Café
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
How to Create Atmosphere in a Specialty Coffee Shop
Learn five proven ways to shape your coffee shop’s ambiance, from music and lighting to customer-aligned design and display.
Startup Cafés in Beijing vs Shanghai: What’s the Same, What’s Different
Explore the shared traits and regional differences of startup cafés in Beijing and Shanghai, from operating models to local entrepreneurial cultures.
London's TAP Coffee No. 193: A Specialty Roastery in Soho
Discover TAP Coffee No. 193 in London’s Soho, a specialty coffee shop blending roast aroma, design detail, and in-house roasting for a unique café experience.
South Korea’s Trendiest Dog Café in Busan
Looking for a canine companion while you sip coffee? This Busan café offers rescued dogs, snacks, and a chill vibe—for just $7.20.
How to Build a Specialty Coffee Bar That Works
Learn how Melbourne’s Proud Mary built its iconic specialty coffee bar with equipment choices, layout tips, and flexible service models.
Top 3 Specialty Coffee Shops in Shanghai
Explore Shanghai’s top-rated specialty coffee spots: quality-focused cafes using science, supply chain control, and direct trade sourcing.
How Independent Cafés Can Think Smarter About Quality Control
Learn how consistency—not just high scores—defines coffee quality. Discover the role of variance, fitness-for-use, and broader shop operations in true quality improvement.
How to Choose the Best Location for Your Coffee Shop
Explore the pros and cons of five key coffee shop locations—campus, business district, commercial area, residential, and creative zones.
How to Be a Great Coffee Shop Barista Supervisor
Learn the 20 essential skills and mindset traits every coffee shop barista supervisor must master to lead effectively and run a smooth cafe bar.
How Blue Bottle Coffee Keeps Its Third Wave Identity
James Freeman’s Blue Bottle controls just 1% of the U.S. market—but his slow-growth, quality-first approach keeps it a cult favorite.
How Specialty Cafés Keep Customers Coming Back
Seven field-tested ways café owners can understand their customers better, boost loyalty, and increase revenue through smart, personal engagement.
What Makes a Great Barista? Advice for New Coffee Professionals
New and experienced baristas alike should reflect on their role: beyond skills, great baristas deliver warmth, skillful technique, and emotional connection with every cup.
How Baristas Chat With Customers at the Coffee Bar
Learn how baristas build rapport with customers through casual conversation, from opening lines to avoiding common chat pitfalls.
How to Make a Profit Running a Specialty Coffee Shop
Running a profitable coffee shop means keeping ingredient and labor costs under 60%, rent and fees below 30%, and hitting at least 10% net profit.
10 Common Problems in Running a Specialty Coffee Shop
Facing low sales or high staff turnover? Here’s how to boost revenue, cut costs, and build loyalty in your coffee shop business.
How Much Should a Coffee Shop Spend on Coffee Beans?
Good coffee starts with smart sourcing. Most cafes should budget at least $1.50–$2.25 per cup’s worth of beans to deliver quality consistently.
Coffee Shop Door and Lighting Design Essentials
Learn how to design a coffee shop entrance and lighting for optimal customer flow and ambiance, with key placement tips and brightness guidelines.
25 Coffee Shop Service Details That Matter
Discover the 25 critical service details that can make or break your coffee shop experience — from greeting guests to clearing tables.
The 4 Core Elements of Professional Barista Training
Discover the four essential traits every skilled barista builds: cleanliness obsession, grounded realism, personal drive, and customer connection.
How to Open a Specialty Coffee Shop in 10 Steps
A step-by-step guide to launching your coffee shop, from market research to opening day, covering permits, equipment, suppliers, and staffing.