Keys To The Shop : Equipping the Coffee Retail Professional

Focusing on numbers above guest experience may actually prevent you from achieving the numbers you need to sustain your business long term. Yet still people insist on creating environments in the shop that turn customers into marks to be worked for the sake to extracting as much out of them each interaction as possible so we can see average tickets rise and celebrate record days. In this case, the means to the end truly matters.  On today's episode we will be talking about how to recognize this almost reflexive and default setting cafes fall into, how to foster true service and hospitality, and why we need to focus more on the guest experience with genuine care.    KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS 2026! Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for Spring 2026 Cohort: Click below to learn more:  APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS     KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related episodes:  SHIFT BREAK! The Difference Between Numbers and Quality Numbers in The Cafe SHIFT BREAK: When Numbers Lie SHIFT BREAK! Embracing the Meaning of Money SHIFT BREAK: Adjusting Our View of Labor Cost  

When you build a trust through serving people with sincerity and passion, those same people support and uplift you. In the business of the coffee shop, those kinds of relationships are the life giving force that carries owners through the ups and downs of ownership. Today we get to talk to two of our industry's sweetest people whose cafe is built on this very thing.  I am so happy to welcome to the show, Patti and Jesse Ventura of Lontra Coffee! Patti and Jesse Ventura are a husband and wife team and the founders of Lontra Coffee. What began as a shared passion for specialty coffee turned into a journey of building their own company. They have dedicated themselves to creating intentional experiences and spaces that are rooted in quality and hospitality.  After opening their first location in Downtown Los Angeles, they are now expanding and continuing to learn and grow as owners and operators. Their mission is connecting through coffee and allowing Lontra to be a space that feels like home to everyone.      KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS! Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for Spring 2026 Cohort: Click below to learn more:  APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS     KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related episodes:  563: Founder Friday! w/ Jared Linzmeier of Ruby Coffee Roaster Founder Friday! w/ Rachel Lehman of Crema Coffee Roasters in Nashville, TN 337: Founder Friday w/ Diana Martinez of Cafe Calle, Los Angeles SPECIAL! | PART 1 Coffee Fest LA! 2024 w/ Shanita Nicholas of Sip and Sonder + Elisa Hoyos and Leo Abularach of Picaresca Barra de Cafe  

Feedback is all around us. From the customers, staff, and the business itself, we can only make great decisions for the coffee shop when we practice listening to understand. Trouble is we often avoid listening for fear of what we will hear, or because we falsely think we know what someone thinks or that their opinion cannot be helpful due to who they are or what position they hold. Today on Shift Break we will be talking about what we stand to lose personally and professionally when we do not pursue listening as a serious part of how our business will grow.  Please take time to listen to the episodes below to dive deeper into the subject of listening!   APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!  KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS  Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for Spring 2026 Cohort: Click below to learn more:  APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS     KEYS TO THE SHOP®  1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related Episodes:    415: The Best Lessons On How to Listen w/ Listening Expert, Oscar Trimboli   165 : The Art of Deep Listening w/ Oscar Trimboli 282 : How to Listen to your Customers 291 : What to do if Your Baristas Wont Listen to You

Coffee is a connector. I think we all have seen this in our personal lives, our social lives, and in the community we help facilitate through our shops. In the fast paced often stessful world of cafes and the vocation of coffee, we need to take some time, and leave some room for appreciating the real impact a simple cup can have on people.  On today's episode we will be talking all about the ways coffee does this and how we can use coffee to advance understanding, exploration, and connection with the Director of Room for Cream, Grant Garry! Grant Garry is an award winning filmmaker, actor, singer, and Certified Grief Educator. He is the director of the documentary Meet Me Where I Am -  Grant has played The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz at Opera San Luis Obispo as Disney's Beauty and the Beast, NCIS: Los Angeles, Legally Blonde: The Musical, Black Cat, Night of the Living Deb, Sweeney Todd, and Cinderella.   He hosts the podcast Where I Am on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. A long-form discussion based show about love, loss, and finding meaning as we move forward.     His recent release and project is called "Room for Cream", a series dedicated to the exploration of coffee, coffee culture, and the ways coffee facilitates connection. Related episodes:  165 : The Art of Deep Listening w/ Oscar Trimboli 415: The Best Lessons On How to Listen w/ Listening Expert, Oscar Trimboli 230 : Making room for Community in your Shop Founder Friday! Youth, Foster Care, and Human Connections Through Coffee | w/ Miah Sommer of Astute Coffee in Omaha, NE 334 : How to Approach Deescalation w/ Melissa Tucker of Mind Over Matters and Pathways to Peace   KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS! Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for Spring 2026 Cohort: Click below to learn more:  APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS     KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min   

It's a common belief that there are not enough hours in the day to do the work that we need to get done in order to run a good coffee shop. The truth of the matter is that, more than a lack of time, this feeling is a result of poor time management. In particular, not having appropriately set and strategize priorities. Today on Shift Break, we will be exploring a few ways to think about time management that will help you reduce overwhelm and get control of your schedule and do the right things that will make a difference for you and your business. APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!  KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS  Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for Spring 2026 Cohort: Click below to learn more:  APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS     KEYS TO THE SHOP®  1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related Episodes:  SHIFT BREAK! Time Management For Managers and Owners 549: The Power of Great Consistent Work Over Time SHIFT BREAK: Finding Time for Change in the Cafe

As a business grows, the relationships in it shift and and evolve. The double edged sword of success and growth in numbers, is a natural pulling away from paying attention to those relationships. IN the end, unless we fight to stay engaged and prioritize the health of our communication and care fro the people that make the cafe possible, it is only a matter of time before things start to go down hill. On today's episode we will be discussing the need for prioritization of the right things in the cafe when you start to get busy and how to attend to them so all the facets of the business are stable and healthy from the foundation up.  I cannot stress enough how important this concept it. I regularly assess cafes and the common issue beneath most issues is this.  Related episodes:  RoR #27 : Scaling and Relationships in a Small Roastery w/ Cody Gordon, Cerberus Coffee

In our pursuit of optimization, analysis, scientific rigor, and financial success, we may find ourselves wondering, "where is the life in all of this?" Could it be that in dissecting every inch of our business, we have inadvertently killed it? Today on Shift Break we will be talking about the need to remain connected to and act from the heart. Why we might feel a collective burn out and misery in what we are doing, and how, perhaps we can reclaim some joy amidst the frenzy of the shop.    APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!  KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS  Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for Spring 2026 Cohort: Click below to learn more:  APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS     KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related Episodes:  485: Your Shop vs The Industry – How to Free Yourself From Dependency 317 : Encore Episode: Death by Comparison 227 : Connecting with Hearts and Minds 566: The Problem With Systems

Coffee shop insights and resources abound! We have innumerable platforms, tools, and ideas that all have a certain amount of value...if only they are adopted and applied well and consistently to your shop On today's episode, we will be talking about the steps that owners and operators should take to go from revelation to realization when they get insights that can help their business. Too many people stop at the "aha" moment and lose the potential for lack of application. Let's fix that.  Related episodes:  330 : Establishing Systems in Your Coffee Shop 566: The Problem With Systems   Sign up for the February 11th Webinar all about PRINCIPLES FOR CAFE SUCCESS!  https://keystotheshop.com/principles-for-cafe-success/   APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!  KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS  Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for Spring 2026 Cohort: Click below to learn more:  APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS     KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min   

