Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders

Chris Deferio

A coffee podcast providing coffee shop owners and leaders, with insights, inspiration, and the tools you need to grow and advance your coffee business or coffee career. We learn from experts both in and outside the coffee industry as they deliver specific, practical, and actionable advice about ownership, optimization, profitability, barista work, employee culture, management, scaling, leadership, personal development, and anything else that will help you achieve success in the coffee shop.

  1. 2d ago

    SHIFT BREAK! It's Got To Hurt If It's To Heal! : The Pins and Needles of Positive Change

    All too often we are likely to stick with the comfortable and known dysfunction or the habitual neglect of important areas of our business, than to take the uncomfortable but needed step of fixing and bringing life into those areas. In fact, I believe avoidance of taking action on those areas in need of attention is the first step in business failure.  Today on Shift Break we will be talking about embracing the pain associated with bringing attention, resource, and life back into areas that have been cut off and neglected and why doing so is in your coffee shop's best interest.  (Episode title credit to Urgl. IYKYK)   KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS APPLY TO THE 2026 KHCG COHORT! For cafe owners, the way you and your coffee shop grow is determined by how you are supported and nourished by community. The trouble is most owners are isolated, stressed, and are in desperate need of a type of community that is not just generally related to business but is made up entirely of other coffee shop owners who know exactly where you are coming from.  That is what Key Holder Coaching Groups are all about.  A small group of invested coffee shop owners who are dedicated to encouragement, accountability, insights, and helping each other grow.  Our groups are limited 6-7 experienced cafe owners and we meet 12 times over 6 months in our Zoom sessions where we focus on member led topics that are actually relevant to the real life of a cafe owner.  Each member received 2 hours of one-on-one coaching through this time and has access to our Circle community where they can keep the connection and conversation going between our calls.  I would love to talk with you about how this unique group can make a difference in your life.  Look below for a few testimonials of past members and click this link to apply for the Fall 2026 cohort!  APPLY TO THE 2026 KHCG COHORT!   Testimonials: My name is Susanna Winters and I am the owner and co -founder of Hilton Head Island Coffee Roasters. We're based out of Hilton Head, South Carolina. I've been part of Chris's key holder coaching group for I guess about five months now. And prior to that, I have participated in a few different business groups and business mentorship programs. And this coaching group has by far been the best and provided some of most value that we've received honestly in the two and a half years that we've been in business. And I think it's a combination of being paired with other business owners who are all at different places in their business. It really helps us take this big picture approach as well as get that really nitty gritty feedback, not only of what we need right now, but also what we might need a year from now. And the group that I was part of, it was honestly just so much fun and so much fun getting to know this group. Everyone provided so much value and they were honest and they were vulnerable and they were so transparent with their businesses and everyone really took that extra step to support each other, which is one of the reasons why I'm signing up to do it for another six months. But I absolutely recommend this coaching group. I think it's one the best things out there for new coffee shops, old coffee shops, anyone looking to elevate their business to the next level. -Susannah Winters/ Hilton Head Coffee Roasters      For us looking back, I think we were at a point of growth that we needed to take the steps to grow, but we were wearing ourselves out and burnout was starting to set it.  I feel if we didn't reach out for help with Chris we would have greatly struggled. Both during the coaching and as a result of the coaching.  Working with KTTS consulting has been monumental for us as individuals and as a business.  We were able to get insight and confidence in areas that we felt like we were really struggling in. We took huge steps with hiring a manager and equipping them to help lead.  Chris' structure behind servant leadership really matched well with how we wanted to lead so it allowed a very cohesive development of our foundation for goals, foundations, requirements and leadership. I would HIGHLY recommend KTTS to anyone regardless if you are struggling for feeling as though you are on top of the world with your business. I feel that no matter where you are in your journey, there's always room for growth. I even believe a few years down the road and we are continuing to grow that we would do it again and learn to continue to keep growing in a healthy was as a business and staying healthy as entrepreneurs -Jessica Nguyễn Queen City and Co.     I made the decision to become a part of the Key Holder Coaching Group (KHCG) primarily to establish connections with other professionals who are actively engaged in the coffee business. I have found that through coaching I have been able to improve my productivity, streamlining my operations and have a healthier life/work balance. The most beneficial aspect of the KHCG has been getting the opportunity to explore topics from multiple perspectives. I have found that even If I am not in the "Hot Seat" I am gaining valuable information that is relative to my business in some way. KHCG has proven to be a safe space for me to be vulnerable, increase my self-worth and positively adjust my mindset to get the most out of the experience. As business owners, we are, without a doubt, our most valuable asset. Investing in ourselves, stepping outside of our patterns and opening up to fellow business professionals within our field will absolutely bring fresh perspectives to solve problems and reminders to celebrate wins. You do not have to do it all or do it all alone, KHCG will be a valuable ally on your journey to success. -Sunny Cover / Peekskill Coffee Roasting Company / The Peekskill Coffeehouse

