Shift Break #24 : Every day, in coffee shops around the world, baristas notice things that are broken, see things that can be improved, and have ideas that could take the cafe to a new level. The problem is that so much of it never gets heard. Today…
SHIFT BREAK #23 : We all have had moments where a customer orders something “Off Script” and depending on our attitude we can either see it as an annoyance and hassle, or as an opportunity. Today we discuss how we can see these alterations and…
SHIFT BREAK #22 : One of the main sources of stress and chaos in the coffee bar is the absence of clearly defined standards and procedures for the work. Turn over is, in part, due to a constant feeling of uncertainty related to the quality…
SHIFT BREAK #21 : Working a busy bar AND keeping it clean is one of the biggest challenges we face in the cafe and the importance of how we present the space to customers cannot be understated. Working clean is the key to having a clear head, a ready…
SHIFT BREAK #20 : Today we welcome the first ever guest to the Shift Break series, Joe Marocco! A little while ago Joe posted a brilliant piece on his FB page that he has now graciously given to Keys to the Shop in audio form. Joe is the Coffee…
SHIFT BREAK #19 : Pumpkin spice everything! It’s all too convenient to jump on the bandwagon of hating on this, and other, seasonal flavors that may feel to mass marketed for our taste. Today we talk about the best practices and mentality we should…
SHIFT BREAK #18 : Today we talk about one of the most powerful practices for creating a healthy workplace. Affirmation. In leadership, it is easy for us to veer off into being overly critical, nitpicky, and to focus on the problems and negatives as a…
SHIFT BREAK #17 : Being vulnerable in leadership is a great quality but it can turn into something toxic when it becomes an excuse for bad behavior that drives people away and damages their confidence in you and the business. Today we chat about ways…
SHIFT BREAK #16 : Latte art competitions are fun and inspire us to greater heights of presentation and skill. They can also, when taken without context, frustrate and paint a literally unrealistic picture for aspiring baristas. Today I share some of…
SHIFT BREAK #15 : In spite of our best intentions, we who are leaders in the cafe can often introduce chaos through the way we act without consideration for those who will be affected by our decisions and example. Today we chat about three things to…
