Specialty Coffee Retailer is a publication for owners, managers and employees of retail outlets that sell specialty coffee. Its scope includes best sales practices, supplies, business trends and anything else to assist the small coffee retailer.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/76684
REGIONAL UPDATE product is the fact that they roast their own beans. In fact, they were solely a roaster for several years before opening the shop. Th ey sold their beans in a large farmer's market in the same neighborhood that their shop is now located; when the bean business became strong enough they opened the shop. Now the roaster serves as part of the ambiance in the shop. Th at ambiance is also key to Red Essential to the quality of Red Cat's Cat's growth. Th ey are located in a large former cookie factory that was converted to restaurants and stores. Exposed brick, sacks of coff ee beans, and large factory ductwork create a chic environment that draws crowds. On Saturday mornings, when the farmer's market is in full swing, the shop is crammed with customers, Summers says. Naturally, such an inviting space seems perfect for entertainment. Red Cat has a wine and beer license, so last year the shop featured aſt er-hours entertainment such as music and comedy as oſt en as four nights a week. Th e events were so successful that a local television station has asked to fi lm and broadcast them. However, the shop has done so in. He is contemplating another trip next year, perhaps to Costa Rica. In short, it's been a strong year for Red Cat. "We're steadily growing," Summers says. "But it's been a lot of hard work and concentration on the details." SOUTHWEST C������ T��� seen consistent growth this year, and manager Kevin Friemel has a good idea why: Th ey installed a new La Marzocco Linea MP espresso machine in March. Th e new machine liſt ed Crooked Tree to a new level. "It took our ability so much higher, C���������� Dallas, Texas Crooked Tree Coff eehouse has Friemel says. "We've been able to off er a much nicer product, and people have come to know that." Baristas now focus on traditional coff ee drinks, such as Italian cappuccino and macchiato, rather than sugary, Americanized drinks. Customers have come to appreciate the quality, Friemel believes. Crooked Tree is located near several " well during regular hours this year that Summers has cut back on the late events, which created a lot of extra work for him and his co-owner, Erin Isbell. "Last year we did more night events because we wanted the revenue, increased prices last year, but Summers had a solution: become a direct buyer. In late October he grabbed a friend who speaks Spanish and fl ew to Panama. Th ey visited the Panama Coff ee Association, which directed them to several farms in the area. Th ey toured the farms, selected one (largely because of how well it treated its workers), and placed an order. Th eir fi rst shipment of 1,300 pounds arrived in June. Summers estimates buying direct saved him 20 percent, even with travel costs thrown says. "Th is year has been going so well that we don't need to do that." Red Cat's coff ee bean suppliers " he patio, the front porch and the yard. Th at comfy environment breeds a large group of regulars. "We get people who know that if they come here enough they'll be like family," Friemel says. "We have tons of regulars, some who come six or seven times a week. I would say our regulars make up 65 to 75 percent of our business." NORTHWEST F����'� C����� S��� Portland, Ore. competitive coff ee cities in America, with high quality joe available in nearly every neighborhood. Epic battles are fought among Starbucks, Stumptown and other big players. But beneath that level is a Portland is clearly one of the most steady layer of high-quality small independents. Among them is Floyd's Coff ee Shop, which has three locations and has managed to maintain a steady business despite the tough competition. "In our town, you have to understand colleges, including Southern Methodist University and the University of Dallas, and students are an important customer group. A clear sign of the strength of Crooked Tree's business is the fact that the students have continued coming even during the summer. "Normally in the summer we have to cut our hours because there are fewer students, but this summer we're maintaining," Friemel says. "It's been consistently busy. We've even added a shiſt in the middle of the day. However, it's not just students " ordering Crooked Tree's classic brews. Friemel says he has noticed more local businesspeople coming in for meetings or to work. Another attraction of the shop is its environment. It is located in an old house, with comfortable couches and lounge chairs on the inside, and benches and porch furniture on the August 2012 • www.specialty-coffee.com | 29 your market better than most towns," co-owner Jack Inglis says. "You pick a neighborhood that's underserved and you provide that service. growth this year, due largely to the maturation of the company's two newest locations. Inglis says he even expects some "