Whether you own a casual eatery or a fine dining establishment, chances are that coffee is an important part of your business. After all, what’s breakfast without a cup of coffee? What’s dessert without an espresso? And what’s a business meeting without a pot of coffee to get everyone going? If you’re not serving great coffee, you’re missing out on an opportunity to improve your business. Here are a few ways to do just that.
Make Sure You’re Using Fresh Beans
Coffee is only as good as the beans used to make it. If your beans are old, stale, or otherwise not at their best, your coffee will suffer as a result. Make sure you’re using fresh beans and storing them properly to ensure the best possible flavor.
If you’re using pre-ground coffee, you’re not getting the full flavor potential of your beans. When coffee is ground, it starts to lose its flavor immediately. The longer ground coffee sits, the more flat and uninteresting it becomes. If you want to make great coffee, grind your own beans fresh for each pot or cup.
Brew With Filtered Water
Water is a key ingredient in coffee, so it’s important to use quality water for brewing. If your tap water doesn’t taste great, chances are your coffee won’t either. Use filtered water for the best results.
Use The Right Grind
In addition to using fresh beans, it’s important to use the right grind for your brew method. If your beans are too finely ground, they’ll produce a bitter cup of coffee. If they’re too coarsely ground, however, the coffee will be weak and watery. Experiment with different grind sizes until you find the perfect setting for your particular brew method.
If you use too much coffee, your coffee will be bitter and unpleasant. If you use too little coffee, it will be weak and watery. Use the right ratio of coffee to water for the best results.
Invest In Better Brewing Equipment
If you’re still using a Mr. Coffee drip coffeemaker from the early ’90s, it’s time for an upgrade. There are plenty of great brewing methods out there, from pour-over machines to French presses to espresso makers. Find one that fits your needs and budget and invest in it—you’ll be glad you did.
Invest In a Good Coffee Maker
A good coffee maker can make all the difference in the world. If you’re using a cheap, old coffee maker, your coffee will suffer as a result. Invest in a quality coffee maker that can brew great-tasting coffee.
Train Your Staff Properly
Of course, no matter how good your equipment is or how fresh your beans are, if your staff doesn’t know how to use them properly, your coffee will suffer as a result. Make sure your baristas and servers are properly trained in all aspects of coffee preparation, from grinding and brewing to milk frothing and pouring.
Coffee Brewing Tips
Now that you know a few ways to improve your coffee service, here are a few brewing tips to help you make the best coffee possible.
- Preheat your coffee pot: Before you brew, preheat your coffee pot by running hot water through it. This will help ensure that your coffee is brewed at the right temperature.
- Don’t over-brew: Brewing for too long will result in a bitter cup of coffee.
- Let the coffee grounds steep: After you add the hot water, let the coffee grounds steep for a few minutes before stirring. This will help release their flavor.
- Stir gently: Once the coffee is done brewing, stir it gently to ensure that all the grounds are evenly distributed.
- Pour into a pre-warmed mug: To help keep your coffee hot, pour it into a pre-warmed mug. You can do this by running hot water over the mug before you brew, or by heating up the mug in the microwave for a few seconds.
Conclusion
Great coffee is essential for any restaurant that wants to be successful. By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your coffee is always up to par and impress your customers—which will in turn help improve your bottom line. Now that you know how to improve your coffee service, put these tips into practice and see for yourself how much of a difference they make. Your customers will thank you for it!