Espresso Blog

Melinda Johnson

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Commercial Espresso Machine Definitions

Espresso Machine Operating Types

There are two machine types of commercial espresso machine and of those two vairations there are several operating types within.  The following are the basic descriptions of the machines avaialble on the market.

Traditional Manual

A manual commercial espresso machine is operated by literally moving a lever with your hand. The lever controls a hydraulic piston which creates the pressure necessary to brew the espresso. Very few commercial machines exist anymore operating by this method. 

Traditional Semi-Automatic

A semi-automatic commercial espresso machine...

Slow Times calls for Higher Quality, Better Focus in Specialty Coffee

by Peter Kelsch

From the Cup to the Customer Service

Knowing that your customers can now pull through a McDonalds drive-thru and order a Mocha is all the more reason for an independent coffee shop to make sure that they have not only a noticeably better product than a fast food chain, but also the most consistent drink  and best presentation. This means reviewing everything from the cup to the customer service. 

Customer Retention

When pressed to upgrade the quality of products being used, we often hear customers say, “But my customers love my drinks.” This may be true based on feedback you...

Coffee Menu Item Pricing

The True Profit

by Peter Kelsch

The illusion also exists that making more profit per drink is the most important factor. This is only true if you develop enough sales volume for that item. You may make $3 on every Supreme Deluxe Low Cost Smoothie (yes, we’re making this brand up!) that you sell. However, because the quality isn’t there, you’ll only sell 10 smoothies per day, resulting in $30 of profit. If you upgrade to Botanica Smoothies and make $2.50 per smoothie, you may sell 30 per day, resulting in $75 of profit.

Remember, profit margin is relative to volume, and you gain volume when...

Honest, High-Quality Coffee & Espresso Drinks

 by Peter Kelsch

While we encourage you to keep your menu simple, don’t be afraid to offer new items or run seasonal specials. Look over your product lines and consider adding special or select items within a category. We offer free samples of products and would be happy to send you some to compare with your current product lines or just to add something new and fresh to your menu. Overall, be honest with yourself and make sure that you’re offering the best drinks that you can. When the next fast food chain begins to offer specialty coffee drinks, it will be the independents who are...

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