http://espresso101.com Welcome to Bellissimo’s Retailer Tips Newsletter. Every issue contains valuable information that will help you achieve success in the retail specialty coffee business how and stay ahead of your competitors in the increasingly challenging world of retail specialty coffee. en-us Wed, 28 Jul 2010 http://espresso101.com/newsletter/2309 What to Demand from SuppliersBusiness owners know instinctively that they need to focus on certain areas: providing great customer service, for example, as well as marketing their products and managing their people. Managing vendors is often overlooked. However, selecting the correct vendors can have a major impact on your profitability. Because your vendors provide the ingredients that are key to your business, you need to expect the same level of quality and commitment out of them that your customers... Thu, 17 Jun 2010 http://espresso101.com/newsletter/2295 Do you want to learn more about what it takes to roast excellent coffee? Are you thinking of adding craft roasting to your coffee bar, or want to take your coffee education to the next level? The Coffee Roasting Overview + Concepts Workshop at the American Barista & Coffee School is the perfect introduction to the world of coffee roasting and will provide you with a great overview and theory of what is involved in micro-roasting coffees from around the world. A great entry-level workshop for... Wed, 05 May 2010 http://espresso101.com/newsletter/2293 Understanding product costing and gross margin analysis is critical to running any business. Managing your gross margin (the profit produced by your product) and product costing is a balancing act. Not paying attention to these areas can be wasteful and costly. Cutting costs too much can reduce quality, which often will result in lower sales and a loss in customers. Understanding how to manage product costs while still delivering a great cup of coffee can help you increase profitability.In a specialty... Sun, 30 Aug 2009 http://espresso101.com/newsletter/2224 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 http://espresso101.com/newsletter/2171 Reprinted from Fresh Cup MagazineMost of us got into the coffee business because we are passionate about coffee. We love offering an environment where people can gather, share their experiences and enjoy a delicious cup of their favorite brew. These are really the best reasons to get into this business, and keeping that passion will continue to generate revenue for your company. To thrive, it is important to understand how to drive revenue, control costs and manage cash. Increasing profitability... Tue, 10 Feb 2009 http://espresso101.com/newsletter/2139 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 http://espresso101.com/newsletter/2133 The first ever Ultimate Coffee Profitability Seminar held January 10-11 at the American Barista & Coffee School (ABC's) in Portland, attracted both coffee business owners looking to improve their bottom lines and industry professionals wanting to obtain information to help their customers prosper in today's economic uncertainty. The inaugural seminar in Portland was so successful that an additional class has been added in Portland January 31-February, followed by a March 21-22 session in Seattle.... Thu, 04 Dec 2008 http://espresso101.com/newsletter/2124 How specialty coffee retailers can survive and thrive in today's economic uncertainty is the focus of a two-day travelling seminar offered by the American Barista & Coffee School (ABC's). The Ultimate Coffee Profitability Seminar will be led by Chris Legler, Starbucks veteran and former CFO of Barnie's Coffee and Tea Company. The first seminars are scheduled for January 10-11 and January 31-February 1 in Portland, Oregon."In today's harsh economic conditions, coffee retailers need to take a... Wed, 22 Oct 2008 http://espresso101.com/newsletter/2114 The dictionary tells us ambiance is "the character and feeling of a place." But does ambiance affect your coffee business? More than you know! The ambiance you create is one of your best marketing tools. The look and feel of your business and the brand you create is your signature, and it's one of the most important reasons customers will choose you over the competition. Whether your cafe is already open or you're in the beginning stages of planning your business, there are many things you can... Fri, 22 Aug 2008 http://espresso101.com/newsletter/2075 Networking Together Firms Join Forces On Social Networks To Raise ProfilesLast year, Matt Milletto, director of training for the American Barista & Coffee School in Portland, Ore., had an idea for generating some buzz around the specialty coffee industry: Why not create an online social network where independent coffee-house owners, baristas, roasters and java lovers could swap tips and stories, pose questions or arrange to meet in person?Using Ning.com, a site that allows anyone to create... Sat, 19 Jul 2008 http://espresso101.com/newsletter/2067 Wed, 21 May 2008 http://espresso101.com/newsletter/2059 Mon, 21 Apr 2008 http://espresso101.com/newsletter/2045 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 http://espresso101.com/newsletter/2029 Reprinted from Barista MagazineIt was the winter of 1993 and I was 15 minutes late to work, opening shift at the small espresso cart I worked at part-time located in front of a large grocery store. It was cold out, but I was eager to start working. I loved that little cart. This was my first job as a barista and I often think back to my days slinging coffee at the carts and kiosks where I got my start in this industry with fondness.In the early 1990s in the Pacific Northwest there seemed to be... Fri, 11 Jan 2008 http://espresso101.com/newsletter/1983 Barista Exchange is the number one networking website for working baristas, coffee enthusiasts, coffee roasters, farmers and coffee shop owners world wide. As a coffee enthusiast even, you can mingle and network with world barista champions, search for professional baristas in your area, read reviews on coffee equipment and home espresso machines, or chat with a coffee farmer in Guatemala about setting up a tour or vacation.Rub shoulders online with a wide variety of members including: Multiple...