The experience of the customer day-in and day-out is often treated as a given. Something that is expected, but not something that is earned. We work to The real focus of our efforts should be on training and resourcing our staff to deliver a consistently excellent product, space, and hospitality experience every time. Are we truly doing that? Today on Shift Break we will be talking about how training not only needs to be harder than the work we are training for, but that training, coaching, and continued support needs to emerge as the calling card of specialty coffee or else we will continue to be known as people who talk a big game in our marketing, but miss the mark in the real world.   Sign up for the February 11th Webinar all about PRINCIPLES FOR CAFE SUCCESS!  https://keystotheshop.com/principles-for-cafe-success/     APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!  KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS  Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for Spring 2026 Cohort: Click below to learn more:  APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS     KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related Episodes: 

When we think about dialing-in, we automatically think about coffee. Changing the grind, the recipe, and other inputs and variables all to obtain an ideal outcome. Your coffee shop is not just about coffee though, and that means that other areas of the cafe need to be dialed in in order for the product of the cafe experience to be great.  On today's episode, we will be talking about the three areas of product, people, and place and how you can think about and take action to dial in each one effectively. Now is the time in our history as an industry to start truly finessing the details of what we offer in our shops so we can slowly start rebuilding the coffee bar's reputation as a great good place, a spot for consistently excellent coffee, a spot that you love serving in and love to be served in. It all starts with dialing-in.  Related episodes:    Taste the Rainbow! : Menu knowledge, tasting, flavor, coffee cupping approach to your offerings SHIFT BREAK! How Well Do You Know Your Business? 406 : Five Ways to Immediately Improve Your Coffee Quality 498: 10 Small Things to Fix in Your Coffee Shop This Week SHIFT BREAK! Is That Character or Neglect? 453 : The Craft of Operations Sign up for the February 11th Webinar all about PRINCIPLES FOR CAFE SUCCESS!  https://keystotheshop.com/principles-for-cafe-success/   APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!  KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS  Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for Spring 2026 Cohort: Click below to learn more:  APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS     KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min   

This Founder Friday we feature a couple who has been focused on giving their community excellence and warm hospitality for 13 years! Scaling deeper not wider, Tara and Martyn Knight have steadfastly cultivated something truly beautiful in Southsea Coffee  Tara and Martyn Knight are the co-founders of Southsea Coffee in Portsmouth, UK. A community-rooted coffee shop known for speciality coffee, chef-led brunch and warm, inclusive hospitality. Over 13 years, they've focused on building a business that scales deeper, not wider with strong standards, strong people, and a place where locals genuinely feel at home. Tara and Martyn sit down with me to recount their history from day one, to present day and all the growth, lessons, principles, and philosophy that have guided their operation of Southsea for over a decade.  It's very refreshing to find gems like Southsea Coffee and even more life giving to know that those behind it shine just as brightly as the business itself.  Related episodes:  542: Founder Friday! w/ Nori and Tin Burmudez of Corridor Flow, Lomita, CA 535: Founder Friday! 30 Years of Coffee! w/ Ana Burgos and Amanda Jones of Hyperion Espresso, Fredricksburg, VA

Changing things in the cafe tends to focus on image and expression. Maybe we upgrade branding, focus our menu, change lighting, furniture etc. But what is even more important in the quest to make positive changes as your grow, it to pay attention to the heart of the operation that supports everything else.  Today on Shift Break we will be talking about how to make sure you are growing both the heart and the outward aesthetics of your shop over the years. This is a great framework for those of you who feel it is time to level up or expand but want to also maintain and even improve the integrity of the cafe.  Related episodes: SHIFT BREAK: Reassessing Growth 492: How to be The Best Coffee Shop SHIFT BREAK: Are You Growing With Your Business?   Sign up for the February 11th Webinar all about PRINCIPLES FOR CAFE SUCCESS!  https://keystotheshop.com/principles-for-cafe-success/     APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!  KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS  Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for Spring 2026 Cohort: Click below to learn more:  APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS     KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min   

In coffee shops, we don't just sell coffee. We sell a variety of retail items that are related to, support, and go with coffee and with our brand. But are we doing as good with our retail as we can be? Are leaving money on the shelf or losing opportunities to serve our guests more with truly well considered, sourced, displayed, and sold retail?  Today on the show we have retail coach Wendy Batten! Wendy Batten is a retail coach and business strategist for independent small business owners and the host of the Creative Shop Talk podcast. With nearly 30 years of hands-on experience, she helps retailers grow profitably while designing a life they actually want. Known for grounded strategy, honest leadership, and a belief that success doesn't have to come at the cost of joy, Wendy coaches clients around the world from her tiny crooked cottage by the sea in Nova Scotia.  We discuss:  Wendy's Coffee Shop Genesis Lessons from the Coffee Shop The Emotional Toll of Entrepreneurship Designing a Business for Life Intentional Retail Strategies Understanding Customer Needs The Importance of Presentation Customer Psychology in Retail Training for Effective Retail Setting Boundaries While Being Kind Wendy's website:  https://wendybatten.com/   CAFE OWNERS! KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS ARE BACK!  Spring 2026 Applications are now open! Become a part of a small focused group of experienced coffee shop owners in this powerful mastermind cohort hosted by Keys to the Shop! APPLY HERE!  Learn more at this link:  https://keystotheshop.com/key-holder-coaching-groups/     KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com or book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min  Related episodes:  432 : How to Win in Specialty Retail Coffee Soul Searching in the New Landscape of Retail 211 : Straight Talk from the Retail Doctor, Bob Phibbs 173 : 5 Areas of Focus for Retailers The Hospitality Paradox : Preparing for the most critical & perplexing time in retail   SPONOR The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series!  www.pacificfoodservice.com

There is far more going on behind the scenes of your numbers than just meeting your metrics. The money that flows in and out of the business is the life blood that represents health, trust, activity, and the growth of the whole. Trouble is we either focus on it alone, or we try not to focus on it at all. The best path is the integrated one.  Today on Shift Break we will be talking about how we can think, talk, and act around the subject of money in the cafe in a healthy way, by embracing the meaning it has and tearing down ours and other's misconceptions about it.  Related episodes: 160 : The Smart Way to Approach Money w/ Jill Schlesinger SHIFT BREAK! Why The Best Hospitality Starts With The Transactional! 576: Financial Stability Using Profit First for Coffee Businesses w/ Kim Logsdon of Caffeinate Your Cash Building Trust-Credit APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!  KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS  Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for Spring 2026 Cohort: Click below to learn more:  APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS     KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min   

