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The Essence of Specialty Coffee Coffee is more than just a caffeinated beverage. It’s a ritual, a conversation starter, and a bridge that connects people. At Ember Coffee, nestled in the heart of Big Lake, Minnesota, we believe in creating that connection through our locally roasted, award-winning coffee. Today, we want to delve into the importance of customer service in the specialty coffee industry, and how we strive to uphold it in spite of the growing trend towards automation. Since the birth of the coffee industry, customer service has been paramount. The evolution from consumers expecting their coffee to be roasted for them in the 1800s to the modern-day emphasis on freshness, quality, and craft, has transformed the way coffee shops engage with their customers. The rise of chains like Starbucks and Peet’s has put hospitality and service at the forefront of business operations, a trend that third wave and specialty coffee brands, like Ember Coffee, have embraced and built upon. However, the increasing adoption of automation in the industry presents a challenge. While new technologies streamline service, they also risk diluting the barista culture, a vital part of the specialty coffee experience. As Starbucks' recent strategy shift towards simpler menus and premium experiences demonstrates, coffee shops can't afford to sacrifice the customer experience for efficiency. In an article published by Perfect Daily Grind, Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood, the managing director of Colonna Coffee, and Laila Ghambari, the owner of Juniors Roasted Coffee and Guilder Café, discuss the complexities of offering exceptional customer service in the specialty coffee industry. The Art of Customer Service in Specialty Coffee In the world of specialty coffee, baristas are not just service providers; they are artisans. They dial in espresso, pour latte art, hand brew pour overs, and explain the nuances of extraction and flavor. This transforms coffee into more than just a product, creating an elevated sense of hospitality and enhancing the overall customer experience. However, as the industry expands and becomes increasingly competitive, offering exceptional service and serving high-quality coffee alone is no longer enough to retain a consumer base and attract new customers. Even Starbucks, a giant in the industry, has grappled with this challenge, as their sales dipped in key markets throughout 2023 and 2024. Specialty Coffee's Edge: Authenticity and Connection Despite the challenges, specialty coffee shops like Ember Coffee have an edge over bigger chains. Our commitment to artisanry, craft, and ethical sourcing signals to our customers that they are not just buying a product, but an experience. We believe in fostering intimate relationships with our customers, creating a personable service that larger coffee businesses often struggle to replicate. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer, 88% of consumers said trust is critical when deciding which brands to buy or use, with customer service a close second at 85%. This puts specialty coffee shops and roasters in a better position to navigate an increasingly challenging market. The Double-Edged Sword of Automation Automation has become a prominent part of the coffee industry. While it improves efficiency and resolves persistent problems such as staff training and barista shortages, it also risks eroding the artistry required to prepare and serve quality coffee. The increasing prominence of touchscreen kiosks and QR codes in restaurants and hospitality businesses might have improved efficiency, but it also risks creating a “faceless” business. As we move towards a more automated future, it's crucial for coffee shops to strike a balance between efficiency and hospitality. The face-to-face human connection that baristas provide proves critical for specialty coffee shops to stay true to their core values of hospitality. However, it’s only one part of a much wider customer experience. Navigating the Future of Customer Service in Specialty Coffee The rise of tech-driven solutions for coffee shops will undoubtedly improve efficiency, consistency, and speed of service. But with a challenging year ahead, coffee shops may choose to implement automation across the board, streamlining more than just coffee preparation. As Laila Ghambari rightly points out, "The future of customer service is not about sharing more information but investing in the experience that guests have, whether with a person or not." Digital hospitality will become more important, and customer service will continue evolving. At Ember Coffee, we are committed to navigating these changes without losing sight of what makes us unique. We understand that our customers don't just come to us for our award-winning, locally roasted coffee. They come to us for the conversations, the connections, and the community that we foster. And no matter how the industry evolves, that is something we will always strive to provide.

A Minnesota Roaster's Perspective As the sun rises over the snowy landscape of Minnesota, the aroma of freshly roasted coffee wafts through the air at Ember Coffee's roastery. It's a scent that has become increasingly precious in recent months, as the coffee industry grapples with unprecedented challenges. As a local roaster deeply committed to our community, we want to share our journey through these turbulent times and our vision for the future. The Perfect Storm Brewing in Our Cups The story of today's coffee crisis begins far from our cozy Minnesota cafes, in the lush hillsides of Colombia and the vast plantations of Brazil. A series of events have converged to create what many in the industry are calling a "perfect storm": Climate Chaos: Mother Nature has not been kind to coffee growers lately. In Brazil, the world's largest coffee producer, severe droughts followed by unexpected frosts have decimated crops. Farmers watched helplessly as their carefully tended plants withered under the scorching sun or succumbed to the icy grip of frost. The result? A staggering 40% reduction in yields in some areas. Unseasonal Deluges: Meanwhile, in Vietnam, the second-largest coffee producer globally, unseasonal rains have wreaked havoc. Coffee cherries, which should have been ripening under gentle sunshine, instead rotted on the branches, leading to significant crop losses and quality issues. Geopolitical Jitters: As if weather woes weren't enough, the coffee market found itself caught in a political crossfire. In early 2025, rumors swirled about potential U.S. tariffs on Colombian coffee. Though never implemented, the mere whisper of trade restrictions sent prices soaring by 15% in just a week, highlighting the fragility of global coffee trade relationships. Supply Chain Snarls: The journey of coffee beans from farm to cup has become increasingly complex and costly. Ongoing logistical challenges, exacerbated by fuel price hikes and labor shortages, have inflated transportation costs. The price of shipping a container of coffee has tripled since 2023, adding another layer of pressure to already strained margins. Market Speculation: As news of crop failures and potential shortages spread like wildfire, market speculators pounced. Their actions drove coffee futures to unprecedented heights, with the C-market price for Arabica coffee reaching a jaw-dropping $3.84 per pound in February 2025 – a 47-year high. The Ripple Effect Reaches Minnesota Here at Ember Coffee, nestled in the heart of Minnesota's vibrant coffee scene, we've felt the tremors of these global shifts. The impact on our operations and community has been profound: Margin Squeeze: Green coffee now accounts for a staggering 60-70% of our production costs, up from 40-50% just two years ago. This dramatic increase, coupled with rising energy and labor costs, has put immense pressure on our margins. Sourcing Struggles: Maintaining the consistent flavor profiles our customers love has become increasingly challenging. We've had to be more flexible in our sourcing, sometimes substituting origins or adjusting roast profiles to compensate for changes in bean characteristics. Pricing Predicaments: As a community-focused roaster, we're acutely aware of the impact price increases have on our customers. We've been forced to make difficult decisions about when and how to adjust our pricing to reflect the new market realities while remaining accessible to our loyal patrons. Crafting a Sustainable Future, One Bean at a Time Despite these challenges, we at Ember Coffee believe that this crisis presents an opportunity for positive change. