Brewing Success: Setting Up Coffee Service for Your Café or Restaurant
Starting a café or restaurant comes with many decisions, and one of the most important is how to deliver consistently great coffee. This guide will help you understand the essentials of setting up a coffee service, from choosing the right equipment to training staff and creating a safe, efficient workspace.
Invest in the Right Equipment
Your equipment is the backbone of your coffee program. It directly affects the quality of your coffee and the efficiency of your service.
Espresso Machines: Choose an espresso machine that aligns with your business's needs:
Grinders: A good grinder is essential for controlling extraction. Choose one with:
Stepless adjustments: for precise grind size.
High-capacity hoppers: for busy periods.
Consistent burrs: that deliver uniform grounds.
Water Filters: Installing a water filtration system prevents scale buildup, reduces mineral deposits, and ensures consistent water quality. This not only extends the lifespan of your machine but also improves the taste and aroma of your coffee by eliminating impurities.
Key Accessories for Espresso: Equip your station with tools that guarantee precision:
Automatic presses: Automates tamping for consistency and reduces barista fatigue.
Scales: Essential for measuring coffee doses and ensuring extraction accuracy.
Tamping mats: Protects surfaces while providing a stable platform for tamping.
Fletchers Supplies offers high-quality espresso machines, grinders, and accessories to set your café up for success. Contact us for more information on espresso machines and grinders.
Cater to Modern Milk Preferences
Dairy isn’t the only option anymore. Customers increasingly prefer plant-based alternatives like oat, almond, soy, and lactose-free milks. These have unique steaming requirements:
Separate Jugs and Colour Coded Pitcher Tags: Prevent cross-contamination and ensure flavour consistency with dedicated jugs for each milk type.
Thermometers: Different types of milk foam and scald at varying temperatures. Thermometers help you achieve the perfect microfoam every time.
Vessel Rinsers: Quickly and thoroughly clean milk jugs between uses, ensuring hygiene and speed during busy periods.
With Fletchers Supplies’ range of milk jugs, thermometers, and vessel rinsers, you can meet diverse customer needs while maintaining hygiene and efficiency.
Expand Your Coffee Menu with Alternative Brewing Methods
Offering alternative brewing options like pour-over, batch brew, and cold brew can attract coffee aficionados and diversify your menu.
Pour Over: This method highlights the nuanced flavours of single-origin beans.
Equipment Needed: V60 drippers, gooseneck kettles, filters, and scales.
Tips: Use freshly ground coffee, precise water temperatures, and consistent pouring techniques for the best results.
Filter Coffee (Batch Brewing): Ideal for high-volume service and events.
Equipment Needed: Batch brewers, paper filters, and coffee servers.
Tips: Adjust brew ratios and cycle times to ensure optimal flavour extraction.
Cold Brew: A smooth, less acidic option that’s popular year-round.
Equipment Needed: Cold brew containers, fine-mesh filters, and storage bottles.
Tips: Brew for 12-24 hours in cold water to achieve a mellow, balanced profile.
Equipment Needed: French presses and scales.
Tips: Use a coarser grind to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.
Fletchers Supplies provides all the equipment for these brewing methods, allowing you to craft a diverse and high-quality coffee menu.
Prioritise Staff Comfort and Safety
Baristas often work long hours in fast-paced environments, so their comfort and safety are essential.
Fletchers Supplies offers a range of anti-fatigue mats, aprons, and barista hooks to ensure your team is comfortable and prepared.
Fine-Tune the Details with Barista Accessories
Small tools can have a big impact on workflow and coffee quality:
Knock Tubes: Provide a durable, convenient place to discard used coffee grounds.
Coffee Grind Brushes: Keep grinders clean to prevent clogs and ensure consistent performance.
Barista Cloths: Essential for keeping the station clean and professional.
These accessories, available at Fletchers Supplies, streamline your operation and help your team maintain a high standard.
Don’t Forget Staff Training
Even the best equipment requires skilled hands to operate. Invest in ongoing barista training to ensure:
Consistent grinder adjustments: for proper extraction.
Mastery of milk steaming and texturing techniques.
Proficiency: with scales, timers, and other tools for precision brewing.
A well-trained team ensures your customers receive high-quality coffee every time, no matter who’s working.
Add the Finishing Touch with Crockery and Glassware
Coffee isn’t just about taste—it’s about presentation. Elevate your customer’s experience with durable, stylish crockery and glassware.
Brands We Recommend: Fletchers Supplies carries Duralex and Bevande, known for their quality and aesthetic appeal.
Options: From latte cups to pour-over carafes, find pieces that complement your brand and enhance the customer experience.
Ready to Get Started?
From professional-grade espresso machines to elegant glassware, Fletchers Supplies has everything you need to create a thriving coffee program. Whether you’re starting a café or adding coffee service to your restaurant, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Visit us in-store or contact us today to explore our wide range of products and get expert advice on setting up your perfect coffee station. Let’s brew something amazing together!
