


Bruce Milletto, CEO of Bellissimo Coffee InfoGroup and a leading industry watcher, thinks the company's motivation is more basic: Starbucks is returning to its roots as a comfortable "third place," a living space that goes beyond the home and the office. "People want to have ‘their' coffee bar, and they want to have ‘their' coffee," says Milletto, who remembers when Starbucks was a hip chain of four or five shops. "Starbucks has realized that's a niche they're no longer filling."
Bruce goes on to say, "Once you have thousands and thousands of stores, it's difficult to have consumers look at you in the same way," Milletto says. "I think in coffee, the small independent will always win out if it's doing a fantastic job."
Though the recession has hurt some coffee sales, it hasn't ended
Americans' move toward higher-quality coffee, says Bruce Milletto,
president of Bellissimo Coffee InfoGroup, which provides consulting and
training to the industry. "Our taste buds have memories," Milletto
says. "Once you drink a really excellent cappuccino, it's very hard to
go back even to a chain store that may be using automatic machines."
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Financial management for existing coffee retailers will be the focus of a two-day intensive Coffee CFO seminar offered this October 13 through 14 at the American Barista & Coffee School (ABC's) in Portland, Oregon. The seminar will be taught by Chris Legler, Starbucks veteran and former CFO of Barnie's Coffee and Tea Company.
Coffee CFO was developed for individual entrepreneurs and small chains that don’t have the financial resources to hire a Chief Financial Officer, even though financial management is one of the most important components of running a successful coffee business.
Coffee CFO will take a comprehensive look at how coffee retailers can optimize the overall profitability of their businesses. The class is designed to teach retailers to understand how to increase long-term profitability through sales growth while managing costs at an optimal level.
Coffee CFO will cover the following subjects in-depth: Revenue, Labor, Inventory and Expense Management, Beverage Costing, Loss Prevention, Marketing Analysis, Investment, Proforma Development, Understanding Financing Options, Budget Development and Prioritization of Financial Needs.
Coffee CFO will be led by Chris Legler, whose vast experience and knowledge of finance, specifically tailored to the coffee industry, brings an unrivaled expertise to the course. Legler’s expertise includes financial management, roasting coffee, business ownership and a great understanding of business operations.
Legler has held executive positions in finance and administration, marketing, retail operations and strategic planning. He was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Barnie’s Coffee and Tea Company and has held positions of increasing responsibility with Starbucks Coffee Company, Sony, British Petroleum, Blockbuster Entertainment and Eddie Bauer.
Coffee CFO will be held at ABC's state-of-the art facility in Portland. ABC’s offers comprehensive coffee business start-up and management programs, barista and latte art training, and a wide spectrum of classes for consumers. ABC's was founded by Bellissimo Coffee InfoGroup.
Workshop fees are $1,595 for the first student, $1,395 for each additional student. For on-line registration and further information, visit ABC's or call 800.655.3955.
Starting a Coffee Shop Business Podcast
Produced by Startingabiz.com | June 30th, 2009
Bruce Milletto, president of Bellissimo Coffee InfoGroup and founder of the American Barista and Coffee School, offers his insight about how to start a coffee business to podcast host Matt Thomas of StartingABIZ.com. Bruce offers expert advice about getting started, choosing a location, picking the right coffee and espresso equipment, and more. [24 minute podcast]
Click here to listen to Starting a Coffee Shop Business Podcast
For the second time in two months, Matt Milletto, Vice President of Bellissimo Coffee InfoGroup and Director of the American Barista & Coffee School, defends the independent retailer on NATIONWIDE TV! As Matt says, "No, it is not all about price but quality." Click here to view feature on Fox Business News.
| The art of the Latte |