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, we're determined to emerge stronger and more sustainable. Here's how we're adapting: Nurturing Direct Trade Relationships: We're doubling down on our direct trade partnerships, offering long-term contracts at stable prices to our farmer partners. This approach not only secures our access to high-quality beans but also provides farmers with the financial security to invest in sustainable practices and climate adaptation measures. Diversifying Our Offerings: To offset rising costs and keep things exciting for our customers, we're expanding our product range. Limited edition micro-lots, experimental processing methods, and unique Minnesota-inspired coffee blends are just a few of the innovations we're exploring. Empowering Through Education: We believe that an informed customer is a loyal customer. We've launched a series on Roasting 101 on our YouTube site, and we're planning a Coffee 101 cupping sessions at our Big Lake roastery. These programs help our community understand the complexities of coffee production and pricing, fostering a deeper appreciation for the craft behind each cup. The Power of the Minnesota Coffee Lover As we navigate these challenges, the support and understanding of our customers are more crucial than ever. Here's how Minnesota coffee enthusiasts can contribute to a more sustainable coffee ecosystem: Embrace Transparency: We encourage our customers to ask questions about pricing, sourcing, and roasting practices. Understanding the true cost of producing exceptional coffee can help justify price adjustments when necessary. Value Quality Over Quantity: By choosing to invest in higher-quality, ethically sourced coffee, consumers can help support fair wages for farmers and sustainable agricultural practices. Support Local Roasters: Minnesota's local roasters, like Ember Coffee, are deeply invested in our communities. By choosing local over national chains, consumers help keep money circulating in the local economy and support businesses that prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing. Experiment with Brewing Methods: Different brewing methods can extract unique flavors from coffee beans. By exploring various brewing techniques, consumers can maximize the value and enjoyment they get from each bag of coffee. Envisioning a Brighter Future for Minnesota Coffee As we look to the horizon, we see challenges, but also immense potential. Our vision for the future of specialty coffee in Minnesota is one of resilience, innovation, and community: A More Resilient Supply Chain: We're exploring collaborations with other Minnesota roasters to potentially secure better prices and more stable supply chains through collective purchasing power. Increased Local Collaboration: We envision a future where coffee is increasingly integrated into Minnesota's local food scene. Imagine coffee-infused craft beers, chocolate truffles featuring our single-origin roasts, or seasonal menus at local restaurants built around coffee pairings. Innovation in Sustainability: We're investing in research on more sustainable packaging options and exploring ways to upcycle coffee chaff and other by-products of the roasting process. Our goal is to minimize our environmental impact while maximizing the value we create. A More Educated Consumer Base: Through continued education efforts, we aim to cultivate a community of coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the craftsmanship behind every cup and understand the global impact of their purchasing decisions. Conclusion: United in Our Love for Great Coffee As the aroma of freshly roasted coffee continues to fill our roastery, we're reminded of why we do what we do. The current coffee price crisis is undoubtedly one of the most significant challenges our industry has faced in decades. However, at Ember Coffee, we believe that by staying true to our values of quality, sustainability, and community, we can not only weather this storm but emerge stronger on the other side. To our loyal customers and coffee lovers across Minnesota: your support during these turbulent times means more than you know. Every bag of Ember Coffee you purchase, every latte you enjoy in our cafe, is a vote for a more sustainable and equitable coffee future. As we navigate these uncharted waters, we remain committed to transparency, quality, and the relentless pursuit of the perfect cup. Together, we can ensure that Minnesota remains a beacon of excellence in the world of specialty coffee, no matter what challenges lie ahead. Thank you for being part of our journey, for your understanding during these difficult times, and for your unwavering love of great coffee. Here's to many more shared moments over a steaming cup of Minnesota's finest brew. Warmly,The Ember Coffee Team

Espresso dialling in is a daily basic for all baristas and serves as the mainstay of their craft. It is this fundamental process that guarantees customers the best and most uniform coffee experience every day. While the art of dialling in is rewarding when mastered, it can present some challenges. If you lack experience or know-how, the task can feel a bit perplexing or just plain frustrating. In this guide, we aim to provide a detailed, very approachable, step-by-step method to ensure your success and efficiency in dialing in your espresso. What Is Dialling In? The process of optimizing espresso extraction for the best flavor profile possible is what "dialing in" means. Ideally, baristas want to create an espresso that has all the right flavors present in the highest possible concentration. To get there, they have to adjust three main things: dose, yield, and brew time. Each of these has a significant impact on the flavor of the finished product. When baristas are "dialing in," they try to keep everything as constant as possible and only change one thing at a time. This gives them a much clearer idea of what each variable is really doing to the espresso. Their goal is to hit the sweet spot, and understanding extraction is crucial to that. Baristas want to avoid both under-extraction (sour, weak, fast) and over-extraction (dry, bitter, slow). Effectively dialing in espresso requires the following: Two sets of accurate digital scales: You will need one set to weigh your dose and another set for your yield. You can, of course, use the scales yourself to measure both, but the less you have to touch the scales, the more you are like an espresso machine. If you happen to have an espresso machine that can measure yield, then congratulations: you have achieved a larger scale set. A flat tamper: The more "snug" and "fit" the tamper is to the portafilter basket, the more enhancements to extraction you achieve—unless the coffee puck is so tight that it's been over-compressed. Portafilter baskets: First, let's think about these baskets. They should prevent the tamper from getting log-jammed (meaning stuck) and interrupting the tamping process. A bottomless portafilter: This is designed without a spout, so you can see the bottom of the basket. This will allow you to spot channeling – which is when the coffee puck becomes damaged or uneven – much more easily. Parameter One: Dose The term "dose" describes how much of the dry, roasted coffee is placed in the portafilter for brewing. Baristas commonly consider this to be the first and perhaps most important step in analytical brewing because it has such a strong influence on the outcome—that is, how "good" the coffee tastes. The ideal dose depends on several factors (see below). However, the typical range is between 18 and 22 grams. At the very least, you should weigh your coffee and use the same amount every time you brew to establish a baseline. From there, you can vary the dose and note the differences in flavor and other qualities. Always remember that if you are using a smaller or larger amount of coffee, you also need to adjust the amount of water accordingly to maintain a proper brew ratio. Choosing the proper dose can be difficult and may require some fine-tuning during the initial setup. Changes in taste will mean changes in other aspects of your espresso's prep. If you think you need to up the dose, do it in small increments. If you think your espresso might be too intense and just teetering on the edge of pleasantness, bump down your dose in the same small increments. Once you find the right amount, try to use it consistently so that you have a firm baseline for making other changes. Parameter Two: Yield What is meant by "yield"? It means the wet weight of the extracted espresso. But a better way to understand it is through some basic principles of extraction. Think about two of these principles when you consider yield: The higher the yield, the more water has been passed through the coffee – meaning a higher extraction level. The higher the yield, the less concentrated the espresso will be. Now, how do we define yield with respect to dose using ratios? A common starting point is the 1:2 ratio. For every gram of coffee, we use 2 grams of water. This is a pretty good ratio, and if you're not getting it right with the 1:2, then either go to the 1:1.5 for a more concentrated shot or to the 1:2.5 for a more diluted shot. Espresso requires dialing in, which is a delicate, demanding process that is very much like a dance. It takes patience, precision, and practice to know the steps and to carry them out smoothly over the course of the day. You can't rush this if you want to arrive at a destination that will delight your customers. Even if we know the ideal steps to carry out and the key parameters to pay attention to, espresso dialing in is as much a part of the art and science of the barista's work as pulling a good shot is. Parameter Three: Brew Time The espresso-making process has many variables. Of all these, brew time might be the most crucial and certainly the most flexible. It can and does affect the flavor outcome of the espresso in large measure, and if you're not thinking and not tasting with your brew time, you're just not dialed in, period. Most coffee shops aim for brew times ranging between 22 and 40 seconds, with the sweet spot often being between 25 and 32 seconds. Remember, though: the brew time itself is pretty pointless if you're not using it to affect the flavor outcome in some desirable way. Brew time and flavor are directly related. If you don’t brew long enough, the coffee just isn’t going to have enough flavor. Brew too long, and you’re over-extracting (like the folks at Starbucks do). The scale goes something like this: too little brew time, too much acidity; ideal brew time, balance of flavors; too much brew time, too much bitterness. When you change the brewing time, you have to take into consideration the grind size. An easy way to visualize this is to think about how water flows through coffee grounds of different sizes. With a grind that is too coarse, it is like using rock-sized particles; the water flows through the grounds much too quickly. These grounds don't have enough time to reach their full flavor potential. You would then want to try a grind that is at least a little bit finer in order to achieve the proper flavor balance. This is also, to be honest, a close-tolerance grind. Going too far to the side of too fine will lead to watery, over-extracted coffee. To achieve this close flavor-tolerating grind, an adjustable burr grinder is a good tool. It is crucial to adjust the grind size in small increments. Although we tend to think of grind size as a kind of dial or continuum between "too fine" and "too coarse," in reality, getting a good extraction or even a decent cup of coffee using a specific brew method is often a matter of hitting the "sweet spot" on that grind size dial. Setting the brew time, dose, and yield is only half the battle when it comes to making the perfect espresso. The other half is tasting it. What are we looking for? A harmonious balance of acidity, sweetness, and bitterness, with some combination of the four more pronounced or less pronounced in different espressos. Tasting The Espresso A brief indication of the balance of flavors possible is this: a well-extracted espresso is a sweet drink. Sweetness is primary in the espresso flavor hierarchy. When the espresso is under-extracted, the drink's acid notes tend toward sourness, and there's insufficient sweetness to balance the flavor. If we are over-extracting the coffee, then those flavors predominantly fall on the bitter end of the spectrum. We are using much more energy to extract out of those bitter compounds, and the drink may taste hollow. "Well" extracted means, in essence, "tastes sweet." Assessing the quality of espresso in combination with milk is equally vital, as a significant proportion of the customer base favors milk-infused beverages. The milk's sugars and fats can serve to amplify the inherent sweetness of the espresso while muting and rounding off the sharper acidic or bitter notes that might otherwise be too pronounced. Tips For Further Improvement When it comes to mastering the art of espresso extraction, we strongly advocate for the following practices: Only change one parameter at a time. This will help you keep track of how your extraction is changing, and what’s causing it. For example, if you’re adjusting your grind, then keep the brew time, dose, and yield the same. Keep other variables constant. Create an evenly distributed bed of coffee in the portafilter, and tamp using the same method every time you pull a shot. Not distributing evenly enough or tamping too lightly will affect extraction. Make a dialling in journal. Every time you dial in, record your parameters, and figure out what works best. This will help you dial in more quickly and successfully. Stay hydrated. Dialling in often involves tasting a lot of espresso in a short period of time, which can affect your palate and obscure the more subtle flavours of each individual espresso. It can also mean you end up being over-caffeinated, which can cause dizziness, shaking, shortness of breath, and an increased heart rate. You should drink plenty of water before, during and after the entire process. Espresso dialing can be an infuriating, yet rewarding first-step, from which you can almost taste your route to mastery and profitability. It has been my experience, both as a trainer and a practicing barista, that if you can break down the art of espresso extraction into significant variables, then further into individual espresso techniques, novices and experienced baristas alike will uncover the not-so-secret to consistently good espresso. That secret? Following your variables with damn good attention to detail and a medium amount of patience.