When you have multiple cafes and a distributed staff, getting everyone on the same page in the operations can be very challenging. In fact, it happens to be the number one reason why businesses with 2+ locations start to see a downturn in quality of product, culture, and guest experience.  Today on the show we will be answering a question from the KTTS listening audience about how to unify teams across multiple cafes. These tips come from a lot or personal experience doing things well and not so well, in addition to the lessons learned from our guests on the show and lessons learned through KTTS consulting.  Your Standards Leadership Distribution Supporting Leadership Tracking and addressing issues with frequency and intention  Communication and Accountability  Meaningful all staff meetings KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS ARE BACK!  Spring 2026 Applications are now open! Become a part of a small focused group of experienced coffee shop owners in this powerful mastermind cohort hosted by Keys to the Shop! APPLY HERE!  Learn more at this link:  https://keystotheshop.com/key-holder-coaching-groups/     KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com or book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    SPONOR The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series!  www.pacificfoodservice.com   Related Episodes: 

Quality of the coffee, experience, service, and just about anything else in the cafe will always be something an owner and leader focuses on. These days we tend to concentrate our efforts on the acquiring of quality, instead of the creation of it. All the potential those great beans, your wonderful staff, and even our space have, is just potential until you take action and render, create, and realize that potential in the cup, in the moment, in the real life of the business. Today on Shift Break we will be talking about some ways that we should be thinking about quality, the need for constant focus, maintaining excellence, and the dangers of the claim that quality is something we have already achieved and can move on. Related episodes: 533: Principles of Quality Control SHIFT BREAK: Quality Still Matters 406 : Five Ways to Immediately Improve Your Coffee Quality   KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS!  Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for Spring 2026 Cohort: Click below to learn more:  APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS     KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min   

Making your cafe run better, improving service, increasing profitability, and leveling up quality and value for your guests naturally brings to mind a host of new and different services, products, and strategies that we believe we need to employ. But the truth is that we often only need to look deeper into the existing opportunities we have to find the solutions we seek.  Today on the show we will be discussing a few areas of your shop that deserve a deeper look and more focus. Before you assume you have done all you can with what you currently have, listen to this episode and let it inspire you to maximize your existing opportunities! We will discuss: Your Community Your Current Menu Your Drink Quality Service + Hospitality Local Business Networks   KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS ARE BACK!  Spring 2026 Applications are now open! Become a part of a small focused group of experienced coffee shop owners in this powerful mastermind cohort hosted by Keys to the Shop! APPLY HERE!  Learn more at this link:  https://keystotheshop.com/key-holder-coaching-groups/     KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com or book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    SPONOR The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series!  www.pacificfoodservice.com   Related Episodes:  SHIFT BREAK! The New Classic Cafe: An Era of Understated Excellence 505: Maintaining Excellence in the Everyday Work of Coffee Shops w/ Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood Defining Excellence and Success  

It seems like the conversation we have around what can be done for staff to create more value, longevity, etc never gets around to a place where you can look at what you are doing and have done and say, you know what, that's pretty good, that is enough. Honestly it feels weird even typing it because we do want to be always maintaining and cultivating value. Today on Shift Break we will be chatting about when it is ok to look at the things you offer to your staff and say it is enough, when to pick back up the search for more value, and how not to let that natural tension drive you and your business into the ground with fear. Related episodes: SHIFT BREAK! Engaging in the Right Conversations (or how not to accept undue guilt) SHIFT BREAK! Why Following Through is the Key to Better Coffee Shops SHIFT BREAK! Holding Baristas (and Yourself!) Accountable SHIFT BREAK! Adding Value in the Cafe SHIFT BREAK: Adjusting Our View of Labor Cost CONSULTING + COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Thank you to out sponsors! Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/   The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com    

Many years ago in 2012, myself and a small team of people along with Coffee Fest Trade Shows had the pleasure of developing and running a competition called "America's Best Coffee House".  The first of it's kind team cafe competition that was, IMO, the most accurate to real cafe work competition ever made. To this day it remains unmatched in showcasing true-to-life barista skills that working baristas regularly engage in. We shipped and assembled on the show floor a fully functional coffee bar across the country 3x a year. (From POS, pour-over bar, back bar with sinks, front bar etc. the works!) Through a stringent application process including video submissions, written apps, and secret shopping, we invited cafe teams made up exclusively of 3 current baristas from that company to run this bar with a 10 min open shift, 30 min live bar serving actual customers from the show floor who also had weighted judging slips on their receipts, and a 10 min closing shift.  Along with our own standard cafe menu they were required to make, they brought their own coffee, sig drinks, pour over kettles etc. We had 3 judges judging all aspects of the competition and the teams never knew when the drinks they made would be judge by us since secret shoppers in the queue were instructed to deliver a range of drinks at random.   It was fantastic, complicated, effective, and expensive to produce (hence why we closed up shop in 2015) but the lessons we learned from the display of teamwork, cleanliness, communication, workflow, QC, hospitality, and more were incredible.  In this episode I am going to reminisce back to those competitions a bit and talk about the lessons and insights that were drawn from those intense real-life competitions and how they apply directly to your cafe. Will we ever see this competition rise up once more? Maybe not. But we can all raise our own standards and each pursue being the "Best Coffee House" where we are for the people we serve and serve with. Be sure to click the link below for a video produced during that time to see a slice of what we did. (Shout out to Joshua Boyt, Jesse Harriott, Jessica Rice, Terry Ziniewicz, Ryan Soeder, Pete Licata, Danny Loeschen, Aaron O'neal, and the Coffee Fest director at the time, David Heilbrunn.) We discuss: Integrity Real life vs on stage How time finds you out Prepare yourself for the unexpected You never know ow who is judging Team work Having a plan but being flexible Trusting the standards  Links: Video montage of America's Best Coffee House   Related Episodes:  492: How to be The Best Coffee Shop 298 : A Trophy, or Atrophy? SHIFT BREAK! Every Customer is a Judge   KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com or book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min  SPONOR The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series!  www.pacificfoodservice.com

It could be roasting, kitchen, drive thru, bakery, or any other area of where special focus is required or different systems and staff work all under the same brand and even under the same roof. When you have multiple departments you need to create a plan to bring prevent silos and promote harmony. Today on Shift Break we will be talking about the methods you can adopt to ensure that the different staff and areas of the cafe are able to function harmoniously through empathy, cross training, systems, and a culture of mutual support.  Related episodes: 489: Tips for Creating a Resilient Cafe 507: How High-Level Systems Help Your Cafe Thrive w/ Preston Lee, The 30% Rule 330 : Establishing Systems in Your Coffee Shop   CONSULTING + COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Thank you to out sponsors! Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/   The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com    

Entering the New Year is always seen as a time to make good on our intentions that got put on the back burner. Many of those intentions, if acted upon, would absolutely transform our cafes and the relationships in them. What keeps us back from acting upon the things we know to do and following through to see greater fruit from our labor?  Today on the podcast we will be talking about 4 mindsets that help deepen your roots as a leader and create habits that allow you more room and clarity to make great decisions and cultivate the thriving culture of excellence and hospitality you set out to create with your team.  We discuss: The Reason Mindsets Create Real Change Mindset 1: Practicing Patience and Long-Term Focus Mindset 2: Engaging in Regular Reflection and Accountability Mindset 3: Embracing Imperfection Mindset 4: Maintaining Flexibility in Leadership Related Episodes: 437 : The New Age of the Barista: Mindsets + Habits for Success 253 : Mindsets that Sabotage Success 571: Worrying and Other Deceptive Replacements for Good Leadership