  2. 5d ago

    625: 5 Ways To Make Your Coffee Taste Better

    The quality of your coffee is one of the main reasons people choose your cafe vs another. It is the baseline expectation customers have for a specialty coffee shop and today, in spite of our abundant resources and access to information and tools, we are still far from consistently meeting, let alone exceeding, those expectations.  On the show today we will cover 5 ways your cafe can make your coffee and your whole menu taste better. I do believe we have claimed victory too soon and have conflated procuring quality products with producing quality products. I hope this episode makes you think and begin to implement intentional systems and cultural norms around quality that actually delivers!    KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS! Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for Spring 2026 Cohort: Click below to learn more:  APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS     KEYS TO THE SHOP CONSULTING HELPS YOU MAKE YOU CAFE BETTER! Book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related episodes: SHIFT BREAK! How to Think About Quality SHIFT BREAK! The Difference Between Numbers and Quality Numbers in The Cafe 533: Principles of Quality Control   SPONSORS! "Your Brand Cafe" for all your Cups, Sleeves printing and much more!    The worlds best plant based beverages! The Barista Series!

  3. Sep 5

    624: Founder Friday! The Power of Inclusion w/ Lindsay Wredge of 321 Coffee in Raleigh, NC

    One of the coolest things about coffee is how it can be used as a catalyst for change. Today we are going to be talking with someone who has built one of the best examples of how a business with a vision can make real progress for inclusion.  We are talking with Lindsay Wredge, Co-founder of 321 Coffee in Raleigh, NC! 321 Coffee is a coffee shop and roaster built on inclusion. Based in Raleigh, NC, 321 currently employs over 50 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). They are the ones roasting the coffee, taking the orders, and making the lattes and in this and many other ways 321 is demonstrating the value of an inclusive business model. The name "321 Coffee" is representative of Down syndrome, which occurs when an individual has 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. The company was founded in 2017 by Lindsay Wrege and Michael Evans. The two met during their freshman year as Park Scholars at NC State University. They had the vision to build a company founded on inclusion. 321 Coffee started with a couple folding tables and a home coffee brewer set up anywhere that would welcome them. These events helped to develop a presence in the community. Raleigh rallied behind the mission and helped 321 grow beyond those folding tables. Today, 321 Coffee operates multiple coffee shops in the Raleigh area and is actively finding new opportunities to expand our impact. We roast our own coffee, offer a full-scale espresso menu, and partner with over 100 different companies to provide them with coffee. Together, we are building a company that stands for inclusion and doing business the right way. We discuss The origins of 321 Coffee The importance of inclusive employment and community impact Starting with a low-barrier mobile coffee shop Designing accessible operations and training for employees with disabilities Maintaining quality and integrity at scale while staying true to the mission Leadership qualities and character traits essential for growth Scaling operations from a small cart to multiple cafes and wholesale Strategies for recruiting, training, and retaining diverse talent The role of community and customer relationships in success Future outlook and advice for other coffee businesses interested in inclusion   Links: www.321coffee.com   KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS! Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting?  Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups!  Applications are now open for Spring 2026 Cohort: Click below to learn more:  APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS     KEYS TO THE SHOP CONSULTING HELPS YOU MAKE YOU CAFE BETTER! Book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related episodes:   SPONSORS! "Your Brand Cafe" for all your Cups, Sleeves printing and much more!    The worlds best plant based beverages! The Barista Series!

