Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders

Chris Deferio
  • 4.8 (255)
  • Food
  • Updated Semiweekly

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. 3d ago

    SHIFT BREAK! The Best Strategy is Simplicity

    I have noticed a lot of noise in the industry. The coffee shop and its owner are the targets of a crushing and never ending stream of marketing that does not care about your success, but only moving units. The uncertainty that was supposed to be solved, is made worse, and the simple desire to serve coffee professionally, gets over complicated. No wonder we burn out so often.   Today on Shift Break we will be talking about how simplicity is the best strategy for any coffee shop and is worth establishing as a central pillar of the business so you can navigate the pressured environment of entrepreneurship and build something on a stable foundation.     REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES!  Build a Stronger Coffee Shop: One Step at a Time Great coffee shops don't happen by accident. They are built by hiring the right people, training them well, and leading them with clarity and consistency. In this live three-part Summer Webinar Series, Chris Deferio shares the practical systems and coaching insights that have helped coffee businesses build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and more resilient operations. Each webinar includes: Live instruction and Q&A PDF workbook One hour of virtual consulting for each live attendee Lifetime access to the recording Register for the individual sessions that fit your current needs, or scroll down to save 20% on the complete Summer Webinar Series. REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES!    Sign up for 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email chris@keystothshop.com OR... book a free call now to talk about working together https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related episodes: 421: Encore Episode: Simple, Powerful, Hospitality w/ Philip Paul Turner Keep Systems Simple! Founder Friday! w/ Amos Gillespie of Wheelhouse Coffee, Kentville, Nova Scotia, CA Menu Simplicity as Hospitality Building your Coffee Shop's Capacity from Simplicity

    11 min

  2. 5d ago

    614: 3 Areas to Prioritize for Your People's Success

    A cafe's culture is built by intentionally investing in values, hiring, training, and leadership structures and behaviors. These areas are integral to any cafe's success. The issue is that for many, they tend to be rushed or even afterthoughts, leaving the people part of our coffee shops under developed and the resulting culture fragile.  In this episode we will go over the three areas we are covering in an upcoming webinar series and how each of them factor into your cafe's success. Today we will discuss: Values+ Hiring Onboarding + Training Leadership + Management   REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES!  Build a Stronger Coffee Shop: One Step at a Time Great coffee shops don't happen by accident. They are built by hiring the right people, training them well, and leading them with clarity and consistency. In this live three-part Summer Webinar Series, Chris Deferio shares the practical systems and coaching insights that have helped coffee businesses build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and more resilient operations. Each webinar includes: Live instruction and Q&A PDF workbook One hour of virtual consulting for each live attendee Lifetime access to the recording Register for the individual sessions that fit your current needs, or scroll down to save 20% on the complete Summer Webinar Series. REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES!    chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min

    28 min

  3. Jul 2

    SHIFT BREAK! Every Manager Should Have This Trait

    We are notorious in coffee for promoting people into management based only on technical skills or that they might not be quite as unreliable as others on the team. We also rush good people who need more time to develop resilience into the position and set them up for failure. In order to make good decisions, there are many traits we need to look for in a a manager, but one in particular is important enough that I feel every manager should possess at least the beginnings of it.    Today on Shift Break we will be talking about the need for a particular kind of resiliency that I have seen the best managers have. If you look for this in your team and in those who apply for roles in the shop it will set them up for success in their technical, admin, and leadership responsibilities well into the future.   Worth a note is the fact that owners are also hugely responsible for how they bring in, train, and provide standards and structures for leadership. You cannot lead based on intuition and some "it" factor. The argument here is not that management make up for and excuse the the lack of systems and structures, but that they would be and can be part of the process of helping lead others in those things and help advance them as well. Sign up for 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email chris@keystothshop.com OR... book a free call now to talk about working together https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related episodes: 109 : Leadership Abandonment Syndrome : Lack of development in senior staff and what to do about it 419: Behaviors That Establish Excellent Management Culture 383 : How to Train a Manager Proactivity in the Owner – Manager Relationship 314 : The 6 Essential Qualities of Coffee Shop Leaders

    9 min

  4. Jun 30

    613: Challenges and Opportunities in Changing the Industry w/ Writer Sarah Charles of Underscore Communication