Refining Your Coffee Shop's Operations: From Menu Boards to Equipment Running a coffee shop is like a journey filled with decision-making. Each choice sends ripples that affect how smoothly the shop operates, how happy the customers are, and how much profit the shop makes. What I'm sharing here are not secret tips to running a coffee shop. They're basic lessons learned from real-world examples. If nothing else, these stories from the coffee shop world show the important part decision-making plays in a coffee shop's success. 1. Simplify and Strategize Your Menu How you show your menu is important because it shows what you have to offer. If your menu is boring, customers will probably think your food is too. When a menu has things that surprise or delight customers, it expresses your personality. Then, customers who enjoy it will talk about it. Make sure your business decisions are fair and simple. Make your brand easy to understand. Don't overwhelm your customers with tons of text or too many choices. Show them what makes your specialty drinks special in a clear way. Make your pricing straightforward and simple. For example, show only the prices for medium-sized drinks. Use Tech Solutions: Digital menu boards are totally awesome. They let you change your menu and prices super fast. So, make one change now to show the board's benefits. Use these boards in places where you need big changes or constant updates to be digital and must-see. You can be creative in how you make your menu. You don't have to lose clarity or make the customer experience less smooth just because you want to make your menu a work of art. It can be a good use of your time and a really effective way to market your restaurant. 2. Focus on Core Offerings Every café is unique. Focus on what makes yours special and use that to build a clear image for your business. Figure Out Your Key Products: Choose a few excellent products that really show what your brand is about. Figure out what your neighborhood likes. It might sound obvious, but you need to know what flavors your local market wants. For example, if people drink super sugary stuff, and you guys can make your coffee drinks sweet enough for local tastes, can you still make lattes? Not exactly like Starbucks, but similar. By concentrating on your main strengths, you can save money and avoid confusing your brand with unclear messages. This way, you can stay focused on what you do best and show clients who you really are.   3. Maximize Efficiency with Equipment Choices It's really important to invest in the right tools, but even more crucial is to prioritize what matters most. Start with Basic Stuff: Don't spend too much money on equipment. Try out your new ideas on a smaller scale. For example, use small systems that add carbonation to drinks to see if your ideas work. That way, you won't waste a lot of money on big equipment if your ideas don't turn out as good as you hoped. When you buy important things like espresso machines, think about how they'll help you in the future, for 5, 10, or even more years. You should pick only the best professional models. Anything else might not let you keep up with more demand as your business grows. Choosing the right equipment to keep costs low at first and make future changes easy is a smart and practical way to set up a business. 4. Sweeten Smarter How much syrup is too much syrup? We all have our own tastes, and the amount of syrup we like on our pancakes or waffles can really vary. Some people even put bases like peanut butter or almond butter under the syrup when they pour it on. It's a good idea to rethink how syrup is poured, but there's also another reason to think about syrup. Syrup is really sweet, and lots of people who pour it on don't think about how that affects their health and the flavor balance in breakfast. As a coffee business, you have to set and maintain your own sweetness standards. Follow these steps and don't skip ahead. When you get to this part, you might think, "Why do I need to go through all this?" Remember, there's a reason why not just anyone can make Death Wish Coffee. You can't take short cuts. You can't make coffee like this in someone else's kitchen or using their recipes. Whether you like it or not, you have to make something that meets or comes really close to our "Sweetness Standard." Suggest Sweetness Additions: If customers say their drink needs more sweetness, you should try to get them to order something that adds sweetness to their drink. Ask them if they want to add a Sweet Cold Foam, which is the best way to sweeten a drink. It's not just because the Sweet Cold Foam is the best way to sweeten a drink. Actually, from my personal experience, there's no better way to make a drink sweeter than by adding Sweet Cold Foam to it. Even small changes can increase your earnings a lot, and they won't hurt the high quality of your products or services that customers value. 5. Build Strong Vendor Relationships It doesn't matter if you're filtering water or making syrups. Your suppliers are crucial to your business. When choosing suppliers, you can't just look at price. You also have to think about two really important things: how reliable they are and how good their support is. Stay flexible: Try new things like mushroom coffee or plant-based cream. But check if they will sell well, so you don't spend too much money too soon. Having dependable suppliers makes sure that everything runs smoothly. This means you can safely try out new ideas. 6. Embrace Inventory and Cost Controls To make things last, we have to closely watch how much stuff we have and how much it costs. Use tools like Dripos that show your COGS (Cost of Goods Sold). These tools help you understand your business better and control both your costs and sales. If you get regular reports and daily updates, you'll have a clear view of how business is going. Do your sales match the costs you expected when you bought your inventory? Find out what works for you: For some stores, just counting inventory by hand every week is fine. But for other stores, counting by hand might take too much time and cause too many mistakes. They could be better off with an automated system. In the end, setting things up the right way cuts down on waste and makes sure we're always ready to meet demand. 7. Start Small with New Offerings It's easy to get excited about new systems or products, but starting with a small-scale solution is often a more economical way to begin an important project. Before spending a lot of money on a system to carbonate drinks, test market interest in a prototype. Use this trial to decide if you should continue building a more advanced prototype. If the early feedback is mainly positive, you can confidently invest in the more expensive system to develop your test product further. Stick to what's working: Always stay focused on our successful programs, and don't think about future projects until those programs are running smoothly. Doing this makes everything safer and helps us move forward carefully and at a steady pace, mostly because we've found a better way to get and use information.   8. Leverage Loyalty and Online Ordering Getting your customers to come back to you is really important for your business. Online ordering and loyalty programs are two good ways to do this. But they can be dangerous if you're not careful. Avoid Extra Charges: Don't Pass Costs on to Customers. There's one kind of fee that can really mess things up. It's when customers are charged extra just for using a credit card to pay. If you have to charge something like that, keep it small. If you can't keep it small, avoid it altogether. This might mean you need to adjust your prices so you can handle the credit card fees. Consider delivery services. Even though DoorDash and apps like it charge fees, they provide a way to make money that is, for some people, worth the trade-off. If your customers can interact with your business online just as easily and comfortably as they do in person, you're much more likely to build their loyalty and make them come back. Conclusion Balancing the ups and downs of a coffee shop is not easy. It's a business with few items and many chances to mess up. For example, mistakes in choosing the menu or the right tools can cost a lot. Key skills include shopping wisely, managing stock, controlling costs, and fixing problems. But these aren't the only skills needed to run a good coffee business. Whether you serve coffee on a big scale or just brew some at home, making coffee is about good decision-making. If you make the right choices, coffee price won't keep you from making it.Focus on what makes your store different. Try new things. Keep changing what you do. The next cup waiting for you might be really close. And your next win can happen any time.