  4. Sep 3

    SHIFT BREAK! It's The Way You Say It: Tips For Improving How People Receive Your Words

    You may have the best advice and information, but then your delivery can often fall flat or even have the opposite effect. This is very common in the cafe leadership environment where things are busy and our emotions feed into how we speak. Today on Shift Break we will be talking about how to start paying attention to and adjusting the spirit behind the words you speak and how to make practical adjustments so what you say will be effective.    KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS APPLY TO THE 2026 KHCG COHORT! For cafe owners, the way you and your coffee shop grow is determined by how you are supported and nourished by community. The trouble is most owners are isolated, stressed, and are in desperate need of a type of community that is not just generally related to business but is made up entirely of other coffee shop owners who know exactly where you are coming from.  That is what Key Holder Coaching Groups are all about.  A small group of invested coffee shop owners who are dedicated to encouragement, accountability, insights, and helping each other grow.  Our groups are limited 6-7 experienced cafe owners and we meet 12 times over 6 months in our Zoom sessions where we focus on member led topics that are actually relevant to the real life of a cafe owner.  Each member received 2 hours of one-on-one coaching through this time and has access to our Circle community where they can keep the connection and conversation going between our calls.  I would love to talk with you about how this unique group can make a difference in your life.  Look below for a few testimonials of past members and click this link to apply for the Fall 2026 cohort!  APPLY TO THE 2026 KHCG COHORT!   Testimonials: My name is Susanna Winters and I am the owner and co -founder of Hilton Head Island Coffee Roasters. We're based out of Hilton Head, South Carolina. I've been part of Chris's key holder coaching group for I guess about five months now. And prior to that, I have participated in a few different business groups and business mentorship programs. And this coaching group has by far been the best and provided some of most value that we've received honestly in the two and a half years that we've been in business. And I think it's a combination of being paired with other business owners who are all at different places in their business. It really helps us take this big picture approach as well as get that really nitty gritty feedback, not only of what we need right now, but also what we might need a year from now. And the group that I was part of, it was honestly just so much fun and so much fun getting to know this group. Everyone provided so much value and they were honest and they were vulnerable and they were so transparent with their businesses and everyone really took that extra step to support each other, which is one of the reasons why I'm signing up to do it for another six months. But I absolutely recommend this coaching group. I think it's one the best things out there for new coffee shops, old coffee shops, anyone looking to elevate their business to the next level. -Susannah Winters/ Hilton Head Coffee Roasters      For us looking back, I think we were at a point of growth that we needed to take the steps to grow, but we were wearing ourselves out and burnout was starting to set it.  I feel if we didn't reach out for help with Chris we would have greatly struggled. Both during the coaching and as a result of the coaching.  Working with KTTS consulting has been monumental for us as individuals and as a business.  We were able to get insight and confidence in areas that we felt like we were really struggling in. We took huge steps with hiring a manager and equipping them to help lead.  Chris' structure behind servant leadership really matched well with how we wanted to lead so it allowed a very cohesive development of our foundation for goals, foundations, requirements and leadership. I would HIGHLY recommend KTTS to anyone regardless if you are struggling for feeling as though you are on top of the world with your business. I feel that no matter where you are in your journey, there's always room for growth. I even believe a few years down the road and we are continuing to grow that we would do it again and learn to continue to keep growing in a healthy was as a business and staying healthy as entrepreneurs -Jessica Nguyễn Queen City and Co.     I made the decision to become a part of the Key Holder Coaching Group (KHCG) primarily to establish connections with other professionals who are actively engaged in the coffee business. I have found that through coaching I have been able to improve my productivity, streamlining my operations and have a healthier life/work balance. The most beneficial aspect of the KHCG has been getting the opportunity to explore topics from multiple perspectives. I have found that even If I am not in the "Hot Seat" I am gaining valuable information that is relative to my business in some way. KHCG has proven to be a safe space for me to be vulnerable, increase my self-worth and positively adjust my mindset to get the most out of the experience. As business owners, we are, without a doubt, our most valuable asset. Investing in ourselves, stepping outside of our patterns and opening up to fellow business professionals within our field will absolutely bring fresh perspectives to solve problems and reminders to celebrate wins. You do not have to do it all or do it all alone, KHCG will be a valuable ally on your journey to success. -Sunny Cover / Peekskill Coffee Roasting Company / The Peekskill Coffeehouse