We all want to see positive growth and good numbers in our cafe. We also want to see the ROI for the effort we put in to generate those numbers. For many, to look at the reports and see profit and everything looking healthy is a sure sign that all is well and we are doing the right things. The issue is that even with a growing profitable business, the numbers don't tell he whole story and can lull you into a false sense of confidence. Today on shift break we will be talking about the difference between the numbers and quality numbers. Quality meaning that behind that number we know is a happy and enthusiastic customer. We will also discuss why your efforts contribute to that quality and ultimately an ROI you actually can have confidence in. Related Episodes: SHIFT BREAK: When Numbers Lie SHIFT BREAK: Adjusting Our View of Labor Cost

How we care for people through our work should be the primary focus. From healthy and strong relationships and systems the help support them, we get healthy and strong businesses and a real chance at a long term sustainable operation.  Today we will be talking about some substantive ways that you can care for yourself, the staff, and your customers in ways that create a culture of excellence and mutual support. This has the added benefit of truly helping the people who came before you in the value chain as we will have a shop that represents their work very well.    Related Episodes: 5 Keys to Coffee Shop Staff Retention SHIFT BREAK! How Does Your Staff Know They Are Doing a Good Job? 194 : Encore Episode! Leadership in the Cafe: 10 Steps to being a People First Leader | Aired January 17 2017   KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com or book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min  SPONSORS Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!  www.arto.com Visit @artobrick The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series!  www.pacificfoodservice.com  

Do you feel the pull, the itch, the compulsion to add more, buy more, and create specials and new things for your customers all the time? You are not alone. The industry is filled with cafe that are stuck in a never ending cycle of making, buying, and adding new things so they do not fall out of favor or relevance as though any and every customer or barista is only a hairs breadth away form leaving and like the Keanu Reeves movie Speed, if you slow down, the whole business will explode. Today on Shift Break we will be discussing this mindset trap that snares many owners and operators and what you can do to truly gain relevancy and loyalty in your customer base. The key we will talk about lies in you ability to focus on the right things and stay the course Related Episodes: SHIFT BREAK : Trends You Can Ignore 550: Replace These Distractions and Watch Your Cafe Grow! 545: Breathing Life Into Your Coffee Shop 485: Your Shop vs The Industry – How to Free Yourself From Dependency CONSULTING + COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Thank you to out sponsors! Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/   The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com    

I love an origin story where the pluck, confidence, and unwavering belief of the founders for each other and their idea is met with the support, enthusiasm, and positive feedback of the community they set out to serve. They say your calling is where your talents intersect with what people need and today we get to talk with people who have been authoring a story just like that. Very happy today to feature the story of Matt and Elise Higgins of Origin Coffee Bar! Elise and Matt Higgins are the husband-and-wife founders of Origin Coffee Bar, with cafés in Savannah and Hilton Head Island. Creative and entrepreneurial at heart, they launched Origin in 2020 with a focus on generosity, community, and excellent coffee. Elise, originally from Michigan, oversees social media, the food program, and guest experience, while Matt, a New England native, leads roasting, coffee quality, brand, and wholesale. In today's episode we will be taking you from the first inkling that coffee was the path they should pursue, -through to today where they now have an 2 established cafes and a roasting operation that are continuing to grow. We discuss: * Life as design students, craft entrepreneurs, and the idea for coffee * The lessons from the Mobile Coffee Bar * Navigating Opportunities + The Power of Intuition * The Importance of Culture and a Great Team * Balancing Work and Relationship * Secrets of Partnership * Establishing Standards * The Role of Systems in Growth * Learning from Customers and Team * Quality Control at Scale * Why Entrepreneurs Need Confidence and Generosity Links:  https://origincoffee.bar/ https://www.instagram.com/origincoffee.bar     Related Episodes: SHIFT BREAK: Reassessing Growth 362: How to Handle Growth in Your Coffee Shop 514: Founder Friday! w/ Raoul Adwan of Thrd Coffee in Chicago, IL! 518: How to Run a Coffee Shop w/ Meaningful Hospitality   KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com or book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min  SPONSORS Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!  www.arto.com Visit @artobrick The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series!  www.pacificfoodservice.com  

A listener asked me a question recently about how to approach operating a coffee shop in a rural setting versus a larger city. After a short exchange over email I decided it was some thing that we should probably chat about here on the show. After all, specialty coffee shops are popping up more and more in suburban and rural settings, and there may be some key distinctions to consider. Today we will be talking about some different differences between the two settings and how you as a professional or an operator manager or owner can approach hospitality and business in each of these settings in a way that best serves the people in those communities. We will also talk about the limits of those differences and turn to how they are not too dissimilar, and give you a frame work that will help you ask the right questions before making decisions around menu, style, and approach.       KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com or book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min  SPONSORS Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!  www.arto.com Visit @artobrick The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series!  www.pacificfoodservice.com  

The life of your business is going to be determined by how easily and frequently you and your staff can identify, during the workday, behaviors and events that represent the values of your company. The problem is that because we are so busy with the tasks of the work, it makes it difficult for us to identify those times in the work that can help motivate nourish and sustain us. Today on shift break, we will be talking about your role as a leader to help identify values on shift. This practice will result a team of people ready to not only recognize the difference between bad and good behaviors and situations on bar, but it will create staff who then independently pursue furthering the good. Related episodes:    329 : How to Teach Company Values to Your Staff Scaling Values Bridging the Values-Actions Gap   Click here to register for our new webinar!  "The Keys to the Shop: Principles for Cafe Success" Tickets are limited and you will want to secure your seat soon!    CONSULTING + COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Thank you to out sponsors! Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/   The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com  

Many owners struggle to make a profit and to pay themselves. This inevitably will lead to burn out and disillusionment and sadly for many closing down the shop before ever really seeing what it's potential could have been. Making money in your cafe has a lot to do with how well you track and manage what you already make. Enter the Profit First system and the coach who helps apply it to the world of coffee shops, Kim Logsdon! Kim Logsdon is a long time CFO and financial consultant who has worked with business owners and entrepreneurs for the past 30 years. She started her consulting journey in banking working with entrepreneurs and private equity advisors providing them with financial services and credit facilities to grow and expand their businesses organically and through acquisitions. Kim has also had substantial personal experience as an entrepreneur and business leader where she further deepened her expertise that her clients today rely on to help them navigate their own journeys.   Among the entrepreneurs Kim works with, she has a particular focus on coffee shops and coffee roasters to help them with cash flow issues and achieve financial stability through here personal caching using the Profit First methodology. She also help streamline operations with Pumpkin Plan business strategies and is launching the Money Habit Mentor program to help owners and team achieve financial freedom in their personal lives. In todays episode we will be discussing: What is Profit First and why might you need it Why do owners pay themselves last? Why managing money well and specifically is the key to stability How to go about applying this framework to your business How much should you be saving and investing? Common hurdles or points or resistance The real cost of not managing finances and the real profits to be had Links:  https://kimlogsdon.com/   Related episodes:  SHIFT BREAK! The Two Kinds of Margin You Need in the Cafe 202 : Mastering your Finances and Accounting w/ Keila Hill-Trawick of Little Fish Accounting 223 : Building a Financially Resilient Business w/ Andrew Carroll KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com or book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min  SPONSORS Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!  www.arto.com Visit @artobrick The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series!  www.pacificfoodservice.com  

