An approachable (and profitable!) way to celebrate the holidays with your customers

The holidays always have a way of sneaking up and making it feel like our to-do lists are never ending. The thought of switching up your menu can feel daunting on top of everything else, but getting into the holiday spirit can do more for your business than you think! Continue reading An approachable (and profitable!) way to celebrate the holidays with your customers

Boston Coffee Shops You Can’t Miss During the SCA Expo

Heading to Beantown for the biggest industry event of the year? The CUPS team is attending this year’s Specialty Coffee Association expo, and you can be sure we won’t miss an opportunity to visit some of Boston’s best coffee shops. Here’s where to catch us throughout the weekend when we’re not hitting the conference floor, and where you should absolutely stop if you’re looking for … Continue reading Boston Coffee Shops You Can’t Miss During the SCA Expo

Breaking New Grounds: LIC Corner Cafe

Every coffee shop is different, and no one knows that better than you—the coffee shop owners who build a unique story and brand with every cup. Welcome to our fourth edition of Breaking New Grounds.  There’s something about a cup of coffee that brings you closer to whoever you’re sharing it with. Based off LIC Corner Cafe in Long Island City, the same might be … Continue reading Breaking New Grounds: LIC Corner Cafe

Quick Design Hacks to Spice Up your Shop

Spicing up your shop is an underrated way of keeping your regulars engaged as well as attracting new walk ins! At your busiest times, your customers won’t notice that their coffee took two minutes longer to make if they’re busy taking pictures with the painting on the wall or instagramming the tiny succulents you’ve placed on the tables.  For quick fixes and easy design hacks … Continue reading Quick Design Hacks to Spice Up your Shop

Breaking New Grounds: Frisson Espresso

Every coffee shop is different, and no one knows that better than you—the coffee shop owners who build a unique story and brand with every cup. Welcome to the latest edition of Breaking New Grounds. Co-owner of Frisson Espresso, Tulian, used to get a “word of the day” texted to his phone. One day, the word frisson popped up—a French word meaning “a moment of … Continue reading Breaking New Grounds: Frisson Espresso

Breaking New Grounds: LENA

The French sidewalk cafe is a cultural landmark—everyone knows the Parisian way of life, sipping coffee and people-watching. You can gain some of the same experience and cuisine at LENA, a French-owned cafe with two locations in Greenwich Village and the Lower East Side. Both serve specialty coffee roasted by La Colombe, though the Lower East Side shop functions now as a cafe-turned-wine bar. The … Continue reading Breaking New Grounds: LENA

National Event Round-Up 2018

National Coffee Association Convention Dates: March 15 – 17 Where: New Orleans The NCA Annual Convention is the leading industry event for coffee professionals. Network with decision makers, learn more about the issues facing the coffee industry, and find your place in this vibrant community. Each year, the NCA Convention offers compelling keynote speakers, targeted breakout sessions, and parties featuring the best local food, drinks, … Continue reading National Event Round-Up 2018

Breaking New Grounds: Milk Bar and Brunswick

One major influence in the recent onset of third-wave coffee culture is that of Australian coffee culture. While Americans generally chug coffee to fuel through their workdays, Australians see coffee as a lifestyle—something to consume mindfully, and something that should be well-crafted. Thanks to the recent importation of these ideals, you won’t have to fly across the globe to experience this coffee culture—especially in sister … Continue reading Breaking New Grounds: Milk Bar and Brunswick

Breaking New Grounds: Extraction Lab

Every coffee shop is different, and no one knows that better than you—the coffee shop owners who build a unique story and brand with every cup. Welcome to our fifth edition of Breaking New Grounds. We’re in the midst of one of the most innovative eras for specialty coffee as well as for technology, and brewing machine company Alpha Dominche is making huge steps in … Continue reading Breaking New Grounds: Extraction Lab