  5. Aug 28

    SHIFT BREAK! Don't Give Your Staff Invisible Targets

    If we want our staff to succeed, we have to give them clear target to aim for. Unfortunately shocking number of cafes have what I would describe as invisible targets that only appear once the arrow is released. No wonder managers and other staff feel that winning at work is a rigged game.  In today's Shift Break we will talk about the importance of providing clear targets, and how to build momentum and confidence in your staff as they grow in their ability to hit them.    KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS APPLY TO THE 2026 KHCG COHORT! For cafe owners, the way you and your coffee shop grow is determined by how you are supported and nourished by community. The trouble is most owners are isolated, stressed, and are in desperate need of a type of community that is not just generally related to business but is made up entirely of other coffee shop owners who know exactly where you are coming from.  That is what Key Holder Coaching Groups are all about.  A small group of invested coffee shop owners who are dedicated to encouragement, accountability, insights, and helping each other grow.  Our groups are limited 6-7 experienced cafe owners and we meet 12 times over 6 months in our Zoom sessions where we focus on member led topics that are actually relevant to the real life of a cafe owner.  Each member received 2 hours of one-on-one coaching through this time and has access to our Circle community where they can keep the connection and conversation going between our calls.  I would love to talk with you about how this unique group can make a difference in your life.  Look below for a few testimonials of past members and click this link to apply for the Fall 2026 cohort!  APPLY TO THE 2026 KHCG COHORT!   Testimonials: My name is Susanna Winters and I am the owner and co -founder of Hilton Head Island Coffee Roasters. We're based out of Hilton Head, South Carolina. I've been part of Chris's key holder coaching group for I guess about five months now. And prior to that, I have participated in a few different business groups and business mentorship programs. And this coaching group has by far been the best and provided some of most value that we've received honestly in the two and a half years that we've been in business. And I think it's a combination of being paired with other business owners who are all at different places in their business. It really helps us take this big picture approach as well as get that really nitty gritty feedback, not only of what we need right now, but also what we might need a year from now. And the group that I was part of, it was honestly just so much fun and so much fun getting to know this group. Everyone provided so much value and they were honest and they were vulnerable and they were so transparent with their businesses and everyone really took that extra step to support each other, which is one of the reasons why I'm signing up to do it for another six months. But I absolutely recommend this coaching group. I think it's one the best things out there for new coffee shops, old coffee shops, anyone looking to elevate their business to the next level. -Susannah Winters/ Hilton Head Coffee Roasters      For us looking back, I think we were at a point of growth that we needed to take the steps to grow, but we were wearing ourselves out and burnout was starting to set it.  I feel if we didn't reach out for help with Chris we would have greatly struggled. Both during the coaching and as a result of the coaching.  Working with KTTS consulting has been monumental for us as individuals and as a business.  We were able to get insight and confidence in areas that we felt like we were really struggling in. We took huge steps with hiring a manager and equipping them to help lead.  Chris' structure behind servant leadership really matched well with how we wanted to lead so it allowed a very cohesive development of our foundation for goals, foundations, requirements and leadership. I would HIGHLY recommend KTTS to anyone regardless if you are struggling for feeling as though you are on top of the world with your business. I feel that no matter where you are in your journey, there's always room for growth. I even believe a few years down the road and we are continuing to grow that we would do it again and learn to continue to keep growing in a healthy was as a business and staying healthy as entrepreneurs -Jessica Nguyễn Queen City and Co.     I made the decision to become a part of the Key Holder Coaching Group (KHCG) primarily to establish connections with other professionals who are actively engaged in the coffee business. I have found that through coaching I have been able to improve my productivity, streamlining my operations and have a healthier life/work balance. The most beneficial aspect of the KHCG has been getting the opportunity to explore topics from multiple perspectives. I have found that even If I am not in the "Hot Seat" I am gaining valuable information that is relative to my business in some way. KHCG has proven to be a safe space for me to be vulnerable, increase my self-worth and positively adjust my mindset to get the most out of the experience. As business owners, we are, without a doubt, our most valuable asset. Investing in ourselves, stepping outside of our patterns and opening up to fellow business professionals within our field will absolutely bring fresh perspectives to solve problems and reminders to celebrate wins. You do not have to do it all or do it all alone, KHCG will be a valuable ally on your journey to success. -Sunny Cover / Peekskill Coffee Roasting Company / The Peekskill Coffeehouse

