Kenya

Good Morning, Coffee Crew,

I am thrilled to tell you that Kenya is back!  This crop has mandarin orange flavor, syrupy body, less acidity, and round balance.  I would suggest trying this with a splash of your orange syrup or orange juice for a truly flavored coffee.  This cup pairs beautifully with fresh carrot cake.  What a way to start the day!  J

We are asked regularly about “flavored coffees”.  My standard response is to purchase your favorite coffee and add syrup flavors to make the best flavored coffees.  Some flavored coffees can be made by adding the spices to the dry coffee grounds prior to brewing, while others are best by adding the flavors after brewing.  Please ask Tanya or me for more ideas if you have customers that prefer flavored coffees.

Let’s talk profits and bottom line.  How are so many coffee shops experiencing growth and increasing profits?  They are promoting themselves online, using only the best ingredients, experimenting with teas, and offering something extra such as breads, pastries, wine, etc.  It has been said that in the past a new coffee shop could be successful by excelling in a few things.  In today’s market, we need to excel in everything we do to be successful.

We need to deliver high quality coffees with great customer service, attract new customers and retain regulars.  We must live the bottom line with energy and efficiency.  Our customers want to see us making coffee, training staff, and doing the dirty work now and then.  This helps trim labor costs and sets a great example for our employees.

We must make the effort to attract new customers regularly.  If you are shy about getting out to your customer base, send one of your baristas out with samples and flyers while you make coffee behind the bar.

Coffee is a passionate business and I am impressed by Michael Phillips who recently won the U.S. Barista Competition.  He took time off work, paid his own way to Portland, OR, and spent countless hours practicing.  He is passionate about what he does.

Last weekend we were walking a nature trail along the river and we met a gentleman walking with his oxygen tank.  Now that is commitment!  I think it is safe to say he is passionate about his health and the outdoors.

I have always enjoyed teaching and training.  My sisters will tell stories about me lining them up and “playing school”.  Lol  At one point, I learned that I couldn’t tug or drag someone into success in their business or personal goals.  My mantra became “I will put as much effort into you and your goals/business as you do”.

So, please keep that in mind when you are working with your employees, business consultant, franchisor, or mentor.  We are all here to help, but in the end none of us can be tugged or dragged into success.

Let’s have fun and let our passion and commitment show!

Peggy Sue Ennenga