffee knowledge. From brewing with a French press to an espresso machine, master brewing methods so you can test your coffee beans with each. Consider investing in professional cupping and roasting courses. The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) offers a sensory skill module that helps new roasters identify green and roasted coffee defects and flavor characteristics. If you want thorough knowledge, the SCA’s comprehensive coffee skills education program is right for you. Beyond coffee coursework, taking marketing classes allows you to handle promotion yourself. This makes starting a coffee roasting business more affordable since you won’t have to pay marketing professionals high salaries. The more skills you develop before starting your coffee roasting business, the fewer roles you’ll have to outsource. Once your business is off the ground, you can bring on these staff members to lighten your load. 2. Develop Your Coffee Brand Having a clear and definable brand for your coffee roastery attracts and retains customers. Branding is the process of communicating your values, mission, personality, and identity. It should be evident in your customer service, packaging, marketing, and products. For example, if you roast fair trade coffee beans, your branding should reflect your dedication to ethical and sustainable sourcing. Including information about your brand on your coffee roasting website and packaging is a great way to help like-minded patrons connect with your brand. One branding idea is to focus your coffee roasting business identity on coffee tourism. Just like wine enthusiasts travel to destinations renowned for their wine production, many coffee enthusiasts are visiting countries where coffee is grown. Your state-side coffee roasting business can tap into the coffee tourism trend by offering multiple single origin roasts from other countries. Provide information on the country the beans came from, photos of the coffee farm, and curated snack pairing kits for a coffee stay-cation experience. 3. Write a Coffee Roasting Business Plan Having a thorough business plan is a vital step in roasting coffee professionally. It acts as a roadmap for your new business, consolidating your goals and strategies so you can convert them into action steps. A business plan will help you secure funding for your coffee roasting business because it proves to investors that you know how to make your business succeed. Your coffee roasting business plan should include the followings: Executive Summary - The executive summary provides a brief overview of all of the information included in your business plan. You will need to write it last after you have the rest of the information. Company Description - Your company description expands on the specific strategies and projections provided in your executive summary. Concept and Products - Explain what concepts you have chosen for your coffee roasting business, which types of roasts you’ll sell, and any subscription services you plan to offer. Management and Ownership Structure - Discuss what type of ownership your coffee roasting business will have and explain its managerial structure. Employee and Staffing Needs - Outline how many employees you’ll need to operate your coffee roasting business, and which positions you must fill. Marketing and Competitor Analysis - Identify a target market and complete a comprehensive analysis of your competitors. Then highlight potential competitive advantages. Advertising and Marketing Strategies - List potential advertising and marketing methods that will entice customers and establish brand loyalty. Financial Projection and Summary - Outline sales projections, perform a break-even analysis, and list potential expenses. For an in-depth guide to writing business plans, check out our restaurant business plan guide. Back to Top 4. Raise Coffee Roasting Startup Costs While not as expensive as opening a coffee shop, starting a coffee roasting business still requires capital. A Specialty Coffee Association study determined that on average, a roaster wholesaler and retailer business owner will need $120,000 to cover startup costs. Discover the basic elements you must pay for when starting a coffee roasting business. Location Down Payment - The great thing about a coffee roasting business is you can operate out of your home with the proper licenses and permits in most states. If you’re adding a roasting business to your coffee house, you can make room for your roasting machine without purchasing additional space. However, if these aren’t options for you, you must purchase or rent a location to roast your coffee beans. If purchasing your location, you’ll likely take out a loan to help cover the expense. Expect to make a down payment of around 15-20%. Property Renovations/Construction Costs - Whether you’re purchasing a location or operating from home, be prepared to spend money on renovations. Many states allow entrepreneurs to roast coffee from home as long as the part of their home where they will roast the coffee meets state-specific criteria. Expect renovations to bring your space up to your local health department’s standards. Coffee Roasting Equipment - Your primary cost will be the commercial coffee roaster. A commercial coffee roaster can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $150,000. While you may not require a large unit when you first start out, we recommend purchasing the largest and best roaster you can afford. As the most essential element of your new business, you don’t want to quickly outgrow or wear out your coffee roaster. Coffee Roasting Supplies Inventory - You must factor in the costs of green bean sourcing, packaging, and shipping supplies into your startup costs. As you test and develop your roasts, be prepared for a large amount of initial green bean waste. Employee Wages - You may be able to handle much of the coffee roasting process yourself when you first start out. However, if you plan to run a larger operation, you’ll need employees and staff. With the rise of staffing shortages, be prepared to pay fair wages. Advertising - An advertising budget is needed to run marketing campaigns and attract new customers. Permits and Licensing - Coffee roasting businesses require several permits and licenses, many of which come with fees. POS System - A POS system streamlines the ordering process, inventory management, and sales reporting. Website - Creating a website where patrons can order coffee beans is essential to your success. Provide information about your supply chain, products, and brand, so customers see your value. 5. Get Business Licenses, Permits, and Certifications To start a coffee roasting business, there are several licenses, permits, and certifications you must acquire. We break down the official standards you must meet to roast coffee beans professionally. EPA Requirements - Since volatile organic compounds and harmful particulate matter are released during the roasting process, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in many states requires roasters to have Air Permits if they roast high volumes annually. Check your local EPA requirements to see if an Air Permit is required for your coffee roasting business. FDA Requirements - According to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), any facility that manufactures, processes, packages, or holds food for consumption must register through the FDA Food Facility Registration page and allow the agency to inspect the food facility. Local and State Requirements - Most states have laws and regulations over the sale of food products enforced by local health departments. If your production is under a certain volume or you sell your roasts under home cottage laws, many states allow you to roast and sell coffee beans from any location with little health department oversight. Most cottage laws do not allow you to sell food online. However, other states require professional coffee roasters to use a commercial-grade kitchen and require random health department inspections. Check your local and state requirements to make sure you’re in compliance. General Business License - While some states require a general business license or permit to roast coffee beans for sale, these licenses are usually found at the city level. Check your local requirements. Form a Business Entity - You must select a legal entity that defines how your coffee roasting business is organized. You have four options: proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and Limited Liability Company (LLC). Business Name Registration - Many states require owners to register their business name. The process of registering your business name varies by state and the type of business entity you chose. Employee Identification Number - Before you can hire staff, you must get a nine-digit employee identification number. Every business in the United States has a unique employee identification number. Sales Tax Permit or Business Number - A state sales tax permit (aka business tax number or tax ID number) may be required to sell roasted coffee beans. If necessary, you’ll create an account number with your state’s taxing agency so they can collect and remix the sales tax. Resale Certificate - A resale certificate (aka seller’s permit) allows you to purchase inventory that will be resold to customers tax-free. When a business owner has a seller’s permit, they won’t pay the sales tax to the vendor they purchase their inventory from. The sales tax is charged to the end-user of the product instead. Occupancy Certification - Most cities will require your coffee roasting business to have a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) before operating out of a commercial building. It is usually offered by the city and county. Before you receive the CO, the building must comply with zoning regulations, building codes, and any additional local requirements. If you’re operating your coffee roastery from your home, you may need to obtain a home occupation permit. Check your local laws and regulations to make sure you’re in compliance. What Is Fair Trade Certification? The Fair Trade certification confirms that a product’s social, economic, and environmental aspects of production comply with Fairtrade Standards for Producers and Traders. As a coffee roasting business, it’s worth obtaining a Fair Trade certification, proving to your clients that your coffee promotes fair pay and ethical treatment of the producer groups in developing countries that exported your green coffee beans. Consumers are willing to pay approximately 3.62% higher premium for Fair Trade Certified coffee, so having a Fair Trade certification can earn you greater profits in the long run. It also sets your coffee roasting business apart from competitors, and it can earn customer loyalty from patrons who appreciate your efforts to promote an equitable global economy. 6. Invest in Business Insurance Insuring your coffee roasting business protects against workplace injuries, property damage, and claims of product liability. General liability insurance is the best insurance for most coffee-roasting businesses. The average coffee roaster spends between $500 and $1,200 to have general liability coverage for $1 million. Your location, number of employees, deductible, general aggregate limit, and per-occurrence limit will determine the price of your general liability policy. Some providers may offer a discount on your general liability policy if you purchase it as a part of a business owner’s policy (BOP). Back to Top 7. Secure a Location for Your Coffee Roastery You must find a space large enough to accommodate your coffee roasting equipment and provide enough room for you to safely roast, package, and ship your coffee beans. If you’re a micro roaster, you won’t require a large commercial space to operate your coffee roasting business. As long as cottage laws in your area allow it, an up-to-code basement or garage will work as a location for a small roasting business. As your business grows, you may require a larger space. There are commissaries that allow you to pay for timed access to commercial roasters. This allows you to complete large orders without having to invest in your own commercial space. 8. Purchase Coffee Roasting Supplies It’s time to purchase the coffee roasting equipment and supplies you’ll need to start roasting coffee and selling it to customers. We’ve rounded up the essential supplies required to start your coffee roasting business. Coffee Roaster - There is a wide range of coffee roasters on the market, but most small roasting businesses can start with a 5 kg capacity classic drum roaster. Choose a model that is compatible with helpful roasting software for the best outcome. Unroasted Coffee Beans - Having a steady supply of green beans you can roast will be essential to your business. Decide whether you want to focus on a particular region of origin or offer blends of different beans. Coffee Bags - Branded coffee bags build brand identity, but if you don’t have the funds when you first start out, purchase flavor-conserving, wholesale recyclable coffee bags. Your first customers will care more about the quality of your product and the sustainability of your packaging than a cool design. Bag Sealer - A reliable bag sealer allows you to seal your roasted coffee inside your bags so it can be sold to customers. We recommend choosing an automatic bag sealer that adds the roasting date to the bags. Sample Roaster - A small sample roaster allows you to test your roasts and judge their quality without wasting all your green coffee beans on a large batch if it doesn’t turn out well. Bean Trier - A bean trier is an instrument that pulls a sample of beans from a coffee roaster so you can view their shade and smell their aroma. It is a long tool shaped like a wand with a hollow shaft that has a slot in it. Roasters insert the bean tier into the beans, rotate it, and collect coffee into the shaft. Roasters can then place the bean trier under a spotlight to evaluate the roast shade. Spotlight - To accurately determine the color of your roast, mount a spotlight with a full-spectrum bulb above your bean trier. Color Meter - For true color accuracy, invest in a color meter. A color meter analyzes the degree of roast, allowing you to create a consistent product. Moisture Reader - A moisture reader reveals how coffee was prepared, how its quality might alter over time, and how it will respond inside the roaster. Scales - You will use scales to weigh green coffee before roasting it, ground coffee before taste testing, and roasted coffee beans before packaging them for your customers. You’ll need a scale with a high weight capacity and a large weighing platter. Look for a unit that is accurate to 0.1g. Coffee Grinder - You’ll need a reliable grinder with adjustable grind settings so you can test your roasts in every grind size. Coffee Brewer - You must have a brewer to test your roasted beans with. Pour over and French press brewers are popular choices. Make sure you can test the method your core customers will likely use. Coffee Roasting Software - There is a lot of wonderful software to help you roast coffee. For the new roaster, Artisan is an excellent choice. It’s free, open-source software compatible with over 30 types of roasting machines and over 50 associated devices. For advanced roasters willing to pay for their software, Cropster is a comprehensive tool that helps roasters with monitoring their inventory, production, planning, quality control, and manage the buying and selling of green coffee online. Cleaning Supplies - You'll need to maintain a tidy space and thoroughly clean your equipment. Safety Equipment - Protect against injury by providing safety supplies. Help reduce the risk of fires by adding a water line with a spray head and an accessible valve. Shipping Supplies - If you plan to run an e-commerce coffee roasting business, purchase shipping supplies so you can fulfill customers’ orders. 9. Create a Website for Your Coffee Roasting Business Having a navigable website is essential to your success. Make sure your product pages offer ample information to guide people. Use descriptive words so customers understand each roast’s flavor profile. Consider offering interactive quizzes to help patrons find a roast they’ll like. Your coffee roasting website should reveal who you are as a brand and guide patrons to purchases. Provide information on your sustainability efforts and on where you source your beans. According to a Label Insight survey, 94% percent of consumers are more loyal to brands that provide supply chain transparency. Lastly, make it easy for customers to subscribe to loyalty programs and email lists from your website. 10. Advertise Your Coffee Roasting Business You can have the best brand, premium products, and incredible customer service, but if no one knows about your business, your efforts will fall flat. Creating a social media presence is crucial to marketing your coffee roasting businesses. Each social media platform favors a different type of content. Optimize your content for each platform by following best practices for Instagram and learning how to create engaging videos for TikTok. If you have a cottage food roasting business, get involved with your local farmer’s market scene. Don’t hesitate to make in-person connections with local gourmet grocers and coffee houses to advertise your roasts. Back to Top Thanks to its comparatively low startup costs, launching a coffee roasting business is a wonderful opportunity for entrepreneurial coffee enthusiasts. Whether you’re a coffee shop owner interested in gaining a competitive edge or a coffee roasting hobbyist looking for a new career, refer back to our guide to start your own coffee roasting business.

