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The SCA Has Announced Host Locations For The 2020 CoffeeChamps Qualifying Events

By barista championship, brewers cup, coffee in good spirits, CoffeeChamps, cup tasters, events, qualifying event, Roasters Championship, SPECIALTY COFFEE ASSOCIATION, US Coffee Championships, Wire

 

Coming in hot on this Thursday afternoon, the Specialty Coffee Association has announced the locations for the US Coffee Championships Qualifying Events and National competitions.

For the Qualifying Events, a total of three separate locations will host event ranging in dates from December to February. They are as follows:

December 7-8, Sumner, WA: Barista Championship, Brewers Cup
January 11-12, Nashville, TN: Barista Championship, Brewers Cup, Coffee in Good Spirits, Cup Tasters, Roasters Championship
February 22-23, Orange County, CA: Coffee in Good Spirits, Cup Tasters, Roasters Championship

The Orange County event will also host the National rounds for the Barista Championship and Brewers Cup. This move was presumably made to give ample prep time for the national champions of the two events before the World Barista and Brewers Cup competitions in Melbourne in early May.

The remaining competitions—Coffee in Good Spirits, Cup Tasters, and the Roasters Championship—will hold their national competitions as part of the Specialty Coffee Expo taking place on April 24-26 in Portland, Oregon.

Per the statement from the SCA, “General admission tickets for the U.S. CoffeeChamps Qualifying Events in Nashville, TN and Orange County, CA will go on sale November 1, 2019 for $10 advanced sale and $15 at the door via Eventbrite. No entry fee will be required for the event in Summer, WA. Competitor and judge registration will also open November 1, 2019 for Sumner, Nashville, and Orange County Qualifying Events.”

For more information, visit the US Coffee Championships official website.

Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.

Top image via the Specialty Coffee Association

The post The SCA Has Announced Host Locations For The 2020 CoffeeChamps Qualifying Events appeared first on Sprudge.

Source: Coffee News

Sleepy Frat Dudes Rejoice! Jäegermeister Cold Brew Coffee Is A Thing Now

By cold brew coffee, Jäegermeister, Jäegermeister Cold Brew Coffee, Jameson, PBR, Thrillist, Wire

 

The “add coffee to whatever bottle of booze you can find laying around your college dorm room” trend at big name liquor brands’ R&D facilities is still going very strong. First it was Jameson cold brew, then PBR hard coffee, then an alcohol-free Bailey’s something or other. Now it’s Jäeger. That’s right, the first digestif you took a shot of and immediately regretted has announced their brand new line of cold brew coffee-infused hooch. Because sure, why not.

Unlike PBR’s hard coffee, which doesn’t taste anything like PBR at all, and Bailey’s teetotaling alternative, the new Jäegermeister Cold Brew Coffee is at least reminiscent of the original product. According to their website it is made with the same “56 botanicals” as Jäeger classic, but “rich Arabica coffee and notes of cacao” thrown in for good measure.

True to traditional Jaëger consumption practices—and by that I mean with all the delicacy and discretion of a frat guy who has already had five Jaëger bombs— Jäegermeister Cold Brew Coffee is “geared toward shot lovers,” per bro clothing front Thrillist, which yeah, no shit it is.  And clocking it at 66 proof, 2% lower in ABV than the original, quick frat boy logic tells me you can have like, four or five more of these and be totally fine bro, so sack up, brah.

[Editor’s note: frat guy logic is very bad and Sprudge does not condone you use it in making any decisions ever, especially regarding alcohol or English language slang. Please drink and speak responsibly.]

You’re no doubt salivating by now at the chance of drinking a shot meant to be served so cold you can’t actually taste it but with coffee in it this time, but I have some bad news for you. You’re going to have to salivate a little bit longer. Jäegermeister Cold Brew Coffee won’t hit the shelves until January 2020. I guess for the next four months you’ll have to settle for the myriad other ways to wake up with the worst fucking hangover of your life.

Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.

Top image via Jäegermeister

The post Sleepy Frat Dudes Rejoice! Jäegermeister Cold Brew Coffee Is A Thing Now appeared first on Sprudge.

Source: Coffee News

Join The Minor Figures Plant M*lk Coffee Club & Win Some Swag

By events, Minor Figures, Plant M*lk Coffee Club, Plant Milk, Wire, World Plant Milk Day

Plant milk is so hot right now. Plant milk. Your espresso’s favorite environmentally conscious non-dairy alternative is no longer just an afterthought to accommodate those living a lactose-free lifestyle. Folks are opting for all manner of oat, hemp, and nut milks because they prefer the flavor over their cow’ed cousin. We did our part by putting together a very scientific, fool proof quiz to help you figure out which dairy alternative you were (in a bizarre twist of fate, some folks at Oatly were soy milk and they were not happy about it).

