by andrew | Feb 2, 2007 | ideas, retail
Back in 2007 when this article was originally written, syrups and flavorings were still a common item on specialty coffee menus, however the times have changed. Today’s preference is to eliminate as many flavors from menus as possible – anyone can pour...
by andrew | Jan 26, 2007 | business, ideas, retail
A little more than a year has passed since The Slate ran its popular online article Bitter Brew – I opened a charming neighborhood coffee shop. Then it destroyed my life by Michael Idov. I read the article again just recently and found that its lessons remain as...
by andrew | Aug 4, 2006 | business, ideas, industry, quality, restaurants, retail
In my August 2006 column for CoffeeTalk Magazine, I interview and share tips from restaurants that are serving great coffee. Past articles in this series have addressed many problems plaguing the quality of coffee served in America’s restaurants and made some...
by andrew | Jul 30, 2006 | ideas
Underscoring the need to adequately finance your business and negotiate preferable lease provisions for your coffee shop, another well-intended, but poorly planned business fails. Another case of bad business planning and finger pointing… On the bright side,...
by andrew | Jun 23, 2006 | ideas, retail
Latte art is popular among the barista trade; videos show master baristas adorning their cappuccinos with creative and sometimes whimsical designs in milk: flowers, holiday symbols, even a skull and crossbones — but does this really help you sell more coffee?...
by andrew | Jun 6, 2006 | business, ideas, quality, restaurants, retail
Last month’s article in this series presented the unfortunate reality of a typical fine dining experience: great food, great wine, great service followed by not-so-great coffee. Like tripping over the finish line of a record-breaking marathon run, many of...