  6. Aug 26

    What are the Key Holder Coaching Groups?

    For cafe owners, the way you and your coffee shop grow is determined by how you are supported and nourished by community. The trouble is most owners are isolated, stressed, and are in desperate need of a type of community that is not just generally related to business but is made up entirely of other coffee shop owners who know exactly where you are coming from.  That is what Key Holder Coaching Groups are all about.  A small group of invested coffee shop owners who are dedicated to encouragement, accountability, insights, and helping each other grow.  Our groups are limited 6-7 experienced cafe owners and we meet 12 times over 6 months in our Zoom sessions where we focus on member led topics that are actually relevant to the real life of a cafe owner.  Each member received 2 hours of one-on-one coaching through this time and has access to our Circle community where they can keep the connection and conversation going between our calls.  I would love to talk with you about how this unique group can make a difference in your life.  Look below for a few testimonials of past members and click this link to apply for the Fall 2026 cohort!  APPLY TO THE 2026 KHCG COHORT!   Testimonials: My name is Susanna Winters and I am the owner and co -founder of Hilton Head Island Coffee Roasters. We're based out of Hilton Head, South Carolina. I've been part of Chris's key holder coaching group for I guess about five months now. And prior to that, I have participated in a few different business groups and business mentorship programs. And this coaching group has by far been the best and provided some of most value that we've received honestly in the two and a half years that we've been in business. And I think it's a combination of being paired with other business owners who are all at different places in their business. It really helps us take this big picture approach as well as get that really nitty gritty feedback, not only of what we need right now, but also what we might need a year from now. And the group that I was part of, it was honestly just so much fun and so much fun getting to know this group. Everyone provided so much value and they were honest and they were vulnerable and they were so transparent with their businesses and everyone really took that extra step to support each other, which is one of the reasons why I'm signing up to do it for another six months. But I absolutely recommend this coaching group. I think it's one the best things out there for new coffee shops, old coffee shops, anyone looking to elevate their business to the next level. -Susannah Winters/ Hilton Head Coffee Roasters      For us looking back, I think we were at a point of growth that we needed to take the steps to grow, but we were wearing ourselves out and burnout was starting to set it.  I feel if we didn't reach out for help with Chris we would have greatly struggled. Both during the coaching and as a result of the coaching.  Working with KTTS consulting has been monumental for us as individuals and as a business.  We were able to get insight and confidence in areas that we felt like we were really struggling in. We took huge steps with hiring a manager and equipping them to help lead.  Chris' structure behind servant leadership really matched well with how we wanted to lead so it allowed a very cohesive development of our foundation for goals, foundations, requirements and leadership. I would HIGHLY recommend KTTS to anyone regardless if you are struggling for feeling as though you are on top of the world with your business. I feel that no matter where you are in your journey, there's always room for growth. I even believe a few years down the road and we are continuing to grow that we would do it again and learn to continue to keep growing in a healthy was as a business and staying healthy as entrepreneurs -Jessica Nguyễn Queen City and Co.     I made the decision to become a part of the Key Holder Coaching Group (KHCG) primarily to establish connections with other professionals who are actively engaged in the coffee business. I have found that through coaching I have been able to improve my productivity, streamlining my operations and have a healthier life/work balance. The most beneficial aspect of the KHCG has been getting the opportunity to explore topics from multiple perspectives. I have found that even If I am not in the "Hot Seat" I am gaining valuable information that is relative to my business in some way. KHCG has proven to be a safe space for me to be vulnerable, increase my self-worth and positively adjust my mindset to get the most out of the experience. As business owners, we are, without a doubt, our most valuable asset. Investing in ourselves, stepping outside of our patterns and opening up to fellow business professionals within our field will absolutely bring fresh perspectives to solve problems and reminders to celebrate wins. You do not have to do it all or do it all alone, KHCG will be a valuable ally on your journey to success. -Sunny Cover / Peekskill Coffee Roasting Company / The Peekskill Coffeehouse