Building Buzz for Your Coffee Shop: Lessons from the JourneyStarting your own neighborhood coffee shop could be as exciting as making the perfect café au lait with chocolate sprinkles. People now are really into coffee, and many neighborhoods where double-income households live have at least one coffee shop, if not two or three. But making a community around your neighborhood coffee shop could be key to making it seem like a cool urban hot spot instead of just another way to serve coffee. 1. Engage Your Community Early You need to start getting people excited about your new business before it even opens. To do this, you should connect with people in your community and use lots of different ways to let them know about your new business. Facebook groups in the community are a great way to get the word out about your business. Tell the group your story. Let them know where you are and what you do. Ask them questions that make them talk to you and your business. A good first question is, "What are your favorite coffee flavors?" Trying to get people to discuss and help spread your business to others is a great way to use a Facebook community group. Utilize Your Friends and Allies: Get your friends involved in a network with you. Ask them to help you with your social media. Work together to share your shop with a larger audience. Really consider how the people around you can help you grow online. If your friends aren't part of your story yet, now's a great time to add them in. Give them a reason to help you, and make sure to say thanks after. Think about having local pop-up events where people can see what you offer. You'll definitely get your target market to notice you. Set up at a nearby school, library, or community center. You'll surely make a bunch of real connections with people who came. 2. Craft Memorable First Impressions When your business begins, that's just the beginning. It might be what gets people to pay attention at first. But what you really want is for those people who came to check out your opening to be part of your business's everyday life. Create a special drink for customers that shows off the quality and creativity of your restaurant. Pick a drink that has a delicious flavor and looks amazing. If it looks good, it'll get lots of attention on Instagram, helping your place get more customers. Also, think about what the drink shows about your restaurant's brand. Ask for Customer Feedback: Tell customers to post about their experiences on social media or sites like Google. Good reviews help shape how potential customers see us, and they can also bring in new customers. Helping each person who comes to our church feel welcome can make a big difference. We aren't just saying "hello"; we want to create an atmosphere that makes it clear this is a place where everyone belongs. 3. Dial in Your Processes Before you open, make sure everything runs smoothly and consistently. Conquer Espresso: Invest some time to perfect your espresso. Weigh the coffee grounds and measure how much espresso you get. Test different variables to find the best taste. Consistency is the main thing. If you can do something once, you can do it again. Write Down How Your Business Works: Everything that happens in your business needs to be written down, especially tasks that different people do. This should be done in a clear way so that, if necessary, someone could follow the steps and get the same results. Actually, writing with a pen or pencil is probably the best way to make sure things get done right. When you write by hand, you're less likely to skip important details. Keep it perfectly calibrated: Just a tiny change in humidity or how coarse your coffee is can ruin the flavor of your coffee. So, it's super important to frequently check your setup and adjust it if needed. If you see any errors, the first thing to do is reset yourself and fix the calibration. Then, check the flavor of the coffee you've already served. 4. Invest in the Right Equipment The tools in your coffee shop are really important. You need to choose them carefully. When you use them every day, they have to work well and not break down. They should help make your coffee exactly how you want. And they should be good enough to impress your customers when they watch you make their coffee. When it comes to making great espresso, people often overlook the importance of the grinder. But we know that choosing a grinder affects two things that are super important for espresso: first, the size of the particles (and the shape of the particles too), and second, the consistency of the particle size (how even it is). Also, when we recommend a commercial grinder, we do it because commercial grinders are better than home grinders in four reliable ways: They're made from better materials, so they last longer; Their grinding method (edge, flat, or conical) is more precise, so the size and shape of the particles are more uniform; They have way more grind settings; and They give us a great range of grind sizes for making espresso. Get espresso machines with support: Work with vendors who give on-site installation and field service. This lowers the chance of long downtime and makes sure the machines are reliable for a long time.The coffee pot and practical tools will make coffee for our guests without them seeing all the work that goes into it. See, the coffee pot is like our charity: we make the coffee, we pour it, and we serve it hot. If we do it well, the guests feel relaxed and enjoy the coffee. They probably don't even think about the air pots or the nice grinders we use. 5. Build Buzz Before and After Opening Even after you open, you still have to work hard. It's like a never-ending marathon, and we have to keep going if we want our customer traffic to stay steady. Post every week. Go online now. Share what's happening in your workshop now, and say how you feel about it. Show real-time updates, or close to it. Show the real you. Posts like this make social media the most powerful tool we have for making the art world way bigger. Use Giveaways for Promotions: Hand out fliers or cards to possible customers that give them a discount if they talk about the business on social media or visit it for the first time. This easy and cheap way to get the word out can bring big benefits. Customers will spread the word, which will show up online and offline. Understanding the power of promotions and the way people share (or don't share) experiences is key to helping any business do better. Pitch in with your neighborhood. Team up with nearby organizations and join local events to let people know about your business.    6. Embrace Feedback and Keep Learning The food and drink world is always changing, so you have to change all the time too. The best way to improve your menu, in my opinion, is to hold regular taste tests. This makes sure your food and drinks are top quality (at least "good enough" to keep them on the menu). Asking your staff and customers what they think of your menu is really important. And since the main goal of a café is to make money, knowing what customers like and don't like on the menu is super helpful for the owner or manager. Stay flexible and ready for change. Be open to changes based on what works (and what doesn't). Adjusting hours, adding a product, or taking one away means you need flexibility. In small businesses, being flexible is a strength.   Conclusion Opening a coffee shop isn't just about making the perfect cup of coffee; it's about creating a real community. If you want your future coffee shop to be successful and loved, you need to connect with the people who will become your regular customers long before you're actually serving them. You need to get them excited about your shop, which means you have to pump up your own excitement first. This means you should build a noticeable buzz around what you're doing. You might even think of yourself as a community servant, because building a "customer base" is really just about creating a community that loves your coffee shop.