Your bartender will delight in how quick and simple it is to whip together a batch of palatable pina coladas, delectable daiquiris, mouthwatering margaritas and more with a sleek new bar blender. Other businesses may need a more powerful food blender that can liquefy food for soups, salsas, dressing

Coffee's global popularity makes it a great item to bring onto your menu to expand your offerings or provide as an amenity at your office to boost the employee or guest experience. This guide will go over the types of coffee brewers and their pros and cons, so you can choose the best coffee maker fo

No matter what type of establishment you run, freshly brewed coffee is always a hot commodity. Our commercial coffee maker reviews outline a variety of different features, like hot water faucets and reservoir tank size, to help you give your customers what they're looking for. Our light duty pourove

The perfect cup of coffee starts with the perfect grind. Just like there are multiple types of coffee roasts, there are multiple grind consistencies and methods. Our comprehensive coffee grinding guide outlines everything you need to know about grinding coffee beans. Shop All Commercial Coffee Grinders Click below to learn everything you need to know about grinding coffee: Different Coffee Grinds Coffee Grind Size Chart Types of Coffee Grinders How to Store Ground Coffee Coffee Extraction Explained Types of Coffee Grinds Discover the types of coffee grinds baristas prepare and how how they brew each one. After learning about the different coffee grinds and their extraction rate, use our coffee maker guide to pick the best brewing equipment for your business. 1. Extra Coarse Ground Coffee Extra coarse ground coffee has the consistency of peppercorns and takes a long time to release its flavor. Slow brewing methods such as cold brewing work best for extra-coarse ground coffee. Extra Coarse Ground Coffee Uses: Cold Brew Cowboy Coffee Extraction Rate: Extremely Slow 2. Coarse Ground Coffee Coarse ground coffee has the consistency of sea salt and requires extended brew times. Grinding coarse coffee keeps a lot of the bean intact, preserving its flavor/aroma. Q Graders prefer coarse ground coffee for coffee cupping. Coffee cupping is the professional process of observing the flavors and aromas in brewed coffee. The Coffee Quality Institute licenses Q Graders to weigh coffee against the Specialty Coffee Association's methods and practices. Coarse coffee grounds supply the richness coffee cupping requires. Coarse Ground Coffee Uses: French Press Percolators Cupping/Tasting Extraction Rate: Very Slow 3. Medium-Coarse Ground Coffee Medium-coarse ground coffee has the consistency of rough sand. Slow immersion ensures full saturation when using medium-coarse ground coffee. Medium-Coarse Ground Coffee Uses: Immersion Brewers Batch Brewers Extraction Rate: Slow 4. Medium Ground Coffee Medium coffee grounds resemble regular sand. Their middle-of-the-road consistency rarely leads to either over or under extraction. Grinding medium-ground coffee beans is the least involved way to achieve a delicious cup of coffee. While its flavor payoff is lower than other grind consistencies, medium ground coffee is a good option for restaurants that do not specialize in coffee but want to offer delicious coffee that enhances their menu. Medium Ground Coffee Uses: Drip Brewers with Flat Bottom Filters Single-Serve Brewers Vacuum Brewers Stovetop Brewers Extraction Rate: Moderate 5. Medium-Fine Ground Coffee Between the sand consistency of medium ground coffee and the sugar consistency of fine ground coffee lies medium-fine ground coffee. This coffee grind consistency is ideal for pour-over coffee brewing. Once you master the pour-over method, medium-fine grounds produce perfectly extracted cups of coffee. Medium-Fine Ground Coffee Uses: Pour Over Brewers Drip Brewers with Cone Shaped Filters Extraction Rate: Slightly Faster Than Medium 6. Fine Ground Coffee Your fine ground coffee should look and feel like sugar. Fine coffee grounds work best with brewing methods where the grounds briefly contact water. Otherwise, you end up with an over-extracted final product. The best grind consistency for espresso is fine grinding. Espresso machines build up pressure that forces water through finely-ground coffee. Fine Ground Coffee Uses: Espresso Machines Extraction Rate: Fast 7. Extra Fine Ground Coffee Extra fine ground coffee should be the consistency of powdered sugar. Few types of coffee require extra-fine coffee grounds, so the extra-fine grind isn’t usually achievable with commercial coffee grinders. If you know you’ll need this coffee grind consistency, make sure you choose a grinder that produces extra-fine coffee grounds. Extra Fine Ground Coffee Uses: Turkish Coffee Arabic Coffee Extraction Rate: Very Fast Back to Top Coffee Grind Chart Knowing the different grind sizes helps you brew rich and smooth coffee drinks. It also helps entrepreneurs choose equipment when they're starting a coffee shop. Use this coffee grind chart to find the right grind size for your brewing method. Coffee Grind Size Chart PDF Types of Coffee Grinders Coffee grinders and espresso grinders are essential items on any coffee shop equipment checklist. There are four main types of coffee grinders: burr, blade, roller, and pounding. We explain how each type of coffee grinder works below. Burr Coffee Grinders - Burr coffee grinders crush coffee beans between two wheels or conical grinding elements without adding frictional heat (which cooks the coffee beans). This releases the coffee bean oils, so they are easy to extract during the brewing process. The coffee ground in a burr coffee grinder is uniform which leads to even extraction. Most units allow you to move the abrasive wheels/cones closer or further apart to adjust your grind size. Conical burr models produce even less friction heat and preserve more coffee bean aroma than disc grinders, but they are more expensive. Blade Coffee Grinders - Blade coffee grinders chop coffee beans with a high-speed blade/propeller whirling between 20,000 to 30,000 RPM. This method often produces uneven coffee grounds which makes proper extraction challenging. A blade coffee grinder adds friction heat to coffee beans, reducing their flavor quality before brewing. In general, blade coffee grinders aren’t your best option for producing high-quality cups of coffee. Roller Coffee Grinders - Roller coffee grinders pass coffee beans through two corrugated rollers which produce inconsistent coffee grounds. Varied coffee grind sizes tend to create acidic and bitter cups of coffee. Roller coffee grinders expose the coffee beans to a lot of frictional heat, stripping them of their aroma. Pounding Coffee Grinders - Pounding coffee grinders create a fine coffee powder by pounding the beans with a mortar and pestle. Very few coffee beverages require a pounding coffee grinder, but it is necessary for making Turkish and Arabic coffee. Back to Top How to Store Ground Coffee For optimum freshness, store ground coffee in a nontransparent, airtight container. Place the container of ground coffee on a pantry shelf away from heat, light, and moisture. Storing Coffee in the Freezer Storing Future-Use Coffee Beans in the Freezer - You can store whole coffee beans in the freezer for up to a month if you do not use/disturb them within that period. Before freezing your coffee beans, divide them into small portions in airtight bags. Defrost frozen coffee beans on a shelf away from heat, light, and moisture. Grind and brew your coffee beans within two weeks of thawing them. Storing Daily-Use Coffee Beans in the Freezer - Never store the coffee you use daily in the freezer. When you store daily-use coffee in the freezer, you expose it to fluctuating temperatures, which produce moisture. Moisture changes the cell structure of coffee and damages its aroma and flavor. How Long Does Coffee Last? Whole coffee beans stay fresh for two to three weeks before their quality and flavor reduce. Pre-ground coffee holds its peak freshness for approximately 30 minutes. Coffee beans are the seeds of small cherries that grow on coffee plants, so you should approach coffee bean freshness with the same mindset you would any other plant product. Just like you wouldn’t cut pineapple and serve it to guests three months later, you shouldn’t grind coffee and serve it to guests months later either. Back to Top What Is Coffee Extraction? Coffee extraction occurs during the brewing process. It is the art of diffusing coffee beans' natural coffee solubles into water. Desirable coffee solubles include lipids, carbohydrates, melanoidins, caffeine, and acids. If too few coffee solubles permeate the water, the brew’s flavor is weak. However, if the solubles over-saturate the water, the brewed coffee will taste bitter. The ideal coffee bean extraction percentage lies between 18-22%. How to achieve ideal extraction varies by the size of your coffee grounds. The more intact your coffee beans are, the slower their extraction rate is. This is neither good nor bad, you just need to match your brewing method with your grind size. Choosing the wrong grind size for your coffee brewing method will ruin your beans and yield either under or over extracted cups of coffee. Here are the coffee extraction terms you need to know: Balanced Extraction tastes rich with balanced acidity and offers a velvety palatal sensation. It is easy to achieve a balanced extraction when your coffee grounds are uniform. Under-Extracted Coffee tastes sour and tangy because it doesn’t have enough coffee solubles. Over-Extracted Coffee tastes bitter because it has an overpowering amount of coffee solubles. What Makes Coffee Bitter? Over-extraction makes coffee bitter. When coffee beans are ground too fine for their brewing method, brewed too long, or are steeped in scalding water, the coffee grounds over-extract, lose their flavor, and yield bitter cups of coffee. In contrast, under-extracted coffee is sour, salty, and acidic tasting. How to Make Coffee Taste Good The secret to making coffee taste good is having symmetrical coffee grounds, water between 195- and 205-degrees Fahrenheit, and the appropriate brew time for your brewing method. Check out our troubleshooting advice and transform your bitter or sour-tasting coffee into delicious beverages. You'll also want to clean your coffee grinder regularly to prevent rancid flavors from transferring into your coffee. How to Fix Bitter Coffee Use coarser coffee grounds Raise the water temperature Reduce the brew time How to Fix Sour Coffee Use finer coffee grounds Lower the water temperature Extend the brew time Back to Top You don't need an expensive coffee maker to serve a delicious cup of coffee. Grinding your coffee beans is the least expensive way to achieve balanced extraction and delight guests with smooth and rich cups of coffee. Reference back to our coffee grind chart to achieve the right coffee grind consistency for your brewing method.

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. Serving coffee through a decanter or airpot allows you to provide large amounts of coffee at once for your guests, but after multiple uses, minerals and oil build up and can leave a residue. Not only does it look unsightly, but it can also lead to bad-tasting drinks. To keep your coffee tasting great, you need to thoroughly clean out your coffee pots, dispensers, and other coffee shop equipment. Just follow these instructions and you can get back to making rich, delicious coffee for your customers. How to Clean a Coffee Pot Video To maintain a clean and organized coffee service, watch our video below on how to clean a coffee pot. How to Clean a Coffee Decanter and Coffee Airpot Cleaning your coffee decanters and airpots may be difficult due to their unusual size and shape. So, we broke down the process into easy steps, ensuring that you can get your decanters and airpots perfectly clean. How to Clean a Coffee Decanter 1.Shake the liquid coffee pot cleaner. 2.Add 3-4 squirts of solution into your dirty decanter. 3.Fill the decanter about halfway with hot water. 4.Scrub the inside with a decanter brush. 5.Rinse the solution from the decanter. You may need to fill the pot with hot water multiple times to completely rinse the pot clean. 6.Dry your clean decanter. How to Clean an Airpot 1.Shake the liquid coffee pot cleaner. 2.Remove the stem assembly. 3.Add 3-4 squirts of solution into your dirty airpot. 4.Add hot water to the airpot. 5.Scrub the inside with a carafe brush. 6.Replace the stem assembly and close the lid. 7.Run the solution-water mixture through the stem assembly by pressing the button the way you would dispense coffee. Do this until the airpot is empty. 8.Remove the stem assembly and rinse the airpot out with hot water. You may need to fill the pot with hot water multiple times to rinse it completely. 9.Use a small cleaning brush to scrub inside the stem. 10.Using a scouring pad and some coffee pot cleaning solution, scrub the outside of the stem until the residue is gone. 11.Run the stem under hot water to rinse it. 12.Replace the stem assembly and close the lid. Keeping your coffee pots clean is an integral part of maximizing proper hygiene in your coffee shop or cafe. Follow these step-by-step instructions when cleaning and sanitizing coffee decanters and coffee airpots so all of your coffee roasts maintain their intended flavor and aroma.