There’s even a World Plant Milk Day now, and to celebrate, Minor Figures has put together a fun little contest to “champion plant milk coffee and the customers supporting more environmentally friendly drinks.” And the best part is, all have you to do to participate is drink coffee (and plant milk, duh).

Called the Minor Figures Plant M*lk Coffee Club, the competition lasts through September 12th and takes place in cities across the globe. The rules are simple. In each of the 18 cities, there are six coffee shops participating. All you have to do is visit each of them and order a plant milk coffee beverage, making sure you receive a stamp on the loyalty card you can receive at any of the locations. Once you’ve filled up your card, ‘Gram it and tag Minor Figures; the first 200 to do so win a “limited edition Minor Figures Plant M*lk CC jersey.”

Participating cities include Barcelona, Brighton, Bucharest, Glasgow, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Melbourne, Montreal, New York City, Oklahoma City, Ottawa, Prague, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, Tucson, and Vancouver. For a full list of shops or to find out more information, visit the Minor Figures Plant M*lk Coffee Club official website.

Plants! It’s what your coffee craves!

Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.

All images via Minor Figures

Disclosure: Minor Figures is an advertising partner with the Sprudge Media Network

The post Join The Minor Figures Plant M*lk Coffee Club & Win Some Swag appeared first on Sprudge.


Source: Coffee News

The Sprudge Coffee Guide To Washington, DC

By A Baked Joint, Brandywine Coffee Roasters, Cafes, chemex, city guide, coava coffee roasters, Colony Club, counter culture, dc, district of columbia, Featured, Fox Loves Taco, Guides, Heart Coffee Roasters, Kalita Wave, Kintsugi Cafe, madcap coffee, Passenger Coffee, peregrine espresso, red rooster coffee, Sey Coffee, slayer, Slipstream, Small Planes Coffee, the coffee bar, The Wydown Coffee Bar, Tryst, washington, Washington DC

Washington, DC is a complicated city, the capital of a complicated country. But despite what lore may tell you—it’s not all politicians, diplomats, and monuments here. Indeed, it’s a thriving city with no shortage of diverse food, and more recently, coffee options. Whatever your pleasure, DC’s coffee scene has grown into a landscape where anyone of any leaning can find the right drink in the right place. Here are some of the options.

washington dc coffee guide

Slipstream

A comfortably hip coffee and cocktail bar, Slipsteam is the perfect place to grab a light meal, a pick-me-up, or a nightcap. Dimly lit and sleek in design, the busy pace of this cafe is betrayed by its intimate feeling. The folks at Slipstream aim to make specialty coffee accessible to everyone. The coffee menu is clear and concise, divided into four distinct categories: Comfort, Bright, Fruit, and Floral. Madcap Coffee provides the house beans and additional guest roasters appear on the shelves frequently. Expect the clientele to be hunched over laptops during the first half of the day and having lively conversations in the evenings.

Slipstream has multiple locations throughout Washington, DC. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

washington dc coffee guide

Colony Club

Capitalizing on cool, the Colony Club is an inviting coffee and cocktail bar with room to stretch out. The space itself is long and thin but boasts a second floor as well as ample outdoor seating. Most of the tables are communal which allows a more social experience than many modern coffeehouses. Sey Coffee fuels the batch brew and Heart Coffee Roasters the espresso. Pour-overs are available via Kalita Wave, or get a Chemex to share. If you’re a ping pong enthusiast, you’ll be happy to find a table upstairs for your enjoyment. Vibrant, energetic, and youthful, those lucky enough to live near the Colony Club have a stellar way to start and end their day.

Colony Club is located at 3118 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

 

washington dc coffee guide

Fox Loves Taco

Earning points for having the best combination of things ever, Fox Loves Taco is a cafe with solid coffee and delectable tacos on the menu (featured here as part of Sprudge’s Build-Outs of Summer). Located by the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, this cafe offers its own divine experience.

washington dc coffee guide

The coffee program features Coava Coffee Roasters and Brandywine Coffee Roasters. The space is bright and cozy, and as makes perfect sense for an espresso bar/taqueria—is also shared with a bike shop. Sipping on an espresso while enjoying a smoked tofu taco will make you feel as warm and fuzzy as the shop’s namesake.

Fox Loves Taco is located at 716 Monroe St NE in Washington, DC. Check out their official website and find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

washington dc coffee guide

Peregrine Espresso

Considered by many to be the area standard, Peregrine Espresso carries the torch of Washington, DC coffee culture in a steady hand. The company was born from a cafe love story and since 2008 the married owners have grown the business to three cafes and a sister roasting company, Small Planes Coffee, whose coffee is served in many of the surrounding coffeehouses. If you need a good cup of coffee and Peregrine Espresso is nearby, know that you are in good hands at any Peregrine location.

