Guatemala Tikal

Good Morning, Coffee Drinkers,

I am sipping a cup of Guatemala Tikal.  This is an SHB (shade grown at high elevation).  Tikal has the typical citrus and smoky characteristics Guatemala is known for, and also an exceptional sweetness and lingering toffee finish.  You might enjoy this coffee with a Snickerdoodle cookie, Snickers candy bar, or Polish sausage.  Have fun with this versatile coffee!

Have you considered a coffee club or coffee of the month?  If this is something you would like to offer your customers, ask me for coffee suggestions if you need help.

Do you have a website?  Try offering coupons online, and you will learn who your internet customers are.

We have discussed “branding” and your company culture.  Are you a business friendly shop?  If so, here are some ideas:

1.        Offer a computer and/or network printer for customer use

2.       If you have extra space, create a small private “office” available for meetings or phone calls

3.       Sell a few office supplies such as pens or notebooks

4.       Create a small map or directory to local services that would be helpful to out of town customers

5.       Host networking events, seminars, mixers, and training events for small businesses

These ideas can be adapted by drive thru coffee shops as well with a little creativity.  Coffee shops are already known as a place to relax, study, meet friends, and just hang out.  We can also be an incubator for small businesses.

Training:

Our employees won’t know every aspect of making coffee or the duties expected of them unless we teach them every detail.  First we must teach the techniques and then the employees must learn consistency in drink making.  Baristas become more excited and confident if they are trained well.

The lengthy coffee education process will help employees learn about the coffees and flavor characteristics.  This takes lots of practice.  Pulling bad shots of espresso are as important in practicing as pulling good shots.  Baristas will understand the importance of proper techniques when they taste for themselves.  For example, over-extracted espresso has a bitter flavor, and under-extracted espresso has a sour taste.

Drink:  Con Panna starts with a properly pulled shot of thick, rich espresso.  Top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.  I like this tasty treat with a drizzle of caramel sauce on top.  Yum!

Have you noticed that the people on talk shows are drinking coffee?  Coffee continues to bring people together.  J

Please let me know if you have any tips to offer or questions you would like me to address.

Make it a great week!

Peggy Sue Ennenga