If you own a food service business, you know that food presentation is crucial to marketing your restaurant on Instagram. Studies from Oxford show that a quality food presentation increases customers' perceived value of your meals, allowing you to raise your menu prices. Chefs tactfully arrange ingredients to curate flavor and textural complexity, and their creative plating techniques stimulate appetites before the first bite. Read on to discover plating techniques, an instructional plating video, and the tools you need to create your own signature food presentation style. Shop All Plating Tools Click any of the sections below to explore the topic that interests you: Plating Video Plating Techniques Plating Ideas Plating Tools Food Plating and Presentation Video An understanding of food plating techniques will help your staff improve your meal presentation and enhance the dining experience for your guests. For a visual guide, check out our video on how to plate food like a chef. How to Plate Food like a Chef While there are no fixed food presentation rules, there are several important concepts to keep in mind as you arrange your meals. Remember your plate is your canvas. Arrange food items using the rule of thirds. Entice the eyes with visual stimulants. Use the sauce as paint for your plate. Garnish to enhance both appearance and flavor. Plating Techniques Conceptualize plating as an art form: you are the artist; the plate is your canvas, and the food is your medium. Master the following plating techniques to perfect your craft. 1. Plate Presentation Techniques Selecting the right plate for your meal is the first step in the food presentation process. Consider the following to choose the ideal plate for your food presentation: Plate Size - Your plate should be big enough to make your food stand out and petite enough to prevent your portions from appearing small. Light vs Dark Plates - Use light and dark plates to make your meal stand out. White plates are popular because they offer a neutral background for brightly colored foods. Dark plates lend beautifully to light-colored dishes, such as a whitefish or creamy polenta. Plate Color - A plate’s color can stimulate or reduce appetites. Red increases the appetite, so serving appetizers on red plates keeps customers interested in ordering large entrees and desserts. Professional platers consider blue dinnerware unappetizing because there are few naturally occurring blue foods. Restaurant Style - If you operate a fine dining establishment, classic China dinnerware pairs well with traditional plating styles. A trendy gastropub should invest in unique plates with unconventional shapes that facilitate maximum plating creativity. 2. Food Arrangement Techniques How you arrange your food determines your meal’s aesthetic tone, structural integrity, and flavor dispersion. Here are a few of the most important food arrangement techniques: The Rule of Thirds - When applied to cooking, the rule of thirds prescribes placing the focal point of your dish on either the left or right side of the plate, rather than the center. Use white space by thinking of the rim as your frame and highlight your plate’s focal point(s). View Your Plate as a Clock - As you place your ingredients, picture the face of a clock. From the diner’s point of view, your protein should be between 3 and 9, your starch/carbohydrate from 9 to 12, and your vegetable from 12 to 3. Don’t Overcrowd Your Plate - Keep your design simple by focusing on one ingredient (usually the protein). Having a focal point helps you arrange your accompanying items to complement your standout item. Moist Ingredients First - Plate moist ingredients first and prevent them from running by topping them with other foods. For example, you can angle sliced meat against mashed vegetables. Create Flavor Bites - Flavor bites are forkfuls of food that combine all the ingredients in your dish into one bite. Flavor bites are essential to quality plating as they please both the eyes and the taste buds. Mix Textures - Contrasting a smooth vegetable puree with crunchy onion straws or topping a steak with crumbled blue cheese yields appealing texture combinations that are classic in high-end cuisine. 3. Visual Plating Techniques Maximizing the visual elements of your meal is a key plating technique. While your arrangement develops around your protein, manipulating the colors and sizes of the other elements on your plate enhances your focal point and creates a gourmet presentation. Serve Odd Quantities - If you’re serving small foods like shrimp, scallops, or bite-sized appetizers, always give guests odd quantities. Color Diversity - Colorful dishes build the expectation of a flavorfully complex meal before your patrons take their first bite. Add green vegetables or brightly colored fruits that contrast with your focal point. Monochromatic Meals - Plating color-coded items together visually builds the expectation that the dish only offers one flavor. When the palate receives multiple textures and flavors instead, it surprises the tastebuds, causing them to engage with the dish. Add Height to Your Plate - Stimulate your guests' eyes by building height. While compactly stacking ingredients isn’t as popular as it was 5-10 years ago, building layers of food for guests to explore offers an exciting experience. Create Visual Balance - Balance your plate’s landscape by leaning long, flat items against taller elements (ex: leaning asparagus spears at a 45-degree angle across a stack of lamb lollipops). 4. Sauce Plating Techniques With your principal ingredients plated, you’re ready to top your dish with delicious sauces that enhance your food presentation. Think of your squeeze bottle or spoon as a paintbrush, and your sauce as a medium. Once you're done adding your sauce, make sure you wipe down the edge of your plate with a towel, so no drippings distract from your presentation. We explain some of the simplest, most fail-proof sauce plating techniques below. Smeared Sauce Plating Technique - Fill a squeeze bottle with your sauce. Squeeze a thick layer of sauce and form a large, filled-in circle on your plate. Take a spoon or plating wedge and dip it into the middle of the sauce where it’s thickest. Quickly pull the sauce across your plate. Accent Dots Plating Technique - Fill a squeeze bottle with your desired sauce. Analyze your plate from the perspective of the rule of thirds, then add accent dots. Use multiple sauces to create additional color contrast. Smeared Accent Dots Plating Technique - Alternate between two sauce accent dots in a curved line along the side of your plate. Then, take a small plating wedge and place it at the center of the first accent dot in your row. Drag the plating wedge through the accent dots, creating a multicolored, single-sided edge. Swirled Sauce Plating Technique- Fill a squeeze bottle with your desired sauce. Place your plate atop a cake turntable. Point your squeeze bottle face down at the center of the plate. Spin your stand while simultaneously squeezing your bottle. Adjust your wrist to vary your swirled design. You can use multiple sauces to create more visual contrast. 5. Garnishing Techniques In the past, chefs casually threw a piece of kale and an orange slice onto every plate. However, these garnishes added nothing exciting to the dish, and few guests ate them. Modern garnishes pair thoughtfully with the meal to create flavor bites. Follow these garnishing techniques and guidelines to master the last step of food presentation. Edible Garnishes - As you finish plating, remember that garnishes should always be edible and enhance the dish. To determine whether a garnish belongs, ask yourself whether you would want to consume it in the same bite as the meal it accompanies. Intentional Placement - Never heap garnishes in one corner of the plate. Instead, disperse them thoughtfully to add color or texture. For example, place crispy carrot shoestrings atop a delicate filet of fish nested in a curry sauce and decorate the plate with pomegranate seeds. Less Is More - Never clutter your plate for the sake of a garnish. If your plate is full, opt for a drizzle of flavor-infused vinegar or oil to enhance the taste and appearance of your dish without overcrowding your plate. Garnishes to Avoid - Avoid using unappetizing garnishes like raw herbs, large chunks of citrus, and anything with a strong odor. Also, avoid garnishes that take a long time to apply. Back to Top Food Plating Methods There are three popular plating methods: classic, free form, and landscape. Master each method to create meals worth photographing. We provide ideas on how to plate food using each method below. We’ve selected a white square plate as our canvas. Filet mignon, potato puree, carrots, demi-glace, pea puree, lima bean and pea blend, thyme, and fried leeks are our materials. Classic Plating 1.Pipe the potato puree onto the plate using a pastry bag. 2.Place the carrots next to the puree using precision tongs. 3.Garnish the carrots with thyme using precision tongs. 4.Plate the steak using precision tongs. 5.Garnish the steak with fried leeks using precision tongs. 6.Drizzle the demi-glace around the plate using a spouted saucier. 7.Wipe the edges of the plate with a clean towel. 8.Finished classic plate. Free Form Plating 1.Pipe dots of potato puree onto the plate using a pastry bag. 2.Slice the steak into three pieces using a chef's knife. 3.Plate the pieces of steak using precision tongs. 4.Place the lima bean and pea blend around the plate using a spoon. 5.Plate the carrots using precision tongs. 6.Place dots of pea puree around the plate using a large squeeze bottle. 7.Place dots of the demi-glace around the plate using a small squeeze bottle. 8.Garnish the plate with fried leeks using precision tongs. 9.Wipe the edges of the plate with a clean towel. 10.Finished free-form plate. Landscape Plating 1.Place dots of pea puree around the plate using a large squeeze bottle. 2.Paint the pea puree onto the plate using a brush. 3.Pipe the potato puree onto the plate using a pastry bag. 4.Plate the carrots using precision tongs. 5.Lean the steak against the puree and carrots using precision tongs. 6.Place the lima bean and pea blend around the plate using a spoon. 7.Drizzle the demi-glace around the plate using a spouted saucier. 8.Garnish the steak with fried leeks using precision tongs. 9.Wipe the edges of the plate with a clean towel. 10.Finished landscape plate. Back to Top Plating Tools Having professional tools is essential for commercial plating. We’ve rounded up the foundational items you need to create restaurant-quality food presentations. Decorating brushes aid in detailed line work and broad sauce strokes. You can also use decorating brushes to create a puree or coulis base for meats or vegetables. Garnishing kits come with everything you need to garnish your signature dishes, including plating wedges, tongs, squeeze bottles, and brushes. Molds keep plates clean and increase visual appeal by cutting ingredients to specific shapes and sizes. Ring molds help you develop height and structure when stacking ingredients. Precision tongs help you place garnishes or small, delicate items. Many tongs feature micro-serrations for improved grip and stability. Plating wedges come pre-cut with flat, round, or pointed edges and are perfect for smearing soft ingredients and creating sauce designs. Shavers allow you to top your dishes with shaved or grated chocolate, hard cheese, or soft vegetables. Plating Spoons in varying sizes are essential to the art of food presentation. Saucier spoons help you drag sauce across your plate and slotted spoons quickly separate solids from liquids. Squeeze bottles help you apply sauce and aioli to your finished plate. Many come with adjustable precision control tips. Back to Top Whether you own a fine dining establishment, gastropub, or eclectic cafe, thoughtful plating will attract customers and earn their loyalty. Even before they sample your meal, your guests will eat with their eyes. To test this theory, Oxford researchers plated the same meal two ways, artfully and without attention, and diners reported that the artfully plated version tasted better. By integrating basic food presentation techniques, styles, and tools, you can enhance your plating process and increase your menu prices without deterring customers.