Peregrine Espresso has multiple locations around Washington, DC. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

washington dc coffee guide

The Coffee Bar

As the coffee industry grows and changes, many are trying to shed the image of the surly barista. It sounds like a small thing, but bad customer service can make even the best of coffees taste sour, which is why The Coffee Bar’s friendly staff struck me. They greeted patrons with a smile and were engaged throughout each interaction. Their Shaw area cafe is eclectic and bright, full of reclaimed artifacts and whimsical decorations. A multi-roaster cafe that features up to four roasters at a time, those who frequent The Coffee Bar are unlikely to get bored.

The Coffee Bar has multiple locations around Washington, DC. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

washington dc coffee guide

A Baked Joint

High-energy A Baked Joint is a serious bakery with a serious coffee program. A spinoff of popular DC cupcake-and-coffee spot Baked & Wired, A Baked Joint is an experience all its own. The focus on food (there’s a full bread menu, along with breakfast, lunch, and pizza) is well met by a slate of quality coffee drinks, which includes a selection of boozy buzzes as well. The space is big, with tables and standing counters near the front and a comfy lounge area toward the back. It’s hard to pigeonhole the vibe of A Baked Joint, but you’ll find this place bouncing at all hours.

A Baked Joint is located at 440 K St NW, Washington, DC. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

washington dc coffee guide

Kintsugi Cafe

If you’re looking for a beautiful experience for both your eyes and your palate, this hotel cafe should be your next stop. Named after the art of repairing broken pottery with gold-infused lacquer, Kintsugi pays homage to creation through destruction. The design is sleek, with accents of black, gold, and polished wood—echoed in the Slayer espresso machine on the counter. Coffee is provided by Red Rooster Coffee of nearby Virginia. Treating yourself to an espresso here will make you feel both elegant and hip.

Kintsugi Cafe is located at 1201 K St NW 1st Floor, Washington, DC. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

 

washington dc coffee guide

Tryst

Known as DC’s living room, this 20-year-old institution has seen many a dissertation written, cured numerous hangovers, and been a home away from home to countless people. This huge, packed cafe is loaded with comfy couches and easy chairs, numerous laptops, animated conversations, and Counter Culture Coffee. Coffeehouses like this awaken long-forgotten desires to be a member of the Friends crew at Central Perk—but in DC, and real life. Equal parts cafe, restaurant, and bar, Tryst has all your needs covered.

Tryst is located at 2459 18th St NW, Washington, DC. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

 

washington dc coffee guide

The Wydown Coffee Bar

Beautifully designed, hospitality-driven, and perpetually bustling, The Wydown Coffee Bar on 14th Street seems to be everyone’s pet favorite coffee shop. From the line out to the sidewalk, you might assume that a small coffee counter hides behind its doors, but inside you’ll find multiple baristas manning pour-over stations, dual espresso machines, and an appetizing spread of pastries. This multi-roaster cafe features Passenger Coffee Roasters and is quick and efficient. If you are lucky enough to find a seat, the people-watching is superb.

The Wydown Coffee Bar has multiple locations around Washington, DC. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Eric Tessier is a freelance journalist based in Providence, RI. Read more Eric Tessier on Sprudge.

The post The Sprudge Coffee Guide To Washington, DC appeared first on Sprudge.


Source: Coffee News

Build-Outs Of Summer: Littlefoot Coffee Roasters In Grandville, MI

By ALEX BURBO, Build-Outs Of Summer, Cafes, cup & spoon, Grandville, intelligentsia, Littlefoot Coffee Roasters, Maquina Coffee, Metric Coffee, michigan, North America, Places, probat, Rosie Quasarano, Staff Picks, USA

littlefoot coffee grandville michigan

It’s not everyday that a coffee brand up and moves their entire operation 200 miles into another state, on the other side of Lake Michigan no less. But that’s exactly what Littlefoot Coffee Roasters did. Now of Grandville, Michigan, owners Rosie Quasarano and Alex Burbo started Littlefoot in Chicago, renting roasting time at Metric Coffee, where Burbo was then employed. But after a few years, their plans to move back to their home state finally came to fruition.

We previously spoke with Burbo about Littlefoot as part of our nano-roaster feature series Going Somewhere Solo, where he discussed the brand’s long-term plans to move operations to Detroit. But at they often do, plans shift, and in this case, they shifted 165 miles east on I-96 to the Grand Rapids suburb Littlefoot now calls home. And now these new Grandvillians have a space of their own, so let’s pay them a visit, shall we.

The 2019 Build-Outs of Summer is presented by Pacific Barista SeriesnotNeutralKeepCup, and Mill City Roasters.