Running a coffee shop or restaurant isn't easy. It takes a lot of planning and organizing, and sometimes you just have to make sure quality is the first priority. People in the industry often say, "It's not for the weak or timid." But guess what? You can do it too. You don't need to be born into the coffee or restaurant business, and you can start from anywhere. Whether you're just starting out or you've been around a bit longer, here are six strategies you can use. 1. Master Inventory Management A food business needs to be really good at controlling its stock if it wants to be successful. Using an efficient inventory system saves money, cuts down on waste, and gives a steady base where things happen consistently. This is exactly what customers want when they return to a business that serves food. You need to start counting your inventory well before your business opens. First, set up a system to show where everything is. Then, make sure you know the exact starting quantities for all products. You'll need to understand how to get them, how much they cost, and the best places to store them. Use Technology: Google Sheets or apps like Toast can really help. Make the sheets look like your business and how it works. This way, you can go through the layout and inventory without getting mixed up. Make a schedule: Check your inventory every week, especially on the quietest sales days. Keep things running smoothly. Do a deep clean and restock supplies. We can clearly understand a very meaningful lesson from the phrase "Nothing can be managed unless it is counted." To manage anything, including a business, we need to take regular measurements of how it's doing. When managers are clueless about their inventory, it leads to bad decisions. The basic idea of counting inventory can't be simpler: if you don't know what you have, how can you manage what you have? 2. Find Your Baking and Production Sweet Spot Making things in small batches can seem tempting because it usually yields better quality. But when all the extra work is added up, it often costs a lot more. A way to fix this, especially for products with lots of flavors, is to use a more modular approach during production. This lets you combine different parts more efficiently after the first set of main production is done. This method, along with others we've talked about, can help keep labor costs reasonable. When you have a good recipe, it's smart to make more than you need and freeze the extra food. This way, you can enjoy home-cooked meals without much effort later on. Think about it: if you're baking cookies, why not make a double or triple batch? You can freeze the extra dough and use it later. Make sure there's consistency in recipes and processes. It's key to be consistent and document everything. That way, anyone on your team can make the same products with only slight variations. Consistency in processes leads to consistency in results. Taking on big projects lowers the cost of labor per unit. This means your team can either work on other big projects or give better service to customers. You get more savings and still provide the same useful stuff to the same people. Going local and sustainable is the opposite of using big economies. 3. Vendor Relationships Are Gold When you work closely with your vendors, you can save time, money, and effort. Knowing Where Things Come From: If you want to be a smart shopper, you have to compare prices for the things you really need. See what different stores charge for stuff you can't live without, like food, toilet paper, and other essentials that lots of people actually buy. These goods are available at different price levels from some really big stores and a few small, special ones. And even though prices keep going up, there are still ways to save that you can make happen just by being aware. Try to combine orders so you can minimize shipping costs and have the materials you need, exactly when you need them. You won't always be able to do this, but there are things you can control, and this is one of them. If we put extra effort into managing our vendors, we can save a lot of money, reduce problems with how we work together, and get better quality. 4. Waste Not, Want Not Running something well means we keep waste as low as possible. Use the data you have from previous years to accurately predict how much of your products will be needed this year. This helps you avoid overproduction and cut down on wasted resources. Getting rid of items that are about to expire and selling them for half price can help balance our inventory without hurting profits. As the season changes, manage your order and production to meet the seasonal need for your product. The waste you create not only impacts your profits but also affects your customers' experience. In today's sustainable world, customers don't just want green products; they want all products and services to be delivered in a green way. 5. Leverage Small Wins to Scale Be realistic. Start by just creating a single good dish, then gradually add more. That strategy works not just for building a menu but also for developing any kind of product. Try out new items one at a time and see how well they do. For example, bring in one new baked good or sandwich. If people like it, add more items to the menu gradually. Focus on what your group does best. Instead of trying to do everything, pick a small number of products or services and make them better. Only offer things that meet your high standards. If something doesn't fit, make sure it doesn't get through unnoticed. Gradual scaling helps you figure out the process and make sure every new product is good enough for you. 6. Create Systems for Delegation As an owner, your time is super important. The more you can let other people do tasks, the more you can focus on growing your business. Make clear roles: Give your teammates specific tasks. Someone needs to keep track of the inventory. Another person needs to mix the batter. These parts of the project are easy to understand. You know what to do. Getting your team ready for success comes down to two main ideas: teaching them the right skills and making them think the right way. The skills here are using basic business systems, like spreadsheets, to do everyday tasks. The right thinking is about workers taking responsibility for the processes they are part of, especially when making decisions that affect how things run. A strong system makes sure that everything keeps running without problems, even when you're not there physically.   7. Celebrate Quality Quality is the heart and soul of any successful café or restaurant, but ingredient integrity takes us straight to the heart of the heart. The "secret" at beans is that the Shine family, now in their third generation, takes using high-quality, mostly organic, strictly natural, all-conventional ingredients really seriously. It's no secret that organic ingredients often taste better than non-organic ones. An ingredient's taste is really its character, and organic farming avoids the shortcuts that make non-organic ingredients less tasty. Conclusion Coffee shops and restaurants are hard. But don't worry. As long as you have a good plan, you can succeed. First, always do what you and your business partner decided. If you don't, nothing else will matter. Second, your menu is your best tool. Use it well. Third, if people don't want to stay at your place longer than they should, they probably won't come back. Try to make your place kind of hard to leave. If you do these things, your coffee shop or restaurant will be successful. It won't just survive, but thrive.