French press coffee is becoming one of the most popular coffee brewing methods in the food service industry. Coffee brewed in a French press offers bold flavors that guests at coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants have come to love. Learn more about this brewing style and follow our French press brewing instructions to extract your coffee beans like an expert. Shop All French Presses Click below to learn more about how to use a French press: Step-by-Step Instructions French Press Brew Guide What Is a French Press? How to Choose a French Press How to Use a French Press Video Check out this video for a visual guide to making coffee in a French press: How to Make French Press Coffee Creating your own French pressed coffee is an uncomplicated process that can improve your restaurant’s coffee service and reward you with flavorful coffee. French Press Coffee Ingredients and Supplies To make French press coffee, you’ll need: Coarse ground coffee beans Hot water between 190 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be achieved by allowing the water to come to a boil, removing it from the heat source, and letting it sit for a minute or two before use. French press Portion scale to measure ingredients How to Make Coffee in a French Press: Step-by-Step Follow these step-by-step instructions to make coffee in a French press: Preheat French press: Add hot water to your French press and swirl it around to warm up the device before use. This will reduce temperature shock to your beans and keep your coffee hotter for longer. Remove water and dry: After about a minute, dump out the water from the canister and dry your press. Add coffee beans: Measure out your ground coffee beans and add them to the canister. 2 Tbsp. (28.3 grams) of coffee is used per 1 cup of water. Soak the grounds: Add just enough boiling water to cover and soak the grounds. Stir the grounds and let them sit: Stir the grounds, attach the lid, and allow the mixture to sit for about 30 seconds. Add remaining water: Remove the lid and add the remaining water to the canister. Give the mixture a gentle stir. Attach the lid: Attach the lid and make sure the plunger is pulled up. This allows the screen to sit flush against the bottom of the lid, which prevents steam from escaping. Steep: Allow the coffee to steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how finely ground the beans are. Push the plunger down: After 3-5 minutes, hold the top of the lid down with one hand and slowly push down the plunger with the other hand. This should take about 20 seconds, and there will be some resistance. Pour coffee: Pour the coffee into a coffee decanter or coffee cup immediately. Because of the direct immersion between the water and the beans, the longer you let the coffee sit in the French press, the more bitter it becomes. Back to Top French Press Brew Guide Once you master the basics of making coffee in a French press, you’re ready to perfect your coffee craft. Use our French press brew guide to produce the perfect cup of French press coffee. We answer some common questions about French press coffee below. French Press Coffee Ratio If you’re wondering how much coffee you need for your French press, you must first decide whether you want a mild, regular, or strong brew. For a mild French press brew, measure out a 1:17 ratio of coffee to water. For a regular French press brew, measure out a 1:15 coffee to water ratio. For a strong French press brew, measure out a 1:12 coffee to water ratio. Because a French press is an immersion brewer, the water is saturated with coffee throughout the brewing cycle, requiring more coffee beans and an extended extraction period. For the best tasting French press coffee, use a portion scale to measure your coffee and water ratios. The French press brewing style requires more coffee than other methods. French Press Grind Size A French press requires coarse coffee grounds. For an even extraction, the coarse grounds will need to be even in size. How Long to Brew French Press On average, French Press coffee takes four minutes to brew. If your water is on the cooler side, you can extend the brew time to five minutes. What Is a French Press? A French press coffee maker is a cylindrical pot with a plunger and built-in filter used to brew ground coffee beans. The French press keeps the coffee grounds in contact with the water throughout the entire brewing period and “presses” hot water through the ground coffee. A French press filters the brew through its built-in metal screen, which means the essential oils found in the grounds are not absorbed by filters or evaporated. Instead, they remain in the brew and result in a stronger, richer coffee with a more aromatic flavor. This method is known as direct immersion brewing. Because more of the coffee beans' flavor infuses into each cup, pressed coffee is the perfect brewing method for savoring single-origin coffee beans. How Hot Should Water Be for French Press? You should heat the water for your French press to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. While less precise, you can bring the water to a boil and then rest it for 30 seconds before pouring it over your coffee grounds and starting the brewing process. Drip Coffee vs. French Press Drip coffee from traditional commercial coffee machines filters coffee grounds through coffee filters, yielding milder coffee compared to French presses. Most drip coffee machines employ automatic brewing, produce large volumes of coffee, and keep the coffee warm for extended periods. French presses produce a smaller amount of stronger-tasting coffee intended for immediate consumption. When purchasing coffee shop equipment, you'll require a mix of tools and machines to meet a variety of coffee drinking needs. Before choosing your coffee, roasts, and creating your menu, you should understand which establishments benefit from a coffee press vs. a coffee maker. Settings that Benefit from Drip Coffee: diners, office break rooms, and cafeterias Settings that Benefit from French Press Coffee: small cafes, coffee shops, and bakeries What Are the Best Coffee Beans for a French Press? You’ll always want to grind whole coffee beans when using a French press because pre-ground beans are too fine for direct immersion brewing. Because the coffee beans remain in contact with the water during the entire steeping process, you’ll want to grind your beans to a coarser consistency than you would for an espresso maker or automatic drip brewer. The fast infusion rate of French press brewing means finely ground beans will produce a bitter taste. Back to Top How to Choose a French Press When choosing a French press, you’ll want to consider two factors: materials and size. We break down what you should be looking for when you choose a French press below. How to Choose French Press Materials The three main components of a French press are its carafe, plunger, and lid. There are other small parts and pieces, but the quality of the plunger, carafe and lid determine the quality of the French Press. We explain what you evaluate for each of these three parts below. How to Choose a French Press Plunger The plunger piece includes a handle and a filter. When you push the plunger’s handle down, it forces the filter down which in turn pushes the coffee grounds to the bottom of your French press carafe. You can determine the quality of a plunger by its filter. Avoid filters with plastic edges. They will erode after repeated use and are not dishwasher safe. Over time, plastic carafes allow coffee grounds to slip into the brewed coffee, soiling your final product. Choose a filter with durable metal edges. Your metal filter will remain intact unless it is bent, preserving your investment and reducing replacement costs. How to Choose a French Press Carafe Stainless Steel Carafe - If you’re brewing your French press coffee in your kitchen, a stainless-steel carafe is your best option. Stainless steel carafes neither break nor interfere with the brewing process. The only drawback of a stainless steel carafe is you cannot watch the brewing process. However, if the customer will never see the French Press, this is a non-issue. Tempered Glass Carafes - If you’re going to display the carafe to the customer and want to create a premium cup of French press coffee, then tempered glass carafes are ideal for your operation. Tempered glass doesn’t interfere with the brewing process and provides a beautiful window for the patron to watch their coffee brew through. However, tempered glass is prone to breakage, making it unideal in high-volume establishments where accidents are more likely to occur. Plastic Carafes - If you operate a bustling establishment in a small space and want to display your French press to customers, then a plastic carafe is ideal for you. Plastic carafes allow you to view the brewing process but do not break. However, plastic interferes with the brewing process and will not produce the highest quality product. Weigh the potential breakage of a glass carafe and the lack of aesthetic appeal of a tempered glass carafe against this quality loss and decide what is best for you. How to Choose French Press Top Piece Look for a French press top piece with a guard. The guard prevents heat from escaping through the carafe spout while your coffee brews. Most top pieces with guards twist on and off, removing the air barrier and allowing you to pour your extracted coffee. How to Choose a French Press Size You’ll need to determine how much coffee you want your French press to make at one time. 3, 8, and 12 cup French presses are the most common. In ounces, a French press cup yields 4 ounces of brewed coffee. 3 Cup French Press - produces 12 ounces of brewed coffee 8 Cup French Press - produces 32 ounces of brewed coffee 12 Cup French Press - produces 48 ounces of brewed coffee Back to Top While a French press may require more attention than your automatic brewer, the outcome is an aromatic cup of coffee your customers will savor. Serve it hot or bring bold flavors to your selection of iced coffees. No matter how you serve it, this easy, trendy brewing method is sure to put your restaurant or cafe’s coffee service on the map.

Java, Joe, liquid energy, and brew are just some of the terms used to describe one of the world’s most highly consumed beverages - coffee. Did you know different coffee brewing methods affect the taste and aroma of your coffees? Understanding the types of brewing methods helps you choose the right coffee equipment for your business and improves your staff’s knowledge and success! Shop All Coffee Shop Equipment Click below to learn about different ways to make coffee: Drip Coffee French Press Coffee Espresso Machine Coffee Pourover Coffee Cold Brew Coffee Ways to Make Coffee Once coffee beans have been harvested and roasted, it’s time to convert them into a liquid. Understanding the different brewing methods is essential when running a successful cafe since each technique produces a different flavor, brew time, and caffeine level for your customers’ favorite drinks. 1. Drip Coffee Coffee that comes from a drip coffee maker is brewed through a filter containing the ground, coarse coffee beans as boiling water is “dripped” on top. The filter leaves behind the ground coffee beans as liquid passes through and into a decanter or coffee pot that is then used for serving. Making drip coffee takes more time compared to using an espresso machine since hot water is in contact with the ground coffee beans for a longer period. When comparing drip coffee to pressed, drip coffee can produce coffee in a faster amount of time since water doesn't need to be steeped. How to Use a Drip Coffee Maker Drip coffee makers are easy to use and don't require the mastering of any skills, which makes them ideal for busy diners and restaurants. Just follow the simple instructions below and make sure the decanter is in place before you brew! Place a new coffee filter in the drip coffee maker. Add ground coffee beans to the filter in a ratio of 2 tablespoons to every cup of water. Add filtered water to the reservoir container. Program the machine to brew at a certain time, or press the brew button to start working immediately. 2. French Press Coffee French pressed coffee is intended to be consumed immediately after brewing. Some coffee drinkers believe that making french press coffee produces a beverage that contains a stronger flavor compared to a drip coffee machine since it allows the oils from the ground coffee beans to mix with the water. A french press features a cylindrical glass carafe with a mesh filter inside which separates the ground coffee from the hot water. When it’s time to pour and serve, a lever is pushed down which strains and separates the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee, leaving the grounds on the bottom and liquid coffee above the filter. Before brewing with a french press coffee maker, coffee should be ground to a medium or coarse grind to obtain the best flavor possible. This also prevents any grounds from passing through the filter. A benefit of using a french press compared to a drip coffee maker is that you’re able to regulate the temperature of the water so your beans reach the maximum potential flavor possible when brewing. Also, filters aren’t needed since a pressing screen is used at the very end to separate the grounds from the liquid coffee. How to Use a French Press Follow these steps to make french press coffee: Add ground coffee to the bottom of the french press carafe. Use a ratio of 1 tablespoon ground coffee to 4 oz. of water. Bring water to a boil (about 195 degrees Fahrenheit) and add to the french press carafe. Stir to mix with the coffee grounds. Place the lid and filter on top of the press and steep 90 seconds to 4 minutes depending on your desired flavor. The longer you let your coffee steep, the stronger the flavor will be. Press down on the french press “plunger” with a firm, yet slow motion to strain the beans from the liquid brew. 3. Espresso Machine Coffee Besides the method of brewing, another difference between dripped, french pressed coffee, and espresso is the texture and size of the types of coffee grounds used. Espresso beans are ground much finer than drip and french pressed coffee and resemble the consistency of powdered sugar, which are then brewed using an espresso machine. The ground coffee beans are placed into a portafilter, which is the handled part of an espresso machine that attaches to the machine’s gasket. Next, the brewing process begins when water is pressurized through the beans to produce a liquid. Espresso machines are designed to force a small amount of hot water through the coffee grounds at a very fast speed, and a single shot of espresso can take as little as 20 seconds to brew. Espresso is stronger in taste than other brewing methods. It also has a creamier mouthfeel because a small layer of froth, called crema, is produced during brewing. How to Use An Espresso Machine Follow these steps to use an espresso machine: Grind coffee beans to a consistency of powdered sugar. Pour filtered water into the espresso machine’s water chamber. Use 1 oz. of water for every shot of espresso desired. Add espresso grounds to the portafilter. Use a tamping tool to pack the grounds into the portafilter. Place an espresso cup underneath the espresso machine’s spout to catch the liquid. Place the portafilter into its holder and lock into position. Press the “start” button and espresso will be extracted in as little as 20 seconds. 4. Pourover Coffee The pourover coffee method is a slow, careful technique that requires steady hand pouring. It’s not efficient for large volumes of coffee, but it’s the best method for showing off the flavor and aroma of small-batch single origin roasts. To perform the pourover brewing method, you'll need coffee grounds, paper filters, a gooseneck water kettle, and a pourover dripper. Drippers are funnel-shaped vessels that hold the filter. Some pourover drippers have a carafe that collects the freshly brewed coffee, and some drippers are meant to be placed over a coffee mug. Follow these steps to make coffee with the manual pourover method: How to Make Pourover Coffee Boil filtered water and transfer it to a kettle with a gooseneck spout. A long, skinny spout makes it easier to control the pour. Place the coffee filter into the dripper funnel and rinse it with hot water. Grind your coffee beans to medium or medium-fine and add the desired amount to the filter. Pour a small amount of water over the grounds and let them sit for 30 to 40 seconds. This is called blooming the beans and it releases any carbon dioxide in the grounds. After blooming the grounds, start pouring water over the coffee very slowly. Use a circular motion and make sure to saturate all grounds. It takes about three minutes for the brewing process to be complete. 5. Cold Brew Coffee The process for making cold brew coffee is a lot different than standard brewing. First of all, the coffee is steeped in cold or room temperature water instead of hot water. The steeping process itself lasts for an extended period, usually overnight. This style of brewing produces coffee that’s highly concentrated with higher amounts of caffeine than drip coffee. Cold brew coffee has become popular for several reasons. It has a smoother taste with less acidity and bitterness than drip coffee. You can also make it in large batches that keep in the refrigerator for periods up to two weeks. This is useful for coffee shops and cafes that sell large volumes of coffee. If you want to learn how to make your own cold brew, check out our large batch cold brew recipe guide. We’ll walk you through each step, from grinding to storage. Whether you run a busy coffee shop, bakery, bistro, or diner, understanding the various coffee brewing techniques is essential to running a successful coffee service. Now that you understand the various methods of brewing coffee, you can create a wide variety of coffee drinks ranging from cappuccinos and lattes to breves and mochas. With this basic knowledge, you and your staff will be able to adequately determine which type of coffee and technique is best suited for your business, as well as your customers’ needs.