    Today we have access to information about the world of coffee that is unprecedented. At times it can be overwhelming to consider all the areas of the coffee industry that need fixing while we also work daily to care for those we have immediately with us. The trick is to tune into sources that convey not just the reality of the problem, but can also feature stories that showcase hope as we work to make progress. Today we get talk with someone whose work in writing about coffee has helped countless people grapple with and take steps to address our industry's most pressing issues. Sarah Charles is the founder of Underscore Communications, former Editor of Coffee Intelligence, and Senior Communications Officer at the International Trade Centre (ITC/WTO agency). A principal author of the ITC Coffee Guide 4th Edition, she writes for print and online publications and produces industry reports and books covering coffee trends, trade, and development. Her work makes sense of the world's messiest systems – climate, trade, culture, food – through sharp storytelling, fresh angles, and analysis. She holds an MSc in Sustainable Development from SOAS, University of London and is a founding member of the Greek IWCA chapter.  Today we will discuss: Sarah's start in coffee writing Romanticism vs. Reality in Coffee The Impact of Writing on the Coffee Industry Navigating Challenges and Finding Inspiration Hopeful Futures for Coffee Farmers The Power of Necessity in Innovation Community and Connection in Business Hopeful Trends from China's producing Community Knowledge as Leverage in Coffee Trade The Impact of Consolidation on Specialty Coffee Balancing Ethics and Profit in Business Links: https://www.instagram.com/unprincipledwriter/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-e-charles/ https://iwcagreece.org/ https://www.intracen.org/resources/publications/the-coffee-guide-fourth-edition   KEYS TO THE SHOP OFFERS CONSULTING + COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related episodes:  451: Business Growth, Integrity, and Coffee Farmer Equity w/ Martin Mayorga of Mayorga Coffee 602: Renata Henderson | Cxffeeblack | Putting The Heart Back Into Coffee 560: Bio-Innovation and Securing the Future for Coffee Farmers and Their Land w/ Felipe Sardi of La Palma y El Tucan 510: Advancing Equity in Farmer-Consumer Relationships w/ Ethiopia's Beamlak Bekele! Sustainability Series #1 : The Farm

    1 hr

  5. Jun 25

    SHIFT BREAK! Getting The Hint From Your Customers

    Sometimes we hope against hope that we can eventually win the customer over to that one flavor, those later hours of your cafe,  or the new menu item that the internet said was a sure-fire winner. Whether it is our own pride or some other reason, we can hang on to things a bit too long and damage our business in the process.  Today on Shift Break we will be talking about the signals your customers are sending you regarding your coffee shops hours, menu etc and how we can get the hint, get over our stubbornness, and free ourselves to make discussions informed from the conversation we have with our community.    Sign up for 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email chris@keystothshop.com OR... book a free call now to talk about working together https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related episodes: The Conversational Reality of Your Business : Thought on how to approach creative projects in the new year SHIFT BREAK: Embracing Problems as Blessings 227 : Connecting with Hearts and Minds SHIFT BREAK: Make Customer Feedback a Priority Feedback Culture : Making feedback a part of what you do not just something you sometimes do

    10 min

  6. Jun 24

    612: Founder Friday! w/ Yaren Maya of Cafeto Cacao in Oaxaca, Mexico!

    I am so glad that I came across this jewel of a cafe in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca, Mexico. We hear often about direct trade relationships, local sourcing, excellent hospitality, and servant leadership all as aspirations of mindful operators. This place is living these aspirations as a part of the daily rhythm. Coffee and Cacao from their backyard. Signature drinks and a food menu made from ingredients direct from local farms. A deep focus on Oaxacan culture and tradition. I am so happy to welcom to the show the founder of Cafeto Cacao, Yaren Maya! Yaren Maya is the Founder and Owner of the amazing Cafeto Cacao, a specialty coffee shop in Oaxaca, Mexico. She has been working in the coffee and cacao industry for three years already and the cafe has established itself as the premier destination for thoughtful and excellent hospitality and menu items sourced from Oaxaca. A beautiful business showcasing local flavor, creativity, and kind service to neighbors and tourists alike. Yaren is also the co-creator of an Oaxacan fusion restaurant, which has been operating for five years and caters for lunches, dinners, and events. Working by the side of others professionals of the industry in Food and Beverages in Oaxaca City, Yaren continues to grow her professional skills as she creates, leads, and serves. Prior to the restaurant and Cafeto Cacao, Yaren gained professional experience and internships in Mexico and the United States in the hotel industry, basic studies of the English language in Ireland, as well as experience in coffee shops and eventual catering services in the aforementioned country. In Todays conversation we will cover: Yaren's background in hospitality and how it shaped her approach to café ownership The importance of local ingredients like cacao, vanilla, and seasonal fruits in menu development The fusion concept: blending Oaxaca's traditional cuisine with innovative techniques Strategies for staff training on product knowledge and hospitable interactions How maintaining integrity and values in sourcing creates a loyal customer base The role of small-scale, traditional equipment like clay pots in preserving culture Tips for fostering a passionate, adaptable team that shines in a small setting Motivation and continuous learning in a competitive, evolving industry Links:  Instagram: @Cafeto_cacao   KEYS TO THE SHOP OFFERS CONSULTING + COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related episodes:  332: Founder Friday! w/ Iman Kusumaputra & Putri Yulandari of Kopikalyan, Jakarta, Indonesia 530: Founder Friday w/ Aisha Bullard and Modou (MAD) Diongue of Original Drip in Dakar, Senegal 289 : Founder Friday w/ Ochen Simon Eidodo of Chariots Coffees, Uganda! 256 : Founder Friday w/ Varat Vichit-Vadakan of Roots Coffee Roaster in Bangkok, Thailand