As told to Sprudge by Rosie Quasarano.

littlefoot coffee grandville michigan

For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?

We’re proud Michiganders, and our little but mighty operation is a reflection of our hard-working heritage. We source beans grown by exceptional people, which allows us to roast coffee that brews one great cup. Our rotating menu keeps things fresh and highlights the best of each season.

Our adventure started in Chicago in 2017 and it was our ultimate goal to bring Littlefoot to our home state. We made our way back the following year, and we consider it an honor to help fuel the people who make Michigan a truly special place to live.

littlefoot coffee grandville michigan

littlefoot coffee grandville michigan

Right now, our entire operation is a team of two!

ALEX BURBO, Director of Coffee

Alex has roasted coffee for some of the most respected brands in the industry. He spent eight years working for Intelligentsia where he became head roaster as well as a key part of the green sourcing team. Alex also proudly served as the head roaster for Metric Coffee. In his role in Roasting and Quality Control for these companies, he has worked alongside some of the most well-respected individuals in the industry, learning from every experience along the way.

ROSIE QUASARANO, Head of Marketing & Sales

Before launching full-time into Littlefoot, Rosie owned and operated Cup & Spoon, a successful coffee shop in Chicago’s Humboldt park neighborhood for five years. Combining her love of coffee, years of barista experience, and a decade of advertising knowledge, Rosie tirelessly works to perfect our product and service and brings a unique perspective to our wholesale partners as a fellow entrepreneur.

Can you tell us a bit about the new space?

We are setting up our wholesale operation in a beautiful warehouse space. We have double bays as well as second level capabilities for a tasting room/cupping lab and meeting space.

We have plans to introduce public cuppings, roasting tours, coffee education meet ups, and roasting apprenticeships.

What’s your approach to coffee?

Good, honest, approachable, and fun.

We work hard to source quality green and always ensure we are paying fair prices to the farmers.

Our Director of Coffee and master roaster Alex Burbo uses his decade of experience to roast profiles that highlight the best of a bean and its region.

Education is a big component of Littlefoot. Many coffee lovers have never been exposed to the roasting process or taken part in a cupping. We want to help change that. We want to mimic what a lot of breweries do and invite people in to get up close and personal with the process of coffee roasting.

littlefoot coffee grandville michigan

Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?

We are getting up and running on a vintage Probat. We acquired it from our friend Gabe Lucas from Maquina Coffee.

Our summer single origin lineup is strong.

Ecuadorian Finca Lugmapata that placed 8th in the Taza Dorada competition
Two amazing Peruvians—Aguaytadero and Flor de Selva
Ethiopian Natural—Aricha
And more

We also have our SUPERIOR cold brew, named after the coldest great lake. Down the line we would love to introduce a cold brew bottling operation in our space.

How is your project considering sustainability?

We plan to work with Consumers Energy Business program to outfit our warehouse space for peak energy efficiency.

littlefoot coffee grandville michigan

What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?

August 2019

Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?

Yes!
Ryan Hoelting of RYN STUDIOS designed our logo, branding, and packaging
Tom Kilgore of NAI Wisinski of West Michigan helped tremendously with our build-out
Tim Van Noord of Colliers International helped us scout warehouse locations
Daniel Crosby of EQS arranged shipping of our roaster from PA to MI
West Michigan Garage Interiors helped refinish all of our warehouse concrete floors

Thank you!

Thank you so much!

Littlefoot Coffee Roasters is located at 3047 Broadway, Grandville. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Build-Outs Of Summer is an annual series on Sprudge. Live the thrill of the build all summer long in our Build-Outs feature hub.

The post Build-Outs Of Summer: Littlefoot Coffee Roasters In Grandville, MI appeared first on Sprudge.


Source: Coffee News

Build-Outs Of Summer: Press Coffee In Phoenix, AZ

By Adriana Vizcaino, Arizona, Build-Outs Of Summer, Cafes, Malhkönig, North America, Phoenix, Places, Press Coffee, probat, Staff Picks, Synesso MVP Hydra, The Construction Zone, The Roastery, USA

press coffee phoenix arizona

When you think of a roastery, what comes to mind? Is it a nondescript warehouse with little to no signage and a faint roasty smell? Due to some combination of space needs, proprietary secrets, and the unglamorous nature of the function—you try matching a roast curve for eight hours, day in and day out, and tell me how sexy of a job it is—roasting facilities have historically been more low profile affairs than their cafe counterparts.

But recent years have seen an increased demand in transparency across all aspects of the supply chain. Folks want to know not just where the coffee is coming from and how much the farmers are paid for their labor, but how it is getting from its green form to its brown. This interest in roasting is leading many roasting spaces to up their aesthetic qualities; for many, roasting is now front of house.