You read this kind of question mostly from nervous owners who are glued to their screen and anxiously review every data point with bloodshot eyes. Like a nervous flyer, ever bump on the plan is a sure sign of an imminent crash, but here's the thing, it's not.  Today on shift break we will be talking about why these kind of questions, while cathartic, actual reinforce a mindset that will rob you of the peace you seek and what you should do instead. Related episodes:  SHIFT BREAK! Get Your Cafe to Stand Out Without Losing Your Footing Getting Them In By Getting Out! SHIFT BREAK: Getting Over the Awkwardness of Leadership 453 : The Craft of Operations

For the last 10 years The Barista League has been putting on competition/events that tap into the culture of the working barista and offers a fun environment that also showcases and celebrates the skills of the people who serve customers globally. In the current landscape where competition is increasingly isolated from reality and can easily be seen as a place to conform, perform TBL is a needed balance. Now they are taking the next step in their evolution and introducing a newer format and judging criterial born from their ten years of conversations with he baristas they hope to serve. and we are going to talk all about it with the founder, Steve Moloney! Steve is a long time coffee professional, barista, and 2x Swedish Barista Champion who for the last tan years has been leading the event and competition The Barista League. Criss crossing the globe every year Steve and the team get to see a wide variety and sampling of the various barista cultures that make coffee a wonderful and diverse landscape.  Today we are going to talk with Steve about: The purpose and evolution of The Barista League Why it is important to recognize the real elements of bar work Team competition and what it does to enhance professional development The need for expression and fun in coffee New format and criteria Measuring the customer experience  What should we strive for in shops to push coffee forward Links: www.thebaristaleague.com IG: @thebaristaleague   Related Episodes: 250 : Planning better Events w/ Steven Moloney of The Barista League SHIFT BREAK! How To Get The Most From a Coffee Event 297 : Making Coffee Education Fun w/ Suneal Pabari of Leaderboard Coffee 162 : Discussing "Baristastainability" w/ Jenna Gotthelf of Counter Culture Coffee

If you want to run a great coffee shop, loving people is one of the most important things to have at the foundation of all you do. It is also sometimes the hardest and requires intentional pursuits of a visions and a tenacity that always seeks out ways to improve communication, service, hospitality, and quality to make sure both staff and customers consistently feel the love.  I am happy that we get to chat with someone whose cafe and pursuit of what coffee service and community can look like has been making an big impact in a small eastern Washington town. Today we will be talking with the founder of Kittitas Cafe, Mackenzie Cohen!  After working in the food and beverage industry in the U.S. and in Australia for over a decade, Mackenzie found her love for coffee, food, and people was so overwhelming she needed to make it her career! The Kittitas Cafe's unofficial motto is, "love on people so much, they can't help but love us back." So far, it's worked pretty well for them! Kittitas Cafe has formed an incredibly loving community, introduced people to coffee and food they otherwise may never have tried, and has provided careers for people that offer growth and fulfillment.  Some things we will cover: Inspiration Behind Opening the Cafe Influences of Coffee Culture What is "The Athleticism of Service" What it Looks Like to Love People Well The importance of Creating a Supportive Team Environment Viewing Management as a continuous learning process Challenges, proud moments, and Building Relationships with Customers How Balance Staff and Customer Needs Menu Evolution From Staff Conversation and Feedback Gratitude as a Lifeline to Staff   Links: 535: Founder Friday! 30 Years of Coffee! w/ Ana Burgos and Amanda Jones of Hyperion Espresso, Fredricksburg, VA

It is that time of year here in the U.S. where many will reflect on what they are thankful for. In this current age where bad news and reasons to despair abound, it is even ore important to fight for and seek out the good and positive in our lives. But even for those of us who see value in this tradition of listing what we have to give thanks for, it often remains only a once per year thing.  On today's Shift Break we will be chatting about what truly being thankful should lead to in the way we live and act toward the people we have in our lives and businesses and even to ourselves when the opportunities and challenges that make up daily work life arrive. When we really believe and know that we are thankful, and we allow ourselves to be impacted by it, great things are more likely to happen and to be recognized when they do. Related Episodes:  Thankfulness and Giving Energy to the Positive   Priorities and Deep Thankfulness SHIFT BREAK! Engaging in the Right Conversations (or how not to accept undue guilt) Emotions, Self-Sabotage, and Telling Ourselves the Truth 100! Why YOU are the Key   Click here to register for our new webinar!  "The Keys to the Shop: Principles for Cafe Success" Tickets are limited and you will want to secure your seat soon!    CONSULTING + COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Thank you to out sponsors! Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/   The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com  

And we are back with the second part of our exploration of common barista myths! I have to say, the main point for both the owner and barista episodes is to encourage everyone to exercise a patience, humility, curiosity, and a sense that there may be more to a story that what we initially see. The culture of coffee shops is shaped on aspirations and passion, but also on assumptions that can damage, hold back, and make toxic an otherwise promising career or cafe. So with all that said I want to cover another set of myths that baristas (ie: future managers, owners, trainers etc) believe and what might be a better way to address what the myth is based on. We cover: Don't expect much from your boss We will cover: Don't expect much from your boss Gatekeeping is always negative Being a barista is my only option to work in coffee My standing in the community is my significance as a professional If I am not happy it is the business fault My work as a barista doe not make a difference Links: 570: Myths Baristas Believe Part 1 556: Myths Coffee Shop Owners Believe Part 1 559: Myths Coffee Shop Owners Believe Part 2 SHIFT BREAK! Get Your Cafe to Stand Out Without Losing Your Footing 331 : The 7 Deadly Sins of my Career SHIFT BREAK: Evil Owners and Lazy Baristas 531: Why the Rise Convenience Coffee is a Good Opportunity for Coffee Shops   Click here to register for our new webinar on December 5th 2025! "The Keys to the Shop: Principles for Cafe Success"   KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com or book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min  SPONSORS Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!  www.arto.com Visit @artobrick The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series!  www.pacificfoodservice.com  

I was invited to speak recently to a group of coffee professionals on the state of the industry based on what I have experienced through my consulting, career, and interviews. One of the main things I shared was that coffee quality in roasted form is at an all time high. But quality is embarrassingly low. The issue is not the coffee, equipment, access to information, or even money. It is a refusal to train staff and continue investing in their abilities to deliver quality. Today on Shift Break we will be discussing the urgent need for today's coffee shop to invest in and develop their staff with relevant and effective training. This has to be a priority and we are seeing the consequences across the industry as customers faith in our ability to deliver continues to decline and convenience innovations continue o go up. The solutions to your problems are not in tech, finance, or sourcing. It is in relationships, personal growth, and a culture of training that maximizes the value of each opportunity to represent the coffee well and serve the guest with excellence. Related episodes:  SHIFT BREAK! You Need to Avoid This HUGE Training Mistake! 527: Thoughts on How to Approach Training and Onboarding You Need to Prioritize In-House Training! Ineffective Training The Insult of Sink or Swim Training 339 : What Good Barista Training Produces Click here to register for our new webinar!  "The Keys to the Shop: Principles for Cafe Success" Tickets are limited and you will want to secure your seat soon!    CONSULTING + COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Thank you to out sponsors! Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/   The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com    