Running hard water through your coffee equipment can cause mineral buildup and calcify your heating elements. If you’re looking to get the most out of your commercial coffee maker, then it’s important to make sure it’s properly cleaned. Cleaning your coffee maker will prolong its life span and improve the taste of your coffee. Follow our video and step-by-step instructions to get your coffee maker back in top shape, and don't forget to set up a water filtration system for your coffee equipment to cut down on mineral buildup in the future. Shop All Coffee, Espresso, & Tea Machine Cleaners How to Deep Clean a Coffee Maker Video Tutorial Step-by-Step Instructions for How to Clean a Coffee Maker 1.Unplug the coffee maker. 2.Wipe down the machine with a damp towel. Once dry, plug it back in to begin the deliming process. 3.To delime your coffee maker, mix 10 oz. of lemon juice with 32 oz. of water. 4.Pour the mixture into the water reservoir. 5.Turn your coffee machine on as if you are brewing a pot of coffee. 6.Once your coffee machine has finished its brewing cycle, remove the machine's spray head. 7.Remove any residue that may block the holes in the spray head. 8.Insert a deliming spring into the opening where the spray head was. In a sawing motion, move the deliming spring back and forth about 5-6 times. 9.Wash the coffee filter with warm, soapy water. Then run two or three brewing cycles with plain water to remove any traces of lemon water solution. Coffee Maker Cleaning FAQs Get answers to the most frequently asked coffee maker cleaning questions below: How to Clean a Coffee Maker with Vinegar White vinegar is very effective for cleaning a coffee maker. You can sub white vinegar for lemon juice when you follow our step-by-step coffee maker cleaning instructions. To clean a coffee maker with vinegar, add equal parts vinegar and water to your machine's reservoir until it's full. Put a paper filter into your machine's empty coffee basket and put the pot into place. Brew the solution halfway and then turn off the machine. Let it sit for 30 minutes before turning the coffee maker back on and finishing the brew cycle. Dump the coffee pot before rinsing it and the basket out. Next, put a new paper filter into the basket and brew a full pot of clean water twice to remove all the vinegar. How to Clean a Coffee Pot Your coffee pot should be cleaned every day. You can clean your coffee pot by washing it in your three-compartment sink. Most commercial coffee pots are dishwasher safe but check with your manufacturer before running it through your dishwasher. How to Descale a Coffee Maker If you follow our step-by-step instructions for the best way to clean a coffee maker and your unit still shows signs of hard water residue and limescale buildup, then you'll need to add a rest period. Turn the coffee pot off mid-cycle and allow the lemon juice solution to rest inside your machine and carafe for one hour before completing the brew cycle. How Often Should You Clean a Coffee Maker? You should clean and delime your machine at least once every six months. However, if the water you use is extremely hard, you may need to clean it monthly. Best Coffee Pot Cleaner Both diluted lemon juice and vinegar are effective coffee pot cleaners. If you're looking for ready-to-use coffee equipment cleaning wipes, espresso equipment cleaners, and coffee equipment descalers, there are numerous commercial-grade coffee maker cleaning solutions available to you. To uphold food safety standards, cafes must regularly clean their coffee shop equipment. Taking a few minutes to clean your coffee maker will improve the taste of your coffee. This is a simple way to improve your restaurant's coffee service.

Whether you’re brewing single or double espresso shots, macchiatos, or lattes, our commercial espresso machine reviews will help you find the best option for your cafe, coffee shop, or restaurant. Choose from lighter duty, single cup brewers for sporadic orders, or browse our multi-grouphead models

The coffee industry is experiencing a period of growth as many of the younger generations become interested in not just coffee, but high-quality gourmet coffee and house-roasted beans that they can only get from a coffee shop. As a result of increased interest in coffee, it's a great time to consider opening a coffee shop or cafe. If you're interested in starting a coffee shop but don't know where to begin, refer to this article because we will detail the most important steps you need to follow to set up your business. Shop All Coffee Supplies For more information on a specific part of the cafe opening process, you can use the links below to jump to the section. Conduct Research Create a Concept Source Your Coffee Beans Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan Get Startup Loans Cost of Opening a Cafe Finding the Right Location File for Permits and Licenses Design a Layout Order Coffee Shop Equipment Hire and Train Staff Open Your Coffee Shop 11 Steps to Start a Coffee Shop Starting any kind of foodservice business, from a restaurant or buffet to coffee shop or catering company, is complex. Fortunately, we broke the coffee shop process down into 11 easy-to-follow steps that can help simplify the process for you. 1. Conduct Research Before you even decide that you want to pursue opening a cafe, you should conduct thorough research. Research will tell you if there is a need for good coffee shops in your area, if you'll be able to compete with existing businesses, and if you'll be able to afford owning a commercial business in your given location. You should pay specific attention to competitor research and see if coffee shops in the area are franchises or independent, as an independent business may be able to compete with big chains, but not necessarily with other independent coffee shops. Additionally, if you don't have experience in the foodservice industry or owning a business but you're interested in starting a coffee shop, we suggest talking to other business owners in your area. That way, you can get their advice before you start writing a business plan. They may be able to provide valuable input on whether or not the job is right for you. 2. Choose a Concept Once you've decided to start a cafe, you can begin thinking about what your coffee shop's concept will be. Your concept is the unifying theme of your cafe, and a good concept will give your business a competitive edge over other coffee shops in the area. Here are a few things to think about when choosing a concept for your cafe: What is your target demographic? Are you intending to create gourmet coffee for millennials or do you want your coffee shop to appeal to busy office employees that just want a cup of hot coffee and a bagel? What are customers in your area willing to pay? You may be passionate about opening up a gourmet cafe, but if you're located in a primarily working-class neighborhood, it may be hard to convince customers to pay $6 for coffee. Do you want to offer food? If you want to add food to your menu, are you going to buy the food pre-made from a bakery or make it in-house from scratch? Will you offer sit-down service? Do you expect most customers will get their orders to go, or do you want to make your coffee shop a welcoming environment for customers to work and relax? Additionally, when considering which demographic to target, you can also start planning what your coffee shop's name will be, what your menu will look like, and what style of decor you want. Having a strong and well-conceived concept will help set your cafe up for future success. 3. Find a Source for Your Coffee Beans Serving high-quality coffee is the most important aspect of running a coffee shop, so finding a good source of coffee beans is a must. Many coffee shops purchase their coffee beans wholesale from a coffee roaster, and you should be specific when looking for a roaster to source your coffee beans. Here are some other important things to consider: Do you like their coffee? If you don't like the roaster's coffee, then chances are your customers won't either. How much does quality matter to you? High-quality beans can be expensive, resulting in higher drink prices that may scare away some potential customers. Where is the roaster located? Buying from a roaster in your area is a great way to interest customers while also supporting a local business. Plus, a local roaster may have brand recognition in your area that one farther away may not. Is the coffee fair trade? Fair trade promotes the ethical pay and treatment of coffee producers, and it's a fast-growing movement. If you're interested, look for coffee roasters that have fair trade certification. What types of coffee and flavors appeal to you? Does the coffee roaster have the types of coffee that you want to serve? 4. Write a Coffee Shop Business Plan A solid business plan is necessary for any type of foodservice operation to succeed. Your business plan will help you finalize your concept, plan your ownership structure, project your finances, create your menu, and list your competitive research. Not only will this help you going forward, but a coffee shop business plan is also necessary when looking for funding to start your cafe. There are seven sections in a standard business plan: Executive Summary Company Overview and Description Market Analysis Business Offerings Management Plan and Ownership Structure Marketing and Advertising Strategy Financial Projections We created a guide to help you through the process of writing a business plan. While this guide focuses on bakery business plans, the same logic and advice apply to coffee shops and any type of business plan. 5. Get Startup Loans The next step is to get startup capital for your new coffee shop. Starting a coffee shop is costly, so you need to be sure that you have enough funding that you can afford all of the equipment and supplies that your business needs. Additionally, it typically takes a new operation 6-12 months to become profitable, so your initial funding should be able to cover operating costs until your business can support itself. There are a few different paths you can take to get funding for your coffee shop, such as traditional commercial loans, business lines of credit, and small business loans. Make sure to research all of the available options thoroughly before you make a decision. How Much Does it Cost to Open a Coffee Shop? When looking for funding, you may be wondering how much it costs to open a coffee shop and how much money you'll need to get started. The total price of opening a coffee shop will depend on a number of factors, the most important being your location. It can cost anywhere from around $100k to over $600k to open a coffee shop depending on the size and location of your business. 6. Find a Commercial Space Finding the right commercial space for your cafe is essential, and a good location can ensure that your business sees a steady flow of customers coming in. When looking at potential spaces, be sure to complete a location analysis. A location analysis factors many things into account, such as: Demographics Proximity to Your Target Demographic Distance from Suppliers Competition Crime Rates Regulations and Zoning In addition to where the location is within your city or town, you need to consider the space itself. Is there ample room in the kitchen? Are there necessary gas, drain, and water lines already installed? Is there any foot traffic on the street? Is the front-of-house area large enough to create a comfortable meeting or co-working space? Once you find the perfect location, we suggest hiring a lawyer to help with negotiations and to make sure all the necessary paperwork and regulations get filled out. When choosing a space, you should not only consider the location but the physical space itself and whether it's conducive for a coffee shop. For Kelly Kieke of Speakeasy Coffeehouse, the right ambiance and setting were essential: "I purchased my building for the coffeehouse. It was built in 1922 and has a lot of character. We decided on the name of the business when we found out there was a speakeasy tucked away on the second floor during the 1920s and 30s." 7. File for Permits and Licenses There are many permits and licenses your new coffee shop needs before you can start selling to the public. The licenses that your business needs and how to obtain them may differ by city and state, so check with your local government to ensure you have all of the paperwork in order. Additionally, waiting for approval on your permits will take time, so be sure to plan ahead and give yourself ample wait time. 8. Design a Layout Creating an optimal design for both your front- and back-of-house areas is essential for both your efficiency and your customers' comfort. We'll break down how you should get started designing the layouts you're going to use in your new cafe. Designing the Front-of-House Layout When designing your front-of-house area, think of what kind of atmosphere you want to create. Do you want to offer privacy to appeal to people doing work or holding meetings? Or would you prefer an open concept that feels airy and modern? Either way, consider the size of your space and how you can maximize your seating. Be sure to also consider your color choices and the style of furniture you use, and how they will affect your customers. Dark colors will make the space feel more intimate, lighter colors feel more inviting, and bright colors increase customers' appetites. Additionally, if you're going for a contemporary aesthetic, your furnishings should match that style. Designing the Back-of-House Layout Behind the counter at coffee shops tends to be crowded, making efficiency and flow crucial. When designing how you'll set up your back-of-house, consider what stations there will be and how orders will flow. This process will start with the order being taken, then prepared, then served, and then the equipment will be cleaned. Additionally, consider if your coffee shop is going to be serving food and where food equipment will fit into your layout. 9. Order Your Coffee Shop Equipment High-quality coffee equipment is essential for any cafe or coffee shop that wants to succeed. While some types of equipment may vary from shop to shop, there are a few pieces of equipment that every cafe will need. We put together a list of essential coffee shop equipment, so it's easy to remember exactly what you need when starting your cafe. Coffee Shop Equipment List Coffee Brewers Airpots Espresso Machine Coffee Grinder Hot Water Dispenser Reach-in Refrigerator Ice Machine Bakery Display Case 3 Compartment Sink Frothing Pitchers Frothing Thermometers Tea and Coffee Mugs Espresso Cups Cup, Lid, and Straw Organizers Aprons This is just a list of some of the equipment a standard coffee shop will need. If you're looking for a full list of coffee shop equipment, we created a PDF that you can access by clicking the button below. Check Out Our Coffee Shop Equipment List 10. Hire and Train Your Staff Excellent customer service is important for the success of your new cafe, so be selective when hiring staff. Additionally, consider what level of experience you want job applicants to have. Think about your management style and whether you want to train fresh employees yourself or look for experienced baristas instead. Both Katelyn Reed from Strange Brew and Tommy Lowery from Village Coffee agreed that the most important characteristic to look for in a barista is a great personality and the ability to greet customers with a smile. When training your employees, you want to teach them how to make the beverages correctly, but it is also helpful to teach them about the coffee itself and its flavor profiles. Some customers may be interested in learning more about your coffee selection, and your staff should be able to answer their questions and make suggestions. Additionally, you can also consider bringing in an outside professional to train your employees on the finer points of coffee and brewing. For example, Kelly Kieke of Speakeasy Coffeehouse uses an outside trainer: "Fortunately, when I first started out, my roaster offered a trainer to come and teach us the science of it all. I still have the trainer come to refresh our skills on a regular basis. The coffee culture is always changing and growing, and I find it beneficial to stay on top of the newest trends and hype." 11. Open Your Coffee Shop After writing your business plan, finding a location, and outfitting it with equipment and staff, you're ready to finally open your cafe. Before you officially open, be sure to advertise your new coffee shop on social media and in local publications to drum up interest. Additionally, offering discounts or specials on your opening day can help encourage customers to stop in and potentially become repeat customers. As with other types of foodservice establishments, coffee shops need a steady stream of regular customers to maintain profitability. There are three main components to running a successful coffee shop and gaining a loyal following: Friendly and knowledgeable staff Good-quality coffee and beverage selection Welcoming atmosphere with comfortable decor You can also implement some other tactics to keep customers coming back to your cafe, such as offering loyalty cards or adding coffee and meal breakfast combos to your menu. With increased interest in not just coffee, but high-quality coffee made by professionals, now is an excellent time to consider opening a cafe. The most important thing to keep in mind when starting a new coffee shop is to stay organized and follow your business plan diligently. Then, after opening, begin working on building a loyal base, and your new coffee shop will be set up for success.