One of these new breeds of stunning roasting spaces is the aptly named The Roastery by Press Coffee in Phoenix, Arizona. Now over a decade in business, Press is moving into a brand new 5,600-square-foot space that includes a full coffee bar, training center, beer and wine, and a full view of the production operation. Coffee with a side of knowledge, that’s what’s on the menu at Press Coffee’s The Roastery in Phoenix, and we’re here for it.

The 2019 Build-Outs of Summer is presented by Pacific Barista SeriesnotNeutralKeepCup, and Mill City Roasters.

As told to Sprudge by Adriana Vizcaino.

press coffee phoenix arizona

For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?

Press has been Arizona’s own local coffee roaster since 2008. Quality driven and community focused, Press shares its passion for specialty coffee by providing the highest quality coffee products, service, and knowledge with customers and community. Press Coffee has eight Valley locations in Scottsdale, Tempe, Phoenix, and Chandler. The Roastery is the coffee provider for many Phoenix restaurants and hotels.

Can you tell us a bit about the new space?

We built The Roastery to allow the public to view the coffee roasting process. The building is 5,600 sq ft and includes a full coffee bar, beer and wine, food, and our roasting and production areas. There is a loft that allows people to sit upstairs and view the space from above. Our training center and cupping classes will occupy the space above as well.

press coffee phoenix arizona

What’s your approach to coffee?

We strive to deliver a superior product and experience by investing in our employees, facilities, and community. Our knowledgeable and friendly baristas have the common goal of making specialty coffee approachable to the general public.

Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?

We have a lineup of three Probat roasters, one P12 and two P25s. A three-group Synesso MVP Hydra, four Malhkönig E65S grinders, Synesso S200, and three Mahlkönig EK43S grinders.

How is your project considering sustainability?

The space uses natural gas and solar panels.

press coffee phoenix arizona

press coffee phoenix arizona

What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?

We just opened on July 19th

Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?

We worked with The Construction Zone on this project.

Thank you!

Thank you Sprudge!

press coffee phoenix arizona

Press Coffee is located at 10443 N 32nd St, Phoenix. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Build-Outs Of Summer is an annual series on Sprudge. Live the thrill of the build all summer long in our Build-Outs feature hub.

The post Build-Outs Of Summer: Press Coffee In Phoenix, AZ appeared first on Sprudge.


Source: Coffee News

Build-Outs Of Summer: Mill City Roasters In Minneapolis, MN

By big red roast rig, Build-Outs Of Summer, cafe imports, Cafes, la marzocco, mazzer, Mill City Roasters, minneapolis, Minnesota, mobile, North America, Pacific Foods, Places, Staff Picks, USA, wilbur curtis

mill city roasters big red roast rig

In the past seven years of the Build-Outs of Summer, we’ve seen projects big and small. We’ve witnessed massive roasting facilities all the way down to mobile coffee trucks. But never—and I mean NEVER—have we seen both in the same build. Until today, that is, thanks to Mill City Roaster‘s mobile roasting lab.

Lovingly referred to as the Big Red Roast Rig (for obvious reasons), the 40-foot Peterbuilt box truck is equipped with two 500g sample roasters, two three-kilogram roasters, and a full coffee bar. It’s essentially a training lab on wheels, allowing Mill City to take the show on the road and connect with clients in ways that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. The Big Red Roast Rig has already made stops in Kansas City for the 2019 US Coffee Championships—where it was utilized for the Roasters Championship—in Georgia for the Coffee Roasters Guild Retreat, and in Los Angeles for LA Coffee Fest. Where will they be next? Wherever there’s open road takes them. For a full list of their next adventures, check out the Big Red Roast Rig page. Don’t you just love the feel of wind in your roaster’s airflow system?

The 2019 Build-Outs of Summer is presented by Pacific Barista SeriesnotNeutralKeepCup, and Mill City Roasters.

As told to Sprudge by Angie Davis.

mill city roasters big red roast rig

For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?

At our core, we’re simply specialty coffee roasters who also make roasters. We’re passionate about coffee quality and we’ve optimized our machines for specialty roasting from the perspective of people who’ve actually stood next to a production roaster trying to get better coffee eight hours a day, five days a week.

Can you tell us a bit about the new space?

We’d had the idea to create a seed-to-cup mobile coffee lab last Summer. The monthly classes at our campus in Minneapolis had become really popular but there was still a barrier to entry for people from further away that either couldn’t afford travel or couldn’t leave their businesses for a few days to attend. Mobilizing coffee education would allow us not only connect with those people but to also to promote specialty coffee to the public in a more immediate, hands-on way.