Water for coffee. This is the biggest area of quality control focus that we must always monitor and check to provide constantly excellent coffee. Learning about water can come from various sources and for many busy operators it is tempting to learn a couple things and use that knowledge forever vs continually learning and gaining just as thorough an understanding of water as you do with coffee.  Thankfully we have a resource like the book Water for Coffee that has been created and is now in production of the 2nd edition! Today we talk with returning guest and co-author of Water for Coffee, Maxwell Dashwood! We will cover: The background and evolution of the book "Water for Coffee" What has changed in the upcoming new edition "Built water" is great, but not always Water's role in affecting coffee flavor How mineral salts change coffee taste The case for natural water offering more complexity Why different waters are required for different methods of extraction  The need to open ourselves to the nuances vs dogma Links: Get the new book: Water For Coffee https://www.instagram.com/mcolonnadashwood/     Click here to register for our new webinar!  "The Keys to the Shop: Principles for Cafe Success"     KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com or book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min  SPONSORS Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!  www.arto.com Visit @artobrick The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series!  www.pacificfoodservice.com          

Here is why I am thrilled to be launching this live webinar called "The Keys to the Shop: Principles for Cafe Success".  The more conversations and exchanges we have where we get to clarify, fortify, and focus on excellence in things that matter, the better all our businesses become.  In the last almost 9 years KTTS has offered free content in the form of the 2x per week podcast to help operators steward and grow their business by focusing on people, operations, and quality.  Now we are prod to announce a new accessibly priced webinar that will specifically address those three areas and deliver insight, tools, and methods to achieve excellence so you and your people thrive in the running of your shop.  The Keys to the Shop: Principle For Cafe Success Webinar Date: December 5, 2025 at 12:00PM EST Length: 90 minutes (60 min teaching + 30 min live Q&A) Investment: $99 (includes workbook + 1:1 consultation for all who attend) Here is what you will learn: One hour of focused content + 30 minutes live Q&A to give you practical insights and tools you can apply immediately to your cafe's operations, people, and quality. Develop operational values that guide hiring and unlock culture & performance Proven communication systems that produce clarity and buy-in from baristas How to be the leader and coach your staff needs Which cafe systems help manage the day-to-day business How to remain flexible and refine operations over time Best ways to schedule your time and organize your energy Establish and maintain quality standards and staff training for excellence Accountability and staying invested in your and your staff's development  Link to sign up: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER WHILE THERE IS SPACE!   I hope to see you on December 5th!    -Chris  

If you listen to every well meaning linkedIn post or biz hack YouTube video you can stand out so much that you actually lose touch with he foundation of your business. Today on shift break we will talk about ways to pursue more customer attention but in a way that reinforces your roots and foundations vs pulling you aways from them.  Differentiation Takes Time! 559: Myths Coffee Shop Owners Believe Part 2 433: Winning Staff and Customer Loyalty 390 : 7 Ways to be Consciously Competitive Exclusivity is a Bad Strategy   CONSULTING + COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Thank you to out sponsors! Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/   The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com    

Time for our last installment of live interviews from Coffee Fest 2025. This time from Orlando, FL USA! We are talking with four awesome professionals about everything from training and tasting, Florida coffee culture and barista work - to career dreams coming true through hard work and faith, and empowering your baristas with distributed management!  First we are talking with Claudio Martinez! For Claudio, coffee has never been just a drink, it is part of his soul, rooted in his family's 70-year heritage in Honduras. That connection was reignited in Thessaloniki, Greece, where, under the mentorship of Tony Sebastian of I Heart Coffee Roasters, he embraced the beauty, tradition, and community that coffee represents. His first hands-on experience came in a small drive-through coffee shop in Ellendale, North Dakota, owned by a close friend. As a young barista, Claudio discovered the joy of serving others one cup at a time. That spark guided him forward, leading to opportunities with global icons such as Lavazza, where he worked as a trainer and educator, and later with List + Beisler, where he shared exceptional coffees as a green trader with roasters across the country. Each step nurtured his gratitude and reinforced his belief in coffee as a bridge between cultures and communities. Today, as the driving force behind Golden Bush Coffee, Claudio channels that lifelong passion into supporting food and beverage communities throughout Florida and beyond. His mission is grounded in humility and purpose, guided by the belief that coffee is never just about what's in the cup—it is about people, stories, and the connections it creates. Links:  https://goldenbushcoffee.com/ https://www.instagram.com/goldenbushcoffee/   Next up we feature Vanessa Jaramillo! Vanessa Jaramillo is the Regional Events & Operations Coordinator for Florida Coffee Culture, where she helps connect and celebrate the people behind Florida's growing specialty coffee scene. As a Colombian-American, Vanessa's connection to coffee began long before she became a barista — she visited origin before ever working behind a bar. After discovering specialty coffee in Australia during her gap year, she returned to Florida with a deep passion for community and storytelling. With three years in the coffee industry, Vanessa has immersed herself in every part of the craft — from cuppings and throwdowns to competitions and community events. She's driven by the belief that coffee is a universal connector that brings people together from all walks of life. Links: https://www.flcoffeeculture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/floridacoffeeculture/ We then turn to chat with Maria Esther Lopez Thome! María Esther is the Co-Founder and Co-Creator of Coffea School, a Coffee & Tea Training Center located in Miami Gardens, Florida. Lawyer, with Master in Tax and Administrative Law. Q-Instructor. SCA Authorized Trainer in the entire Coffee Skills Program, from seed to cup. SCA-ReCo Fellow. SCA Technical Standard Committee Fellow, 2016-2018. CQI Q-Processing Professional. CQI Quality Evaluation and Post-Harvest Processing Assistant Instructor. CVA Program Trainer. Has traveled the world teaching about coffee: Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Ethiopia, United States. Passionate about coffee and the incredible relationships that growth in within. A sustainability believer, always willing to learn more.  Links: https://coffeaschool.com/ https://www.instagram.com/coffeacompany/?hl=en Finally we round off the episode with a wonderful conversation with Katherine Morris! Katherine Morris is the Owner and CFO of Cherry Coffee Company in Fort Worth, Texas, which includes Cherry Coffee Shop, a values-driven neighborhood café, and Novel Coffee Roasters, a specialty roastery with a focus on intentional sourcing and private-label partnerships. With over 18 years of experience across finance, nonprofit, and hospitality, Katherine blends operational know-how with a people-first approach to leadership. At Cherry, she introduced a shared management model that empowers baristas to lead key areas of the business — from coffee development to inventory — helping create a resilient, collaborative team culture. Links:  https://cherry-coffee.com/ https://www.instagram.com/cherrycoffeefw/?hl=en     Click here to register for our new webinar!  "The Keys to the Shop: Principles for Cafe Success"       KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com or book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    CHECK OUT FUTURE COFFEE FEST SHOWS! WWW.COFFEEFEST.COM    