How to Optimize Your Airbnb During the Off-Season for More Bookings and Revenue We never thought we'd be living in an Airbnb for months, but when a house fire displaced our family, we turned to a rental to meet our basic needs. This gave us a unique opportunity to learn what makes an Airbnb truly feel like home. As we bounced over the several details of living in a rental, we discovered just how impactful those elements can be on one's state of mind and, thus, on the potential profitability of a rental. With that in mind, here are some tactical steps you can take now to make your rental feel like home sweet home—or at least to increase its appeal and efficiency. 1. Deep Clean and Refresh Key Amenities The deep clean can happen only in the off-season. We loved staying in Airbnbs that had gone the extra mile to ensure they were spotless everywhere. After all, showing a "clean" Airbnb on the listing is super important for getting bookings. Sure, there are the obvious rooms and surfaces to tend to. But what about some of these not-so-obviously-spotless Airbnb frequent-cleaner tasks? Descale the Coffee Maker: A good cup of coffee is an essential part of the morning for most people, and this was something we noticed right away when we settled into the new place. Make sure the coffee maker is not only clean but is in good working order. Perform any maintenance needed and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and descaling the machine. Fresh coffee might not taste so fresh if the machine isn’t operating at peak performance. Source: Better Homes & Gardens Examine HVAC Units: Make appointments for your air conditioning and heating systems to receive upkeep. Assure that all filters are clean or have been replaced to guarantee that the systems achieve their maximum operating efficiency. When we are confined to a single space for a lengthy period of time, we are acutely aware of the necessity for good air quality. Examine the Mattress and Bedding: Effortlessly keep mattress covers and protectors clean by washing them every few months or as needed. The mattress itself should be vacuumed as well—set your vacuum on a low power setting and go over the mattress several times. When it comes to making the bed for guests, make sure the bedding is not only clean but in pristine condition. Clean Behind Kitchen Appliances: You'll want to pull out and clean behind major kitchen appliances, such as the refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher. So much dust and dirt can build up in these areas, which can impact both cleanliness and efficiency when it comes to your kitchen appliances. Thoroughly clean window tracks and blinds: Window tracks and blinds often gather dust, dirt, and even mold. These are not good for windows, and they are not good for your health either. Use a vacuum and a damp cloth to clean these spots so your "fresh" truly feels fresh. Disinfect Light Switches and Handles: It's easy to overlook frequently touched surfaces such as light switches, door handles, and cabinet pulls, yet not doing so compromises your house's cleanliness. These areas should be cleaned using a disinfectant to make absolutely sure that no germs are living there. It's a simple task that adds a whole extra level of cleanliness to your space. 2. Upgrade Guest Touchpoints on a Budget Slight, but considered, enhancements can greatly improve how guests experience your property. During our Airbnb stay, we saw firsthand how thoughtful upgrades can have a large impact. Create a Coffee Niche: Our favorite rentals included a specified coffee station. If your rental isn’t already stocked with high-quality coffee, consider remedying that with Ember Coffee. Not only does Ember serve up award-winning coffee, but the nascent specialty coffee company also has a nice (and profitable) referral program. For every new customer you bring to Ember, they pay 15 percent of that customer’s bill to you. When searching for coffee mugs, prioritize quality. Your morning ritual deserves more than chipped or unmatched mugs. Thrift stores and Goodwill can serve as excellent resources when looking to replace your current mugs with some more stylish options. Locations like these offer many elegant mugs at a very reasonable price, giving your cup of coffee a sense of comfort and quality that is unlike anything else. 3. Optimize Your Online Presence The off-season provides an excellent opportunity to enhance your Airbnb listing. As we were in the process of selecting our temporary accommodations, we were struck by how much of a difference there was between high-quality photos and low-quality ones, between rooms that were described in an exemplary fashion and those that weren't. Enhancing Rental Photos: Retake your rental photos with better lighting. Natural light is best, but don’t be afraid to supplement with lamps or other artificial lighting. Use the kind of light that makes you feel good in the space and brings out its best features. Revise Your Listing: Include the terms that potential guests use when they search, like "specialty coffee included," "family-friendly," or "close to local attractions." Alter Your Pricing Strategy: Use resources such as AirDNA to assess your local pricing and to fine-tune your pricing strategy so that you're making optimally adjusted—i.e., higher—rates in both your off- and peak-season periods. 4. Perform Maintenance and Stock Up Get your property ready for the peak season by addressing maintenance and inventory duties. As guests, we appreciated vacation rentals that took care of the small details before our arrival: Examine and Mend: Look for any doorknobs that are loose, any hinges that are squeaky, and any faucets that are leaky. Check to see that all your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working as they should be. Essentials: Replenish everything from personal care products to the food that makes a place feel like home. For the small amounts of time that I lived in each of those five places, I felt an exaggerated appreciation for the things found only in the kind of abode where one lives for a longer stretch. Assess the state of furniture and decor. Consider replacing or repairing pieces that have gone past their prime and are on the verge of becoming junk. Switching out a few old stalwarts for some newer versions—be it a throw blanket, a piece of artwork, or something else entirely—could make your unfurnished space feel more inviting and comfortable. 5. Enhance Guest Experience The off-season is a superb time to enhance the amenities that ensure guests have unforgettable experiences. We were especially struck by the Airbnbs that really put in the effort to make our stay a good one. Establish Alliances with Nearby Companies: Provide savings or vouchers for local experiences, whether that's an attraction, a dining spot, or a coffee shop. If you happen to host a property in Minnesota, you might look into introducing your guests to the kind of delightful, daily coffee experience that can only be had through Ember Coffee's subscription service. You can bet the guests will rave about it, and you'll get to profit a little from Ember's referral rewards program. Compose a Manual: Revise your digital or physical manual with recommendations from the local area. Not just coffee mugs, but also your top places to savor an excellent cup of joe—complete with any outgoing personalities behind the counter. 6. Market Your Rental Advance past the competition by intensifying marketing efforts. As we sought a temporary residence, it was listings with vibrant, persuasive marketing that consistently drew our attention. Conduct Promotional Activities: Provide price reductions for extended visits or for making reservations in advance for our busy times of the year. Use Social Media to Your Advantage: Display the various updates and enhancements made to your rental property in an attempt to attract prospective guests. And don't shy away from flaunting the quirks that might make someone choose your place over another, like an Instagram-worthy coffee setup featuring Ember Coffee. 7. Taking sustainability into account Eco-friendly practices are increasingly enjoyed by guests. Implement small shifts, like serving coffee with reusable filters, using energy-efficient light bulbs, or composting organic waste. These small acts appeal to mindful travelers and are definitely noticeable touches. We don't work these into our next category of Airbnb because, frankly, not all Airbnbs can be this eco-friendly. But when an Airbnb is, we very much appreciate it. Final thoughts and next steps By implementing these strategies during the off-season, you can set your Airbnb up for success during the busy season. And when it comes to making a truly great memory for your guests, you can't overlook the coffee. Partner with Ember Coffee and serve your guests the kind of coffee they can't get anywhere else—because it can't be made anywhere else. And earn extra income while you're at it. Contact us to learn more about our referral program and how it can benefit your rental business.