The idea really started to take shape when the 2019 US Coffee Championships were being planned. For a few years now, Mill City Roasters had been the official roaster of the US Coffee Championships and when the finals were schedule for Kansas City in the Spring of 2019, the venue chosen did not have the ability to host the roasting competition indoors. Instead of roasting in a tent, we shared our mobile coffee lab idea and suggested it could be developed to host those competitors. We purchased a 40-foot Peterbuilt box truck that just happened to have a cab in Mill City red and got to work.

Much of what we were trying to do functionally had already been done in food trucks so we wanted to borrow some of that capability but we didn’t want it to look like a food truck. We wanted the space to feel more like a warm workshop than a commercial kitchen. The truck had wood floors that we patched and refinished. We lined the walls with maple veneer plywood with a clear matte finish. We designed custom metal cabinetry that incorporated residential scale details and finished them in matte black. We used butcher block counters at all the stations and incorporated soft task lighting at each work surface.

But the windows are really the most important part of the interior. We wanted every work surface to have enough natural light that interior lighting was not required but the windows play a larger role in framing (literally) our experience with this project both from inside and outside. The windows give viewers outside the ability to be voyeurs to what can sometimes be very focused and intense tasks. From inside, the windows reinforce this idea of mobility, travel, adventure, and capability. You could be hitting first crack or pulling a shot and you look outside and see the Grand Canyon. It reinforces our original goal—spread the love of specialty coffee everywhere.

The graphics on the exterior were the last step and the goal was to turn the truck into a moving billboard to announce what was happening inside. It’s been effective. We’ve had people follow the truck for miles to our destination just to say hello and check us out. At every pitstop, people ask about our our travels. Every opportunity we get to connect with people about coffee and roasting is welcome.

mill city roasters big red roast rig

What’s your approach to coffee?

The growth in commercial coffee is cup quality forged at the intersection of machinery, people, and ideas. We see coffee quality as a tool to differentiate local businesses and help them grow. Our educational philosophy is uniquely commercially focused on the “brand building” side of greens selection, roasting, and extraction. At the end of the day, we’re trying to help businesses make choices that maximize their freedom of choice.

Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?

Beyond our two Mill City Roasters 500 gram Sample Roasters and two three-kilogram gas coffee roasters, we needed additional equipment and supplies to make it a true seed-to-cup experience. We wanted to choose those companies and brands that shared our values within the specialty coffee industry. We chose to work with La Marzocco and Wilbur Curtis as two highly respected equipment suppliers. Both of those companies have a wide range of solid equipment and we were able to find pieces that worked perfectly in our layout. We’re using two La Marzocco Linea Minis, two Mazzer Mini Electronic A Grinders, two Wilber Curtis D500GT Brewers with airpots, and a Mazzer ZM Grinder. We’re also highlighting four greens this year from our greens sponsor, Cafe Imports, with whom we continue to have a close relationship not only on the truck but back home in Minneapolis.

mill city roasters big red roast rig

mill city roasters big red roast rig

How is your project considering sustainability?

Every student we can reach on the road eliminates their potential travel either by road or by airplane to receive that education. Our truck is outfitted with a zero emissions system and the truck recharges its high capacity battery systems, which power our coffee equipments and lights as it rolls down the road. Beyond sustainability, we are also donating 100% of class fees collected during our August trips to charities working at our southern border.

What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?

We are on the road as we type! Currently in route to LA for Coffee Fest after just having spent last weekend at Coffee Roasters Guild in Georgia. So far this year, we’ve taken the truck to Kansas City to host the roasting competition of the US Coffee Championships and in early Summer we completed a five city tour through Indianapolis, Knoxville, Nashville, St. Louis, DesMoines.

mill city roasters big red roast rig

Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?

The truck layout, finishes and graphics were designed by our Creative Director, Angie Davis. Her background is in architecture and product design and Mill City customers will recognize her name as she’s very involved with helping them understand their own space planning and systems requirements. Our owner, Steve Green designed the fuel system, generators, and high capacity battery systems that provide power for the roasters, coffee equipment, lights, and air conditioning. The entire Mill City team played a part in getting us road ready so it’s rewarding for all of us to see so many people enjoying this project.

We’d also like to recognize our 2019 Road Sponsor, Pacific Foods whose generous support makes much of our travel possible. Pacific Foods continues to be an incredible supporter of the specialty coffee industry and we’re grateful for their support alongside our other sponsors and collaborators.

Thank you!

Thank you! We’ll see you out there!

mill city roasters big red roast rig

Mill City Roasters is located at 1050 33rd Ave SE, Minneapolis. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Build-Outs Of Summer is an annual series on Sprudge. Live the thrill of the build all summer long in our Build-Outs feature hub.

The post Build-Outs Of Summer: Mill City Roasters In Minneapolis, MN appeared first on Sprudge.