In my live workshops with owners and teams, coaching calls with clients, and even in interviews here on the show run into many go-to habits that are replacements for healthy leadership. Today we are going to be discussing a few of these mindsets and habits that can easily be a sort of counterfeit for the real deal. The real nefarious thing about each of theses habits is the confirmation bias that makes them habits in the first place. It is my hope that, if you are practicing these things , you get to step away and see clearly the pattern and replace them with the genuine article.  We cover: Worry Doubt Toxic grace People pleasing Indecision Rushing Dictating Related episodes: Encore Episode : 6 Truths about Power Empowering Staff to make the right Call 074 : The Life Changing Power of Good Authority w/ Jonathan Raymond Toxic Vulnerability : Barista care, leadership, vulnerability, thoughtful management, coffee culture, coffee family , professionalism When Patience is not a Virtue Why You Need to Back up Your Policies 184 : Making Great Business Decisions w/ Dave Stachowiak   Click ere to register for our new webinar!  "The Keys to the Shop: Principles for Cafe Success"     KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    SPONSORS Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!  www.arto.com Visit @artobrick The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series!  www.pacificfoodservice.com        

In our world of coffee shops we feel if we can get through the day without too many disasters or fires that we are doing well. The people we put into various roles adopt a similar mindset of avoidance of bad is equal to accomplishing good. but when you reflect back on your day and even career, when you have this mindset you are left with a bag full of air. No substance to show you did a good job because none of us were identifying and work toward specifics, we were working to avoid problems and accept vague generalities. Today on shift break we will be talking about how to set up yourself, and everyone else for success by defining the work and what a good job looks like so we can have sustainable work that fills us with the evidence of a good job, not just a bad job avoided.  Related Episodes:  172 : Why Tracking Performance is a Must! 489: Tips for Creating a Resilient Cafe

At this show we believe that the onus for setting people up for success and being the chief servant of those above them is squarely on the leader or owner of the cafe. they have more power, say, and responsibility. With that said we must not pretend that they are the only ones who have power, authority, influence or responsibility. Baristas also have these things and how well they do in their career or how good they feel about the work they do is in no small part based on stewarding the things they have taken on when choosing to represent the coffee, the company, and the well being of their co-workers and guest. How well a barista does here can determine what future leadership in cafes looks like. But there are some beliefs we need to address. Today on the show we venture into the world of myths that baristas believe and breakdown the nuances surrounding many assumptions that take root that are not always so helpful in producing the kind of positive change we want to see advanced in coffee. We cover: The owner is probably exploiting you The cafe is where I get to express myself I don't owe anyone my emotional labor Customers are the worst educating myself in coffee and success in competitors means I am a good barista This is my bar Related episodes: Baristas Are Not Magic 561: How to Motivate Baristas SHIFT BREAK! How Not To Be a Jerk When Training Baristas SHIFT BREAK: Evil Owners and Lazy Baristas The Barista Slump : Thoughts on how to deal with times of love-loss, uncertainty, hardship, and weariness in your coffee career 031 : Essential Advice for New Baristas : Tips to help you successfully navigate and thrive in your new coffee career Reasonable Expectations

Being a small roastery is beautiful thing. Agility, lower waste, and a different flavor intentionality and flexibility offer many advantages that can aid in building an engaged community around your coffee. Today on Rate of Rise, brought to you by our friends at Mill City Roasters, we will be talking with Adrian Seligman whose small batch roastery, Scandinavian Alps Coffee Roasters, has exemplified these traits with a community of customers who have joined him in his coffee journey.  Adrian Seligman is the founder of Scandinavian Alps Coffee Roasters, an independent specialty coffee roastery based in Hemsedal, Norway. Blending his passion for the mountains with a dedication to precision and storytelling, Adrian has built a small-batch roasting company known for its clean, expressive Nordic-style coffees, fun easy going blends, and creative collaborations with brands like Salomon and Blundstone. His roasting philosophy centers on clarity, terroir, and craftsmanship — treating each batch as a reflection of both nature and discipline. Through Scandinavian Alps Coffee Roasters, Adrian continues to champion quality, consistency, and community from the heart of the Norwegian Alps. We will discuss:  Adrian's journey from ski instruction to coffee roaster Limitations due to the size of available spaces. The power of local community  Why entrepreneurship in remote areas requires creativity The intersection of tradition and modern business. Shifting styles of roasting from feedback  The advantages of small operations     Related Episodes: RoR Live! #9 : Roasting Innovation and Consistency w/ Scott Rao RoR#38 : A Better Way to Think About Roasting Dark, w Erik Johnson of Thinkwell Coffee RoR #35: The Core 7 : Practical Disciplines for a Successful Roastery w/ Luke Waite | Pomelo Coffee Consulting   Our Sponsor for Rate of Rise! www.millcityroasters.com

It's Founder Friday! I am happy to welcome to the show Kenny Kuk, and Hong Shin of Haan Coffee Roasters in Orlando Florida! Haan Coffee has been in operation since 2020 starting first as a roastery and quickly a cafe space to showcase the beautiful coffees and hospitality they are known for. The four friends Suzie Shin, Kenny Kuk, Albert Kang that founded Haan had an affinity for business, coffee, and a desire to serve people and honor their shared Korean culture. Haan Coffee Roasters was born as a project to share these things with the diverse guests in their Orlando, FL community. I have enjoyed their hospitality and coffee several times in recent years and am happy we could sit down with Kenny and Hong to tell the tale. We discuss: The idea that started their coffee journey going from popcorn popper to proper roaster developing the standards for coffee and service how to assemble a winning team leadership with empathy how to curate a coffee menu that is accessible but adventurous communication and working together as an ownership team  The unique Korean culture and architecture that goes into their cafe Why it is critical to know your staff in order to meet their needs Advice to other owners on how to build a people first brand   Related Episodes: 542: Founder Friday! w/ Nori and Tin Burmudez of Corridor Flow, Lomita, CA 391 : Founder Friday! w/ Megan Wilson of Spuds Coffee in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Coffee shops come in all shapes, styles, sizes, and focus on many different aspects of social experience and craft. If we look back we can see that certain themes emerge. Whether it is the 90's coffee shop with bold colors, self serve airpots, lots of sugar, and no wifi, the early 2000's sparse coffee temples with no sugar, or the modern coffee shops that seem to be serving anything but coffee as long as it sells. (that last one is me being cynical)  The cafe will always be a bit of a litmus test for the culture. In today's Shift Break we will be talking about what I believe is emerging as a new classic coffee shop model and why it just may be the best version to come out yet owing to some timeless traits that may help us make actual progress. This episode was the response to a question a listener asked me. We exchange a few voice memos on IG and I thought it would make a great subject. If you have a question, please reach out!     CONSULTING + COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Thank you to out sponsors! Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/   The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com          