Before you can start a donut shop, you must choose the types of donuts you want to offer. By definition, donuts are small, fried, sweetened dough cakes, typically shaped into a ring or ball. You can classify the many cultural and regional donut varieties within one of 10 distinct types. We’ve created a guide to help you understand each donut category and expose you to the varieties they contain. From international delicacies to standard donut shop fare, feast your eyes on a wide selection of donuts. We've also provided a printable donut infographic below for easy reference. Shop All Donut Shop Equipment Donut or Doughnut? Doughnut is the original spelling used to describe America’s favorite baked good, whereas donut is an abbreviation. Most modern dictionaries include both doughnut and its shortened variant, donut. The term doughnut was first published in 1809 in Washington Irving’s History of New York. As legend has it, the first doughnuts were balls of fried dough with nuts in the middle, granting them their very literal namesake. The simplification of doughnut to ‘donut’ became popular in the mid-20th century. The abbreviated term ‘donut’ is easier to market, list on menus, and fit onto signage, making it the preferred spelling for commercial donut shop branding. Click any of the types of donuts below to read the section that interests you: Yeast Donuts Cake Donuts Donut Holes Long John Donuts Spudnuts Crullers Gourmet Donuts Healthy Donuts Filled Donuts Drop Doughnuts 1. Yeast Donuts Yeast donuts are fried dough products, distinguished from chemically leavened donuts by their use of yeast leavening agents. They’re known for their porous structures and melt-in-your-mouth consistencies — produced by the yeast and the air incorporated when they’re mixed. Characteristics of Yeast Donuts Yeast-leavened Porous crumb structures Airy consistencies make them the ideal filling donuts How to Make Yeast Donuts You can make yeast donuts using either the straight dough or sponge dough system. To follow the simple straight dough method, mix all your ingredients together in one mixing session, and then allow the dough to rest/ferment for at least one hour. After your yeast dough has fermented, heat your frying oil within the range of 375-385 degrees Fahrenheit. While your oil is heating, cut your dough into the shape you prefer, and then partially submerge each piece in your frying oil. Because they have an airy structure, the donuts will float. Once cooked, remove your yeast-raised donuts and add the topping and/or filling of your choice. You can apply glazes to your yeast donuts while they’re still hot, but wait to apply thicker icings or inject fillings until after they’ve cooled. Types of Yeast Donuts From international varieties to donut chain favorites, discover the many interpretations of yeast-raised donuts below. Glazed Donut - A yeast-raised, ring-shaped donut coated in a powdered sugar glaze is the most popular type of glazed donut and is what customers will expect to receive if you list ‘glazed donut’ on your menu. However, countless leavening agents, shapes, and glazes can make a glazed donut. So, if you forgo the classic, make sure you choose a descriptive name for your glazed donut. Malasadas - Portuguese Malasadas are small, round yeast donuts that use evaporated milk to achieve rich and pillowy textures. Coat them in granulated sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mix before serving. Malasadas are the treat of choice for Fat Tuesday in Hawaii, where local bakers fill them with haupia (Hawaiian coconut pudding), guava, and lilikoi (yellow passion fruit). Honey Buns - Honey buns are made from honey-cinnamon, yeast-raised dough. Bakers form honey bun dough into the same swirled shape as a cinnamon roll before frying and topping their honey buns with a glaze or icing. Tiger Tail Donut - Tiger tail donuts are composed of two yeast dough strips: one of chocolate and one of vanilla. Bakers twist the strips together, fry them, and coat the resulting donut in a honey glaze. Chocolate Yeast Donut - A yeast-leavened chocolate donut provides the same airy chew as a vanilla/plain yeast donut with the added richness of the chocolate. Back to Top 2. Cake Donuts Donut shops make cake donuts from sweet dough leavened by a chemical leavening agent such as baking powder or baking soda. Cake donuts have moist, crumbly interiors that are dense like Bundt cake or airy like a wedding cake. A cake donut’s sturdier crumb structure (as compared to a yeast donut) makes it the ideal vessel for heavy frostings and gourmet toppings. Characteristics of Cake Donuts Leavened by a chemical leavening agent Dense, moist, crumbly interior Sturdy crumb structure, ideal for heavy frostings/toppings How to Make Cake Donuts There are two methods for making cake donuts: piping and rolling. We explain each cake donut-making method below. How to Make Cake Donuts by Piping: You can make cake donuts from loose, chemically leavened batters by piping the batter into a round or donut mold. Usually, you will cook piped cake donuts by baking them. However, you can also pipe your cake donut batter directly into frying oil. How to Make Cake Donuts by Rolling: You can make cake donuts from firm, chemically leavened dough by rolling your dough out, cutting it into donut shapes, and then either baking or frying them. Types of Cake Donuts Cake donuts are a nostalgic, Americana breakfast item. Discover the most timeless types of cake donuts below. Old Fashioned Donut - An old fashioned donut is a type of cake donut made through the piping method; it comes from a loose cake batter pipped into hot oil. American’s identify them by their irregular shapes and crispy outer layers. Apple Cider Donuts - Apple cider donuts are a type of cake donut that incorporates generous quantities of apple cider, cinnamon, and (occasionally) applesauce into their dough, making them the quintessential Fall treat. Sour Cream Donut - Sour cream donuts are a type of piped cake donuts with sour cream mixed into their batter. Donut shops often top their sour cream donuts with a vanilla-flavored glaze. Mahua Cinnamon-Sugar Twists - Mahua, also known as fried dough twists, are braided strips of chemically raised-, honey-infused-, peanut oil fried dough. Mahua is a classic Chinese donut with origins tracing back for thousands of years. They are one of the signature foods of the northern Chinese city, Tianjin. Blueberry Cake Donut - A blueberry cake donut is a type of rolled cake donut loaded with fresh blueberries. Typical blueberry cake donut toppings include buttermilk glazes, sugar glazes, and confectioners’ sugar. Red Velvet Donuts - Red velvet donuts are piped cake donuts modeled after the beloved layered cake. Donut shops use food coloring to dye their red velvet cake donut batter red and use ingredients such as cocoa powder, vanilla, and buttermilk. Once fried/baked, they’re topped with cream cheese frosting. Devil’s Food Donut - Devil’s food donuts are a type of piped cake donut that uses cocoa powder to create a chocolaty confection. Donut shops coat their traditional Devil’s food donuts in a powdered sugar glaze. They double the decadence of classic varieties by topping them with Devil’s food cake crumbles, creating “Devil’s food crumb donuts”. Back to Top 3. Donut Holes Donut holes are bite-sized, round donuts. Americans make donut holes from the discarded dough of ring-shaped donuts. At first, selling donut holes was an effortless way for American donut shops to reduce food waste and enhance their profits. However, donut holes are so beloved, some bakeries create them outright. Other cultures have their own fried, bite-size round donuts that fall under the donut hole category but hardly resemble American varieties. Characteristics of Donut Holes Bite-size Round Cake or yeasted How to Make Donut Holes You can make the type of donut holes sold at American donut shops by forming small, yeast-raised dough balls (usually made from the discarded center of a ring-shaped donut), frying them, and adding the desired glazing/topping. Because of their reduced size, you only need to fry donut holes for approximately 3 1/2 minutes. Follow this same practice to make cake donut holes from the discarded centers of ring-shaped cake donuts. Types of Donut Holes Discover the world’s best bite-size, round donuts below. Zeppole - Zeppole are Italian fried dough balls topped with powdered sugar, measuring approximately 4 inches across. Some bakers fill their Zeppole with a cannoli-style pastry cream, jelly, honey butter, or custard. Loukoumades - Loukoumades are Greek bite-size, fried dough delicacies characterized by their crispy, golden exteriors and soft, airy interiors. Soak your deep-fried Loukoumades in hot honey syrup, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top, and garnish with cinnamon before serving. Nun’s Puffs - Nun’s Puffs are small French donuts made of rich, rummy choux dough measuring 1 1/2 inches across. Nun’s puffs are rolled in sugar (and sometimes, cinnamon) before they’re served. While they’re eaten year-round, Nun’s Puffs are the treat of choice during Mardi Gras in France, making them the predecessor of the New Orleans beignet. Back to Top 4. Long John Donut A Long John donut, affectionately nicknamed “longie”, is a yeast donut characterized by its oblong shape. Long Johns are coated in a glaze or icing, and you can fill them with custard, pudding, or creme. 'Long John' is the most popular name for unfilled oblong donuts in the Midwestern United States and Canada, where they usually call filled varieties "cream sticks". However, other regions have their own preferred titles. Donut shops in the Mid-Atlantic/Southern US often market oblong donuts as donut eclairs (or just eclairs). The Western region classifies them by the name of their icing/filling plus the word bar (ex. chocolate bar, maple filled bar, etc.). Characteristics of Long Johns Yeasted dough Oblong shaped Filled or unfilled Types of Long John Donuts No matter what you call oblong donuts in your neck of the woods, these are the fillings and flavors best suited to these plus-sized fried treats. Maple Bar - Maple bars are oblong, yeast donuts with a maple glaze. The term maple bar is most popular on the American West Coast. The American Midwest markets these donuts as maple Long Johns. Chocolate Long John - Chocolate Long Johns are oblong yeast donuts with a chocolate glaze. They are often called chocolate bars in the western parts of the US. Cream-Filled Long John - Cream-filled Long Johns are oblong yeast donuts infused with cream, custard, or pudding. Most often, donut shops top cream-filled Long Johns with a chocolate glaze, but they can also have a maple glaze. The American Mid-Atlantic and South often market cream-filled Long Johns as eclair donuts, because of their resemblance to the French pastry. Maple Bacon Bar - Sweet and salty at its finest, a maple bacon bar is just as it sounds: a sweet maple Long John topped with bacon crumbles. Popularized by Voodoo Donuts in Portland, Oregon, maple bacon bars have become a donut shop menu staple across the United States. How Many Calories in a Long John Donut? Because they are larger than their round donut counterparts, Long John donuts are also higher in calories. On average, an unfilled maple Long John donut will ring up 320 calories, and a chocolate cream stick will come to 460 calories. To put this into perspective, round maple glazed donuts come to 240 calories, and chocolate iced/custard-filled, round donuts average at 300 calories. Back to Top 5. Spudnuts aka Potato Donuts ‘Spudnuts’ is an affectionate nickname for donuts that have their flour content reduced by mashed potatoes or potato starch. Spudnuts are typically yeast-raised, and they are a moist, fluffy alternative to chewy, all-flour donuts. From Southeast Asia to South America, potato donuts have captured hearts worldwide. Characteristics of Spudnuts Replaces/partially replaces flour with potato Typically yeasted Moist, fluffy, melt-in-your mouth consistency Types of Spudnuts Discover the most exotic and beloved spudnut varieties below. Picarones - Picarones are Peruvian donuts made from sweet potatoes and pumpkin. Traditional picarones are infused with Pisco (Peruvian brandy) and served with warm Chancaca, a sweet sugarcane sauce flavored with orange peel and cinnamon. Fastnachts - Fastnachts are heavy, yeast-raised potato doughnuts shaped into squares or triangles. Fastnachts are an Easter tradition in Pennsylvania Dutch country prepared on Fat Tuesday before the start of the Lenten season. Kuih Keria - Malaysian Kuih Keria are vegan-friendly, sweet potato donuts. Kuih Keria’s three-ingredient dough is formed into rings, deep-fried, and topped with a flaky sugar glaze. Maine Potato