Source: Coffee News

Build-Outs Of Summer: The Meteor In Austin, TX

By andrew werth, austin, Black Out Signs, Build-Outs Of Summer, Cafes, Deep Eddy Tasting Room, intelligentsia coffee, JoAnn’s Fine Foods, kilogram tea, Klean Kanteen, La Marzocco Linea PB 3AV, mahlkonig, marco, Natural Wine, North America, notNeutral, Scott Magic, Staff Picks, Texas, Texas Rover, The Meteor, USA

the meteor austin texas

When it comes to mission statements, they don’t get much clearer (and diverse) than “Espresso, Champagne, and Chain Lube.” And that is exactly what The Meteor will be bringing to Austin early next month. Along with coffee from Intelligentsia, the new polymath cafe will feature a selection of natural wines as well as a “bespoke bike shop,” all things that the Texas capital inarguably enjoys, perhaps more than anywhere else in the state does.

With locations in Bentonville and Little Rock, The Meteor is hopping the border for their first non-Arkansas cafe, right in the heart of Central Texas. Their newest South Congress outpost looks to capitalize on the city’s penchant for doing things in 100° heat that shouldn’t ever really be done in temperatures that hot: riding bikes and drinking hot coffee; the crisp natural bubbles are never a bad idea though. But it’s a formula that has spelled success in Austin for some time now, and there’s no slowing down (or cooling off) in sight.

The 2019 Build-Outs of Summer is presented by Pacific Barista SeriesnotNeutralKeepCup, and Mill City Roasters.

As told to Sprudge by Andrew Werth.

For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?

Our framework is espresso, champagne, and chain lube, but really we are…

A top-shelf coffee bar and cafe colliding with a bespoke bike shop. We’ll offer signature baked goods, inspired food, and drinks for a hot climate.

the meteor austin texas

Can you tell us a bit about the new space?

Architect Scott Magic (see JoAnn’s Fine Foods, Deep Eddy Tasting Room) was brought on to oversee the buildout, which will expose the building’s 1950’s, mid-century structural features. Pink terrazzo floors line the cafe and Texas limestone frames the building. Black Out Signs from San Marcos, Texas, was commissioned to build an exterior neon sign announcing our holy trinity—Espresso, Champagne, Chain Lube—and an interior floating neon orb.

What’s your approach to coffee?

The Meteor strives to be exceptional in everything we do. It is our mission to provide our customers with excellent food and coffee in a fun and energetic environment. We offer friendly, intentional, and knowledgeable service that provides our customers with a consistent experience each time. We are committed to serving high-quality products while creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere for our clientele and staff.

Moreover, we strive to create and foster a supportive community that emphasizes clear and direct communication and mutual respect. All members of our staff are valued for the unique experience that they bring to our company and are offered opportunities for personal and professional growth throughout every stage of employment.

the meteor austin texas

Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?

The coffee bar features Intelligentsia Coffee and Kilogram Tea. Espresso equipment includes La Marzocco Linea PB 3AV, Mahlkönig K30 Air and Air Twin, and an EK43 for drip. Marco under counter boilers for tea service.

How is your project considering sustainability?

Principally in repurposing an existing building. Secondly in facilitating to a majority bicycle transported clientele with ample bike parking and bike services. A majority of wine offerings will be low to no intervention ie. natural wines. Additionally using compostable to go containers and participating in organic waste collection.

What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?

Early September

the meteor austin texas

Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?

Scott Magic, Architect. Black Out Signs, neon signs and light fixture. Texas Rover, interior. notNeutral, custom mugs, cups, saucers. Klean Kanteen, custom canteens and tumblers.

Thank you!

Thank you!

the meteor austin texas

The Meteor is located at 2110 S Congress Ave., Austin. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

The Build-Outs Of Summer is an annual series on Sprudge. Live the thrill of the build all summer long in our Build-Outs feature hub.

The post Build-Outs Of Summer: The Meteor In Austin, TX appeared first on Sprudge.


Source: Coffee News

Build-Outs Of Summer: Cohesive Coffee In Greenville, SC

By aeropress, Build-Outs Of Summer, Cafes, Cohesive Coffee, Cooperative Roasters, Greenville, josh williams, Kalita Wave, La Marzocco Linea Classic, Matt McDaniel, North America, South Carolina, Staff Picks, USA, White Duck Taco

cohesive coffee greenville south carolina

Journey now with us down to Greenville, South Carolina, the home of our next installment of the Build-Outs of Summer, Cohesive Coffee. Located in the new Junctions at Downtown Airport development, Cohesive is a community-focused cafe hoping to bring individuals from all walks of life together over a shared love of one thing: coffee.

Open for a little over a week now, Cohesive wants to be a spot for everyone, coffee drinker and non-coffee drinker alike. But for the coffee drinker, they are working with Asheville, North Carolina’s Cooperative Coffee for both espresso-based drinks and filter options, along with a few regional guest roasters making the occasional appearance. And from the looks of things, the brand new Cohesive Coffee in Greenville, South Carolina is off to a great start!