There are many ways to mess up a perfectly good espresso machine. By contrast, virtually all of them are preventable if you follow only a few specific strategies to care for what is likely to most expensive piece of equipment in your store. Now another question, where can you find these best practices and techniques along with detailed "whys" behind the "whats" of espresso equipment maintenance? Lucky for us, it is not all in one book!  I am thrilled to welcome back to the show long time espresso tech and now author, Jon Ferguson!  Jon Ferguson has worked in specialty coffee for nearly 20 years, with hands-on experience in roasting, green coffee, equipment service, and barista training. He has owned and operated both a roasting company and a coffee tech service business. Jon has served as a volunteer sensory and technical judge for both regional and national coffee competitions, was a U.S. Brewers Cup and U.S. Cup Tasters runner-up in 2012, and has participated as an international juror for the Cup of Excellence on several occasions. A regular speaker at industry events like Coffee Fest, Specialty Coffee Expo, and World of Coffee, Jon has contributed to Barista Magazine, Daily Coffee News, and professional coffee blogs. Coffee Under Pressure: A Guide to Espresso Machine Ownership is his first book, blending his passion for service work with a deep respect for the effort it takes to keep machines running smoothly.    Links:   Buy on Barnes and Nobles   https://www.instagram.com/coffeeunderpressure/     Related episodes:  312 : How to Choose the Right Machine for Your Shop w/ Chad little of La Marzocco

The only way to really know how your business is doing, is to know how your staff are doing. Do you know, to the person, how each staff member is doing with service, hospitality, and skill in crafting coffee? This seems like it should be a no brainer but an incredible number of owners simply assume rather than verify and in so doing they end up with problems that could have been avoided as well as missing opportunities that go unrecognized.  Today on Shift Break we will be talking about the need to not only now, but to participate the continual development of people, their skills, and the support of all who take on the work that makes the shop possible.  Related Episodes:  Taste the Rainbow! : Menu knowledge, tasting, flavor, coffee cupping approach to your offerings 406 : Five Ways to Immediately Improve Your Coffee Quality 181 : Organizational Self-Knowledge SHIFT BREAK: Evil Owners and Lazy Baristas 485: Your Shop vs The Industry – How to Free Yourself From Dependency 424: Developing Menu and Hospitality Guides Good Baristas aren't born, they're Made     CONSULTING + COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Thank you to out sponsors! Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/   The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com      

Almost every conversation you see online about coffee focuses on home coffee vs cafe. It is a very interesting and relevant topic in this time of explosive growth where tools, information, and good coffee itself abounds. Another aspect of this conversation though is less discussed and maybe even more relevant, in what ways are cafes themselves positioned to learn from what makes online educators so successful to make their own customers successful in enjoying their coffee. Today's guest is perhaps the best in the space in terms of deepening peoples fascination and enjoyment of coffee globally.  It is always an honor to welcome to the show, James Hoffmann! James Hoffmann is the co-founder of Square Mile Coffee Roasters, a multi-award-winning coffee roasting company based in East London. He was the 2007 World Barista Champion, having won the UK Barista competition in both 2006 and 2007. He has a YouTube channel with over 2.3 million subscribers, where he makes videos about anything and everything to do with coffee. He is the author of The World Atlas of Coffee (first edition 2014, second edition 2018, third edition 2025) and the Sunday Times bestseller How to Make the Best Coffee at Home (2022). We discuss:  The Growing Appetite for Coffee Knowledge Shifting Perspectives on Coffee Education The Fun Side of Coffee Exploration Feedback and Community Engagement The Distinction Between Home and Cafe Coffee The Role of Hospitality in Coffee Experience The State of Coffee Innovation The Importance of Thoughtful Decision-Making Creating Unique Value in Coffee Content Community and Responsibility in Coffee Links:  https://www.youtube.com/@jameshoffmann https://www.jameshoffmann.co.uk/ www.theworldatlasofcoffee.com   Related episodes:    242 : A Conversation with James Hoffmann 404 : Education, Home Brewing, and Launching a Roastery w/ Kyle Rowsell, September Coffee 333: Bridging the Professional and Home Barista Gap w/ Lance Hedrick of Onyx Coffee Lab SHIFT BREAK! What Customers Value and How to Deliver It 480: Focus on What Your Customers Love  Insights into the specialty coffee industry and its challenges. KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS!  Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for fall 2025 Cohort: Click below to learn more: APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS   KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min      SPONSORS Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!  www.arto.com Visit @artobrick The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series!  www.pacificfoodservice.com    

The great Danny Meyer said, "Policies are nothing more than guidelines to be broken for the benefit of our guests". I come back to this idea often when trying to balance the tension between the need for structure and boundaries, and the freedom to be flexible in them and sometimes in spite of them. Today on Shift Break we will be talking about when to break the rules you make in your shop, when not to, and why it is critical to delivering on great hospitality to be flexible in how you operate. Related episodes: 414: Secret Ingredients for a Successful Coffee Shop 549: The Power of Great Consistent Work Over Time The Conversational Reality of Your Business : Thought on how to approach creative projects in the new year   HIRE KTTS CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Thank you to out sponsors! Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/   The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com    

Systems are a necessary part of running a great coffee shop, but they do not make the shop great. As much as I talk about systems and structures on this show, the truth is, there are some problems with even the best systems when they are not part of a larger focus. Something that brings it all together. On this episode we are going to be talking about why cafes are far more than systems, what problems can arise when systems are made the end and not the means, and what you can do in your shop to make sure that you have things in their right order. Related Episodes:  330 : Establishing Systems in Your Coffee Shop Empathetic Systems Encore Episode : 6 Truths about Power Keep Systems Simple! 507: How High-Level Systems Help Your Cafe Thrive w/ Preston Lee, The 30% Rule   KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min      SPONSORS Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!  www.arto.com Visit @artobrick The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series!  www.pacificfoodservice.com    

Sharing is caring!...but when you overshare with your managers it can easily be the opposite. You have a lot on your mind and often not a lot of people to share it with. The closest person is most often the manager or GM and they "get" to hear all about your plans, hopes, crazy ideas etc. Feels good for you, but for them it can be a huge burden that distracts them from their main work. Today on Shift Break we will be talking about why oversharing is a trap that should be avoided and what your discourse and relationship to your management team should look like to avoid burnout, overwhelm, distraction, and confusion.  Toxic Vulnerability : Barista care, leadership, vulnerability, thoughtful management, coffee culture, coffee family , professionalism

Who you are cannot be what someone else is or is not. What makes you unique and valuable is not born from comparative analysis and cold execution n what you think a "wimning" formula is. Making and keep specialty coffee special is a simple exercise in growing in knowledge, wisdom, and consistent conversation with yourself, your team, your community, and the greater world around you. Trouble is that we often want to skip the meaningful parts, and borrow other peoples identities as our own in hopes of success.  On today's episode we will be talking about what makes the small independent specialty retailer special. Why Starbucks closure of 400 stores is a warning for us to distance ourselves from the false notions of learning good business from big business, and the simple steps and philosophies that lead to sustainable and fulfilling cafe operation.  Related Episodes:  Excellence In The Things We Hate 181 : Organizational Self-Knowledge 523: Encore: How We Ruin Specialty Coffee Experience The Quality Standards Equation How to talk to Customers about Coffee SHIFT BREAK! What Customers Value and How to Deliver It SHIFT BREAK! Adding Value in the Cafe   KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING! If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min      SPONSORS Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!  www.arto.com Visit @artobrick The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series!  www.pacificfoodservice.com