Donuts - Maine potato donuts’ dough has a creamy, tangy flavor produced by mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, freshly grated nutmeg, and buttermilk. Maine potato donuts are cut into rings, fried, and tossed in cinnamon sugar. They’re beloved throughout New England and best served hot. Graffe Napoletane - Graffe Napoletane, a Neapolitan Carnevale staple food, are yeast donuts with creamy mashed potatoes and zesty citrus in their dough. Some Graffe Napoletane recipes incorporate limoncello into their dough, and all recipes call for caster sugar coatings. Back to Top 6. Cruller Crullers are characterized by their twisted/fluted shapes achieved by piping rich batter into a fluted mold or hand twisting sweetened dough strips together. Crullers exist in many forms throughout the world, and US regions reinterpret them in unique ways. Technically, the most renowned version of the cruller, the French cruller, is a fried pastry. However, there are cruller traditions from China, Denmark, and Germany as well. Dutch and German settlers brought their cruller recipes to America, where they have since grown and developed into US regional delights and donut shop favorites. Characteristics of Crullers Most crullers feature twisted/curled/fluted shapes Midwestern crullers are bar-shaped Egg-heavy, custard taste, and smooth, buttery consistency How to Pronounce Cruller The phonetic pronunciation of cruller is "kruhl-er". Types of Crullers We clarify the niches and distinctions between cruller varieties below. Cruller Donuts - Cruller donuts found throughout the US and sold at popular donut chains are typically dense cake donuts formed in a ridged/fluted mold. French Cruller - Technically, French crullers are not donuts. French crullers are pastries made from stiff choux dough piped into circles, fried, and glazed. It's common for American donut shops to create their own cruller donut varieties or label French crullers as donuts. Youtiao - Youtiao, also known as Chinese fried dough or Chinese crullers, are long strips of golden fried dough twisted together so patrons can easily tear them lengthwise into two pieces. Youtiao are lightly salted and served for breakfast in China and other East and Southeast Asia countries. Dutch Kruller - Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants brought their kruller recipes to America in the late 1700s. The Dutch krullers you’ll find in modern New England and Canada are made by cutting the dough into rectangles, slicing the rectangles down the middle, and braiding the pieces to create a twisted pastry. A Boston reporter once described a New England kruller as “a small, braided torpedo.” Milwaukee Cruller - In the 1800s, Milwaukee received an influx of German immigrants who brought their cruller recipes with them. Unlike airy French crullers, German crullers are made with buttermilk and are dense, rectangular donuts with doughy, melt-in-your-mouth consistencies. Back to Top 7. Gourmet Donuts Gourmet donuts are unique, complex, and artful donuts that subvert expectations and attract social media attention. Times and taste buds have changed since the army sent donuts to soldiers on the Western Front of WWI because they were an ingredient-efficient, quick-to-consume snack. Modern patrons will pay extra for fusion donuts that merge their favorite desserts into one, offer elaborate presentations, and deliver complex flavors. Characteristics of Gourmet Donuts Fuses donuts with another dessert Uses gourmet ingredients Complex consistencies Types of Gourmet Donuts Discover the gourmet donuts that will set your donut shop apart. Beignet - Made famous by New Orleans, beignets are deep-fried, pate a choux dough squares served hot — after they’re sprinkled with a generous amount of powdered sugar. Pate a choux dough puffs when it’s fried, yielding pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth donut pockets. Cronut - A cronut is a cross between a croissant and a donut. Cronuts have buttery, laminated dough layers like croissants and are fried like donuts. They can be sugar-tossed, glazed, or filled. Apple Fritter - Apple fritters are a batter-based donut loaded with fresh apple pieces and cinnamon. Bakers often coat their apple fritters in a simple sugar glaze, but some choose to roll them in cinnamon sugar instead. You can create gourmet fritters such as banana fritters, elderflower fritters, and peach fritters using the same preparation. Mochi Donut - Mochi donuts, nicknamed “Pon de Ring”, are made with sweet, glutinous rice flour and have stretchy, chewy textures. Before deep-frying the mochi donuts, bakers form the dough into eight dough balls and connect them in a ring. We suggest borrowing ideas from bubble tea shop menus and creating gourmet icing flavors such as matcha, honeydew, coconut, Thai tea, mango, or taro. Sourdough Donuts - Sourdough donuts are leavened with a sourdough starter, yielding donuts with delicate crusts, fluffy chews, and a zippy tang. Any topping or icing can grace a sourdough donut, but we suggest choosing a simple cinnamon-sugar coating or powdered sugar glaze that will add sweetness without distracting from the sourdough leavening agent’s flavor. Brioche Donuts - Bakers make brioche donuts with buttery brioche dough, and the donut’s fluffy texture balances its richness. Brioche donuts preserve the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of traditional yeast donuts while borrowing the tender chew typically offered by cake donuts. Fill, top, and coat brioche donuts with ingredients that befit their decadence. Back to Top 8. Healthy Donuts As the public grows increasingly health-conscious, the foodservice industry has shifted towards wholesome ingredients, plant-based alternatives, and lightened versions of classic comfort foods. To remain relevant and competitive, donut shops should offer healthy donut options that accommodate dietary restrictions. Characteristics of Healthy Donuts Accommodates dietary restrictions Uses organic ingredients Reduces calories contents Types of Healthy Donuts Bakers make these popular healthy donuts by reducing calorie contents, using organic ingredients, and eliminating common allergens and/or animal products. Keto Donuts - Keto donuts are healthier versions of classic donuts that people following the keto diet can enjoy. They use grain alternatives (almond flour, coconut flour) and sugar-free natural sweeteners (erythritol, monk fruit) to replace ingredients banned by the keto diet with acceptable ones. Gluten-Free Donuts - Gluten-free donuts accommodate gluten-sensitive patrons by replacing all-purpose flour (in cake donuts) and bread flour (in yeast donuts) with a non-glutinous flour. While you can use any gluten-free flour, all-purpose gluten-free flour is an easy, one-to-one substitute with a neutral flavor. Baked Donuts - By eliminating the oil from deep frying, baked donuts are a healthy donut option for those who want to lighten their favorite dessert. Donut pans and molds make baking donuts easy. Vegan Donuts - Vegan donuts replace animal products with wholesome plant-based alternatives, creating delicious donuts people following the vegan diet can enjoy. Soy milk helps create creamy textures, but coconut, oat, or almond milk will work well in vegan donut recipes. A high-quality vegan butter is as rich as certain types of cow's butter, so omnivore patrons will love your vegan donuts too. Back to Top 9. Filled Donuts In most cases, filled donuts are yeast-raised donuts injected with cream, curd, or jelly. The airy nature of yeast donuts provides space for fillings to occupy, and their light consistencies nicely contrast thick custards and sugary fruit fillings. You can fill chemically leavened donuts, but it’s far more labor-intensive. Because of their density, chemically leavened donuts must have their filling layered into their dough/batter before they’re cooked; a process that mirrors the steps you would take to stuff a brownie. Characteristics of Filled Donuts Typically yeast-raised Round shaped with no hole Injected with creams and fruit preserves Types of Filled Donuts Eaten year-round or to celebrate specific occasions, discover scrumptious filled donuts from across the globe. Paczki - Paczki are Polish, filled donuts served on Paczki Day (Fat Tuesday) as a rich indulgence before Lent begins. Paczki’s extremely rich yeast dough is heavy on eggs and butter and usually incorporates grain alcohol. Bakers typically fill Paczki with fruit preserves such as plum, raspberry, apricot, and rosehip. However, you can also fill them with sweet cheese or cream. To uphold tradition, roll your Paczki in powdered sugar after they’re fried. Boston Cream Donut - A Boston cream donut is a yeast-leavened, round donut filled with vanilla custard (egg yolk, cream, and sugar) and frosted with chocolate. The Boston cream donut is the descendent of the now-famous Boston Cream Pie (circa 1881), which was originally served with a brush of rum syrup. To honor its namesake, brush your Boston cream donuts with rum syrup. Berliner - A Berliner is a filled yeast donut made with generous amounts of eggs, milk, and butter. Named after its regional origin of Berlin, Germany, this donut’s classical variety, Berliner Pfannkuchen, is deep-fried in lard and filled with jam. Berliners' toppings coordinate with their fillings: brush plum-filled Berliners with butter and powdered sugar, roll raspberry, strawberry, and cherry-filled Berliners in caster sugar, and glaze all others with a rum-flavored powdered sugar icing. In modern times, people eat Berliners year-round, but they were first eaten in celebration of New Year’s Eve, Rosenmontag, and Fat Tuesday. Bavarian Cream Donut - A Bavarian Cream donut has a yeast donut shell filled with a mixture of vanilla bean, egg yolk, heavy cream, gelatin, whipped cream, and sugar, i.e., Bavarian Cream. In South America and Australia, it’s typical to slice the donut in half and sandwich generous amounts of Bavarian Cream inside. However, we inject most Bavarian Cream donuts made in the US. Bakers either roll Bavarian Cream donuts in caster sugar or sprinkled them with powdered sugar after they’re filled. Sufganiyah - Sufganiyah are a traditional Hanukkah food, eaten in remembrance of the Miracle of Oil. They are round, jam/jelly-filled donuts topped with powdered sugar. Sufganiyah do not require a particular fruit filling, and many modern varieties swap fruit fillings for custards, puddings, and even Nutella. Back to Top 10. Drop Doughnuts Drop doughnuts are made from a loose batter that is “dropped” from a spoon into hot oil and fried to golden, yielding a dense doughnut ball with a crispy outer layer and doughy interior. You can make drop doughnut batter with either a chemical or natural leavening agent, however, chemical yeast substitutes are more common. Characteristics of Drop Donuts Made from a loose batter Golden, crispy outer layer and doughy interior Typically chemically leavened Types of Drop Doughnuts While their ingredients may vary, drop doughnuts’ singular dense and doughy textures created by dropping loose batters into hot oil make them the biscuits of the donut world. Get these scrumptious drop doughnuts while they’re hot. Oliebollen - Oliebollen, which literally translates to oil balls, are Dutch drop doughnuts eaten during New Year’s celebrations in Holland. Bakers load oliebollen’s batter with currants, raisins, and apple pieces, use a spoon to form the batter into balls, and then drop the balls in hot oil. Once they’re golden brown, bakers remove their oliebollen from the oil, dust them in confectioners’ sugar, and serve them to guests while they’re still hot. African Donuts - African donuts’ nutmeg and orange-infused batter is scooped with a spoon and dropped into hot oil, where it cooks to a golden brown. You can roll African donuts in powdered or caster sugar, but they’re delicious ungarnished. Texturally complex, African donuts are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Buttermilk Drop Donuts - Less known than the beignet but locally beloved, New Orleans’ buttermilk drop donuts are the descendants of African donuts. They use nutmeg, vanilla, and (of course) buttermilk as key ingredients in their loose, sweet batter, which is dropped from a spoon into hot oil. Once the batter forms into golden brown balls, remove the buttermilk drop donuts. You can either coat them in a powdered sugar glaze or toss them in cinnamon sugar. Back to Top After learning about the ten distinct types of donuts and the many varieties each type contains, we hope you’re inspired to design a creative and authentic donut shop menu. If you’re ready to start making donuts, check out our Commercial Deep Fryer Guide to discover the right equipment for your needs. Printable Version