    47 min

  7. Jun 23

    611: What Colin Harmon Knows About Growing Coffee Shops!

    As hard as starting a coffee shop can be, growing that shop is where the real work begins. The industry is riff with examples of cafes and roasteries that have suffered and even failed as a resulting how they approach growth. The industry also has many whose businesses have grown well but we can only admire their work as outsiders to the work that was done to get there.  Enter Colin Harmon. Just like he did with his first book "What I know About Running Coffee Shops", Colin once again give us a look behind the curtain in his new book, "What I Know About Growing Coffee Shops!  Colin Harmon is a 4x Irish Barista champion and founder of the iconic cafe and roastery 3fE in Dublin, Ireland. Under Colin's leadership 3fE has grown to 8 cafes, a massive roasting and wholesale program, and stands as an example of a what a thriving quality focused specialty coffee business looks like.  Today we get to welcome Colin back to the show 9 years after his first appearance in 2017 shortly after the release of his first book to open up the ages of his new book and share with us his hard earned lessons and perspectives on growing a coffee shop! We Discuss: Colin's reflection on the eight-year process to write his latest book and the importance of allowing ideas to mature Balancing hands-on work with business growth, including fixing toilets and managing staff The concept of a "stay here plan" to sustain long-term engagement in the coffee industry The realities behind scaling coffee shops and the pitfalls of growth for ego versus long-term purpose How to evaluate and choose opportunities like spin-offs, markets, consulting, and events prudently The impact of perception, staff development, and consistency across multiple locations Practical frameworks for evaluating new sites and scaling while staying true to core values The significance of transparent communication within teams and the importance of self-awareness Insights into wholesale relationships, maintaining quality, and marketing without overextending Colin's advice on avoiding burnout, overgrowth, and the importance of focusing on what works Links: https://www.scottrao.com/ https://eightouncecoffee.com @colinharmon   Keys to the Shop CONSULTING + COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related Episodes:  022 : Founder Friday w/ Colin Harmon of 3fe Coffee, Dublin Ireland & Author of the new book, "What I know About Running Coffee Shops" 608: The Best Behaviors for Building Resilient Cafe and Roastery w/ Tracy Allen of Brewed Behavior Consulting 283 : 5 Bad Reasons to Open a Coffee Shop 242 : A Conversation with James Hoffmann SHIFT BREAK: Are You Growing With Your Business? SHIFT BREAK! When Changing Things, Pay Attention to the Heart of the Business The Power of "No"

    1h 4m

  8. Jun 18

    SHIFT BREAK! Are You Ready To Scale?

    As time goes on, opportunities to grow your business will present themselves and you need to make a decision on whether you will say yes, no, or not yet.  In order to make a good decision there are a few things you should consider.  Today on Shift Break we will be talking about six areas of your current business that need to be healthy in order to set your next venture up fopr success.  Whether it is adding services and departments to your current business or expanding to another location, this episode will challenge you to attend to the foundations before adding on.    Sign up for 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email chris@keystothshop.com OR... book a free call now to talk about working together https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related episodes: RoR #27 : Scaling and Relationships in a Small Roastery w/ Cody Gordon, Cerberus Coffee Scaling Values 588: Prioritizing the Right Things as Your Cafe Grows 583: Unifying Teams Across Multiple Cafes SHIFT BREAK: Reassessing Growth Before you Expand

    14 min
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4.8
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255 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.

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