The 2019 Build-Outs of Summer is presented by Pacific Barista SeriesnotNeutralKeepCup, and Mill City Roasters.

As told to Sprudge by Josh Williams.

For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?

We are a community focused shop specializing in creating welcoming experiences for the coffee aficionado to the glass of milk drinker and everything in between.

We also have lived the past year as a mobile bus!

We have a four-fold strategy as to what makes us “Cohesive”
1) Everyone has a seat at the table
2) Kindness is cool
3) Every drink is a work of art
4) We don’t have customers, we have family

We want to be a place where cultures collide. Where different beliefs, people groups, and more can find unity in a common love: coffee and tea.

cohesive coffee greenville south carolina

Can you tell us a bit about the new space?

Our new space features 1,700 square feet including a 20-foot open bar and seating for around 30 people. Mid-century modern touches and minimal but bright color palettes will surround the space.

We are in a development called the Junction at Downtowns Airport, in the heart of Greenville with a restaurant, White Duck Taco, and 10 other customer driven businesses; there’s even a soccer training facility for our local pro team!

What’s your approach to coffee?

Coffee is a science and it is something we desire to continue to research and learn. We want to make sure that every drink we create has the customer in mind, from visual appeal to taste to customization to accommodate sweetness or alternative milks.

Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?

A La Marzocco Linea Classic two-group. This thing is a work horse and easy to train on.

Our pour-over bar will consist of Kalita Waves, a siphon or two, and potentially some special AeroPress recipes on standby.

As far as coffee, our anchor will be Cooperative Roasters out of Asheville. Matt McDaniel has been a huge mentor to me so it made perfect sense to use him! We are also going to feature regional roasters as another way to build community.

cohesive coffee greenville south carolina

How is your project considering sustainability?

By having a close relationship with our roaster, we are able to have an open line of communication as far as to where coffees are sourced from and the farms they come from. We want to honor and celebrate these farmers as much as possible.

What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?

Mid August 2019

Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?

NexGen Contractors has done an amazing buildout so far, and an amazing local artist and barista Brandon Seabrook Nelson is painting a large design feature behind the bar!

Thank you!

My pleasure!

cohesive coffee greenville south carolina

Cohesive Coffee is located at 301 Airport road, Unit A, Greenville. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

The Build-Outs Of Summer is an annual series on Sprudge. Live the thrill of the build all summer long in our Build-Outs feature hub.

The post Build-Outs Of Summer: Cohesive Coffee In Greenville, SC appeared first on Sprudge.


Source: Coffee News

Devoción Coffee To Open First Of Its Kind Cascara Bar In New York City

By Carolina Santo-Neves, cascara, Devoción Cascara + Coffee Bar, Devoción Coffee, new york, New York City, NOMAD, Wire

Cascara has been having quite a moment over the past few years. Originally, the fruit and skin of the coffee seed was by and large seen as a byproduct of the coffee-producing process, one that at best made it to compost to feed the trees from which they came. Then someone somewhere along the way realized that folks at origin, particularly in Bolivia, were drinking a tea made of the coffee cherry and thought, “maybe there’s a market for this.” There was. Now, the “byproduct” can sometimes fetch a higher price than the coffee seed itself. It was even banned—albeit briefly—in the UK; there was even rumo(u)r of some back alley cats peddling cascara to any coffee peeps with a spare quid.

But even with the seeming ubiquity of cascara, it hasn’t quite broken into the mainstream the way, say, a flat white has. But New York City’s Devoción Coffee is putting the cherry front and center with their brand new cafe, a cascara bar.

Opening on September 9th inside The Nomad, the Devoción Cascara + Coffee Bar is “the first concept in the world devoted to the coffee cherry,” per a press release announcing the location. The 500-square-foot, four stool cafe will be Devoción’s fourth location and there will of course be a full range of coffee beverages, but the main attraction is cascara. The cafe will have no less than four different expressions of cascara on tap: original, ginger lemon, cherry, and cassia lime. There will also be a baked goods menu that includes a “rotating option made with cascara” that was designed in collaboration with Chef Carolina Santo-Neves of the now-closed Comodo.

To celebrate the opening Devoción Cascara + Coffee Bar will also have on the menu for their first week a cascara ice cream affogato. During that same timeframe, Devoción will be donating all proceeds from beverage sales at their cascara bar to install a post-harvest processing lab at IED Escuela Normal Superior de Gachetá in Colombia, where students and teachers will be able to learn how to make specialty coffee.

For more information about the opening, make sure to follow Devoción on Facebook and Instagram.

Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.

Top image via Devoción

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Source: Coffee News