Whether you run a small concession stand or a large scale restaurant, our commercial microwave comparisons will help you make the right decision. Different sizes and strengths allow our selection to fit into any kitchen. Light duty models are great for break rooms and less frequent use while our hea

Cafe managers are essential to the success of a coffee shop or cafe. A cafe manager must take care of the majority of the day-to-day tasks, have an extensive knowledge of coffee, and ensure that the cafe staff are organized and ready to serve customers daily. Below, we guide you through all of the information you will need to become a cafe manager. What Does a Cafe Manager Do? A cafe or coffee shop manager is mainly in charge of overseeing the day-to-day tasks that employees perform such as prepping the cafe, making coffee, and serving customers. Other tasks depend largely on how big the coffee shop is. Some duties could be handled by the regional manager or cafe owner. Below, we outline some of a cafe managers’ key responsibilities. Cafe Manager Job Description A cafe manager job description usually features responsibilities, a job brief or description, and requirements. Usually, it is required that you have worked in the coffee industry before as either a barista or cafe manager. You need to have a good understanding of commercial coffee machines and how to make specialty drinks such as lattes and macchiatos. Cafe Manager Key Responsibilities Hiring and training new coffee shop employees Working with vendors Planning menus Assigning tasks to employees Maintaining inventory Managing budgets Providing customer service to customers Additionally, you will need to be prepared to always be on the clock. Coffee shop managers usually need to work weekends or on holidays. In some cases, if there is an emergency, you may need to drive to the location and deal with the problem. Coffee Shop Manager Salary The average coffee shop manager makes around $42,000 per year. The salary of a coffee shop manager depends on location, size of the coffee shop or cafe, and experience of the applicant. Whether the coffee shop or cafe you manage is owned by a corporate business or a private owner can also factor into the salary. How to Write a Cafe Manager Resume Be sure to include the following information on your cafe manager resume: Contact Information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email address. Summary: Write a brief blurb (1-2 sentences) that summarizes your experience and skills. Experience: List each of your past positions, their locations, the dates you worked there, and include 2-4 bullet points describing your duties. Education: List your completed education, including any majors or certifications. A degree in business administration or hospitality is usually a plus. Skills: List any appropriate skills pertaining to the position (customer service, leadership, time management) Ensure that you tailor your resume to the coffee shop that you are applying to. If you are applying at a fast-paced coffee shop, be sure to highlight that you work efficiently under pressure. If you are applying at a high-end coffee shop, focus on your experience in formal environments. Last but not least, be sure to have a friend or family member read over your resume to make sure you didn’t make any grammar mistakes or misspellings. Coffee Shop Manager Training It is most common for a coffee shop manager to move into this role through an entry-level position. But, obtaining a degree in business administration, hospitality, or restaurant management is another way to acquire this position. If a 4-year degree isn’t for you, you can also find management career diploma programs. A coffee shop manager’s training is never complete. Even once you become a coffee shop manager, you should always be looking for opportunities for growth. Below we list some opportunities for your position. Introduce new drink specials or specialty food items in your cafe. Utilize social media and marketing tactics to attract customers to your cafe. Suggest creating a rewards program where customers can get a free drink or baked good when they spend a set amount of money. Read books on restaurant management and marketing to educate yourself on new ideas. A cafe or coffee shop manager will ensure that your staff members are organized and your business is run effectively. As a coffee shop manager you can decide the type of management style you would like to utilize and eventually even open a coffee shop of your own one day.

When it comes to creating specialty coffee beverages, the delicious taste is only half the appeal. In order to step up your coffee game and really impress your guests, it’s time you learned to make latte art. Not only will this bring a personal touch to each drink your baristas create, but it’s also a great way to draw in new customers. To learn all the ins and outs of making latte art, we visited Square One Coffee. Additionally, be sure to check out the video we made with Square One on how to use an espresso machine. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Latte Art To make latte art, you first need to steam milk. Once you have steamed your milk, you're ready to start creating beautiful latte art. We'll break down how to steam milk perfectly and then create two different types of latte art. How to Steam Milk Since steamed milk is a key ingredient in creating a delicious latte and beautiful latte art, it's necessary that you know how to froth milk. While it may seem like a simple task, it can be tricky to learn how to do properly. Before you begin with the steps below, it's important to know that you should never steam your milk more than once or add cold milk while steaming. By re-steaming your milk, you can alter the proteins in it and negatively affect the texture of your frothed milk. For a latte, you'll want to fill your pitcher about half way with milk. 1.Purge the steam wand to remove any residue and to heat up your wand. 2.Submerge the wand into your milk, but do not allow it to touch the bottom of your frothing pitcher. 3.Begin frothing your milk. You should stop once you feel the pitcher becoming hot. 4.Once you're finished, wipe your wand with a cloth towel. While trained baristas will use their hand to gauge the temperature of the steamed milk, you can also use a frothing thermometer to see if the milk has reached a temperature between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. How to Make Rosetta Latte Art Before you begin steaming your milk, you should start pulling your shot of espresso. 1.Purge your steam wand. 2.Steam your milk until you feel the pitcher becoming warm. After you've steamed your milk, you'll want to swirl it around the pitcher so that the foam integrates with the milk. 3.Pour your espresso shot into a mug. 4.Begin pouring your milk high, so that it settles to the bottom. 5.As you bring your mug closer to your pitcher, make a zig-zag pattern with your milk. 6.Pour your milk through the center of your design to complete the rosetta. 7.Place your mug on a saucer with a spoon and serve. How to Make Tulip Latte Art Before you begin steaming your milk, you should start pulling your shot of espresso. 1.Purge your steam wand. 2.Steam your milk until you feel the pitcher becoming warm. After you've steamed your milk, you'll want to swirl it around the pitcher so that the foam integrates with the milk. 3.Pour your espresso shot into a mug. 4.Keeping your pitcher close to your mug, pour your milk in a quick back and forth motion to create the first section. 5.Pull away the pitcher from the mug and repeat step 4 to create a smaller, second section. 6.Once again, pull away the pitcher and repeat step 4 to create the third and final section. Then, pour your milk through the center of your design. 7.Place your mug on a saucer with a spoon and serve. For more help with making latte art, check out our video below.

If you’re looking to diversify the coffee drink options in your cafe or restaurant, then it’s time you invested in an espresso machine. Espresso is a form of coffee that is finely ground and then brewed with a small amount of nearly boiling water. Each shot of espresso contains the same amount of caffeine as the standard-sized cup of coffee, which results in it having a stronger taste. To offset the bitterness, milk can be added to the espresso to make popular drinks like cappuccino, latte, and macchiato. Making espresso can be intimidating, especially for new baristas. So, we visited Square One Coffee in downtown Lancaster to learn how to make the perfect cup of espresso. Check out the video below. Shop All Espresso Machines Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Use an Espresso Machine Learn how to use an espresso machine in nine simple steps: Make sure your portafilters are locked into the group head before use so that they are always hot when pulling a shot. 1.Detach portafilter and wipe clean to remove any leftover residue. 2.Using an espresso bean grinder, dispense your freshly ground beans into your portafilter. Before you re-attach your portafilter, you should purge the group head to run out any lower-temp water that could be resting in your water line. 3.Level the grounds in a circular motion. Be sure to remove any crumbs lingering around the edge. 4.Evenly tamp your grounds. 5.Re-attach the portalfilter to the group head. 6.Immediately begin brewing into an espresso shot glass. 7.Keep an eye on the time it takes to reach your preferred volume of espresso. 8.Pour the shot into an espresso cup. 9.Place the cup on a saucer with a spoon and serve. Espresso Terms If this is your first time working with an espresso machine, then check out the definitions of these popular espresso terms for clarification on some of the phrases used throughout our instructions and video: Crema - the light colored liquid that first comes out while extracting your espresso shot. After the darker espresso comes out and mixes with the crema, the lighter liquid filters up to the top, leaving a tan-colored layer on top of the darker espresso. Group head - the metal disc-shaped piece of an espresso machine that the portafilter locks into. This is also where the hot pressurized water is distributed to create an espresso. Portafilter - a handle that features a filter basket where you place your ground espresso beans. This is also where the water from the group head runs through. Pulling a shot - using the machine to create a shot of espresso. This phrase is a reference to older times when baristas had to pull an actual lever in order to create a shot. Purging the steam wand - allows steam to exit the wand, which helps to remove any residue and heats up your wand. Tamping espresso grounds - compacting your espresso grounds into your portafilter. This helps the pressurized water extract more flavor from your grounds since there won't be any cracks and crevices for the water to pass through.

Working as a barista is ideal for people who have a passion for coffee, those who are looking to get into the foodservice industry, or for young people that want a great first job that will teach them lots of transferable skills. Keep reading to learn what a barista is, what a typical barista job description looks like, how to advance your career as a barista, and what qualities coffee shop owners look for in a potential hire. Barista Job Description Baristas work in many different kinds of settings that range from chain coffee shops to upscale coffee houses that brew gourmet coffee. Where you work as a barista will affect your responsibilities. That being said, there is a general barista job description that applies to most positions: Serving customers and taking orders. Brewing and pouring coffee for customers. Grinding fresh coffee beans to brew coffee. Preparing other types of drinks such as teas, lattes, frappes, cold brew, and more. Managing a drive thru window, depending on the type of establishment. Handling money and making change for customers. Preparing, assembling, or serving food to customers. Janitorial duties such as cleaning coffee equipment, washing smallwares, cleaning the dining space, and maintaining the bathrooms. Professional Barista Job Description While the responsibilities above apply to all baristas, there are some additional duties that professional baristas may need to fill. A professional barista would be someone who has expanded knowledge of coffee, flavor profiles, roasts and the best brewing practices. They would most likely work in higher-end coffee shop that caters to coffee aficionados that are willing to spend more for a quality cup of coffee. Here are some additional job responsibilities professional baristas might have: Learning about different types of coffee and beans. Creating different flavor profiles and coffee blends. Making recommendations to customers based on their preferences. Using high-end coffee equipment to brew a better cup of coffee that fully brings out the tastes and aromas. Preparing a variety of espresso-based drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, caffe macchiato, and more. Making latte art for customers. How to Become a Barista Becoming a barista is an excellent job for college students or people looking to get into the foodservice industry because many coffee shops and cafes look for baristas with no experience. While having experience isn't necessary for many barista jobs, having some experience with coffee and foodservice can help you earn a job at more gourmet coffee shops. We'll explain how to become a barista with no experience as well as how to further your career as a barista with a certification. How to Become a Barista With No Experience It's very possible to become a barista with no experience, and many coffee shop owners and managers prefer applicants that have no experience. We spoke to Kelly Kissinger from Speakeasy Coffeehouse in Quitman, Texas who said, "Most of the baristas that work here have no prior experience, which I feel is a positive thing." Many other coffee shop owners also said they prefer baristas with no experience. For example, Katelyn Reed from Strange Brew Coffeehouse in Starkville, Mississippi said, "We generally keep staff 1-3 years, but very few come in with experience because they are mostly students. I actually prefer this because I can train the crew how I want to without having to "untrain" previous techniques." So, if you're considering becoming a barista, don't be intimidated if you don't have previous experience working in coffee shops. If you don't have previous experience, look for barista jobs at major coffee chains or at small coffee shops that are willing to put in the time to train you well. How to Be a Successful Barista Rather than hard skills, many potential employers look for qualities and characteristics that make for a successful barista. Here are some of the top skills a barista should have: Excellent People Skills: Katelyn Reed from Strange Brew Coffeehouse said, "We are a fast-paced work environment, so we need people that can keep a smile on their face during busy shifts." Eagerness to Learn: Tommy Lowery from Village Coffee in Troy, Alabama looks for someone with a great personality that's teachable, and then he can teach them the rest. Ability to Function in a Fast-Paced Environment: The foodservice industry, including the coffee industry, can be hectic and fast paced. Potential baristas need to be able to handle stress and juggle multiple orders at once. Detail Oriented Mindset: Brewing coffee requires many steps to fully bring out the flavors, and making a mistake can drastically alter the flavor profile of the coffee. Successful baristas should pay close attention to each step in the process to ensure quality and consistency. Ability to Build Relationships: Building relationships with customers is essential for baristas. Learning the names of your regulars and their orders makes them feel welcomed and helps keep them coming back. How to Become a Certified Barista For baristas who have been working the industry for a few years and are looking to turn their job into a career, there are several certifications out there that you can consider. Many different types of organizations run barista certification courses, so search and see what's available in your area. Why Get a Barista Certification? A barista certification is ideal for baristas who are looking to move from a chain store to a high-end store that deals more in espresso and espresso-based drinks. Additionally, many baristas choose to take the courses to learn more about their craft and to increase the quality of their coffee and beverages. Coffee shop owners and managers can also benefit from a barista certification by using the knowledge to improve their coffee selection and to make their training more authoritative. What Do You Learn in a Barista Certification Course? Here's a brief list of some of the topics a barista certification course will cover: The science of brewing coffee Barista fundamentals like grinding coffee, making espresso, and steaming milk The coffee trade and where it comes from Coffee cupping and tasting Advanced courses on preparing espresso, grinding coffee beans, and tamping The ins and outs of specialty coffee equipment Customer service Cold brewing coffee What Is a Barista? In the United States, we use the term "barista" to refer to someone who prepares and serves coffee and coffee drinks. But where did the term originate? What Does Barista Mean? The word "barista" comes from Italy, and it translates to bartender. In Italy, baristas are responsible for serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, which include coffee and espresso-based drinks. The term generally only applies to those who make coffee drinks and not alcoholic ones in the United States. Whether you're a college student looking for a part-time job, or you're a coffee aficionado who wants to share your passion with the world, working as a barista is an excellent choice. Additionally, you don't need any previous foodservice experience to learn to be a barista, which makes it an excellent entry-level position in the industry.