  7. Aug 25

    622: Lifting Up Coffee Farmers w/ Ben Carlson of Long Miles Coffee!

    In coffee we can often question the impact of our efforts. Over time though, small consistent steps in the right direction can not only carry you over many miles, it can transform you and those for whom you are working. What may seem like plodding work now, is the foundation for what will be built in the future.  Today we are talking with someone whose work has taken several turns over the years. All of which were in the direction of uplifting farmers with whatever means were at hand. Today the massive impact of those consistent actions has led to impact beyond measure.  We are talking with Ben Carlson of Long Miles Coffee. Ben Carlson is a coffee industry leader and social entrepreneur with 23 years of global experience, including 16 years on the ground in East Africa. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Ben serves as the CEO, Chief Culture Creator, and Sales Director of Long Miles Coffee—an impact-driven organization dedicated to producing world-class specialty coffee while uplifting smallholder farming communities out of generational poverty. Ben's journey in East Africa began in 2010 following a quality survey of Burundi's coffee sector. Driven by a vision to challenge exploitative supply chains, he transitioned from coffee trading to hands-on production, founding Long Miles Coffee in 2013 alongside his wife, Kristy. What started with a single washing station serving 180 families in Bukeye, Burundi, has scaled into a multi-country operation employing over 130 team members and supporting more than 9,500 farming families across Burundi and Uganda. Under Ben's leadership, Long Miles has consistently set benchmarks for quality and sustainability, earning numerous Cup of Excellence awards and achieving Burundi's highest coffee sales per pound. His current work focuses on pioneering climate-resilient agriculture, including building Africa's first carbon-neutral, minimal-water coffee processing facility and developing a regenerative model farm on Mount Elgon in Western Kenya. Recognized as Imbibe Magazine's "Coffee Person of the Year," Ben is a frequent international speaker, event host, and competition judge on impact-driven business models and sustainable agriculture. He also serves as the regional distributor for Ecotact protective packaging in Uganda and Kenya. Ben lives in Kenya with his family, continuing his mission to reshape the future of African specialty coffee. We discuss:  The start of Long Miles Coffee and its initial vision Impact of coffee on local communities in Burundi Challenges and innovations in coffee farming and processing Scaling the impact: From 100 families to thousands The social programs: Coffee Kids Camp and community development Market response and the future of Long Miles Coffee Advice for those who want to make a difference     KEYS TO THE SHOP CONSULTING HELPS YOU MAKE YOU CAFE BETTER! Book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min  Related episodes: COVID-19 Focus: Perspective from Burundi w/ Jeanine Niyonzima-Aroian, JNP Coffee 451: Business Growth, Integrity, and Coffee Farmer Equity w/ Martin Mayorga of Mayorga Coffee Sustainability Series #1 : The Farm 153 : Exploring the Peace Trade in the Congo w/ Mighty Peace Coffee SPONSORS! "Your Brand Cafe" for all your Cups, Sleeves printing and much more!    The worlds best plant based beverages! The Barista Series!

4.8
out of 5
256 Ratings

About

A coffee podcast providing coffee shop owners and leaders, with insights, inspiration, and the tools you need to grow and advance your coffee business or coffee career. We learn from experts both in and outside the coffee industry as they deliver specific, practical, and actionable advice about ownership, optimization, profitability, barista work, employee culture, management, scaling, leadership, personal development, and anything else that will help you achieve success in the coffee shop.

You Might Also Like