Set Up the Ultimate Home Coffee Bar Creating a coffee bar at home is a great way to elevate your daily coffee experience and add a personal touch to your kitchen or living space, even in a rental. Whether you're renting a home in Portland, OR, buying a home in Burlington, VT, or searching for an apartment in New York City, NY, having a dedicated space for your coffee essentials can transform your morning routine into a more enjoyable and relaxing ritual. From the smell of freshly brewed coffee to the convenience of having all your favorite beans, mugs, and brewing equipment within reach, a home coffee station is a perfect blend of function and style. Designing a coffee bar at home that suits your taste involves considering things like space, equipment, and aesthetics. With a little planning, you can create a coffee corner that reflects your personal style while ensuring you have everything you need to craft the perfect cup. With tips from experts in the coffee and home design fields, we’ll show you step-by-step how to create an at-home coffee bar that caters to your unique needs and enhances your home coffee experience. 1. Figure out your space When planning a coffee bar at home, the first step is determining the best spot for it. “Creating a space that suits how you want to make coffee and is enjoyable to use is the best way to grow your love of creating the perfect-tasting coffee at home,” shares Toby, the coffee expert behind Coffee with Conscience.  The good news is that you don’t need a large area to create a functional and stylish coffee setup. Whether you have an entire countertop to dedicate or just a small corner to spare, the key is to work with what you have. Counter top vs coffee cart “Creating the perfect home coffee station is all about thoughtful organization and quality essentials,” advises Brigette Romanek, interior designer and blogger at HomeDecorFull. “Start with a dedicated counter space near an outlet, using a small shelf or cart if space is limited.”  Whether you’re passionate about having a variety of brewing equipment on display or just tight on counter space, “Consider using a rolling cart for a flexible coffee station that can move around your space,” recommends blogger Gina Dickson of Intentional Hospitality, a blog providing tips and advice on hosting at home. Stick to the essentials Once you’ve identified the perfect spot for your home coffee bar, consider the flow of your daily routine and the accessibility of your coffee essentials. “Keep your most-used items within easy reach, arranging them by workflow (like grinder, filter, brewer, then cups),” recommends Romanek from HomeDecorFull.  No matter the size of the space, the goal is to make your at-home coffee bar an organized, inviting spot that streamlines your coffee-making process. “Avoid cluttering your coffee space with unnecessary gadgets,” shares Matthew Berry, roaster and owner of Ember Coffee Co. in Big Lake, MN. “Ensure that at least half of your setup has open space for cup placement; keeping it clean and minimal makes it easy to stay organized while showing off your beautiful setup.” Compact is key A minimalist setup not only saves space but also keeps your area looking tidy and visually open. “When space is at a premium, I like to opt for compact brewers that don’t require much counter space,” suggests Jon Clark from the Nomad Coffee Club, a premium coffee bean subscription service.  “Even space-challenged coffee lovers can set up a coffee bar,” agrees Diane Kuyoomjian at Bruvi, one of the freshest and most versatile pod coffee brewers on the scene. “Whether you use a kitchen counter or a free standing cart, a versatile single-serve brewer that makes both coffee and espresso will provide all the barista vibes in a small footprint.”  Maximize a small space In small spaces, every inch counts, so keep your coffee bar clutter-free by sticking to the essentials and storing extras out of sight. “Maximize vertical storage with stackable storage canisters for beans and accessories, while a small tray beneath your equipment protects surfaces and keeps everything tidy,” says Robert Gomez from Kaffe Products, a company where you can find all the essentials for coffee at home. Even the smallest corner, windowsill, or unused wall can be transformed into a functional coffee station with the right organization. “A wall-mounted shelf or a pegboard and stackable storage containers can add an aesthetic backdrop for your coffee bar while also providing storage for beans, reusable filters and coffee scoops,” recommends the team at Nomad Coffee Club. 2. Choose home brewing equipment for your coffee bar at home After you figure out your space, the next step to creating your coffee bar at home is in choosing the right equipment to get the job done. The type of coffee brewer you should choose for your home coffee setup largely depends on what kind of coffee you like to drink, the amount of space you have, and of course, personal preference.  “It may sound simple, but there's no point in spending hundreds of dollars on a shiny espresso machine if it just collects dust once the novelty wears off,” shares Toby of Coffee With Conscience. “Good coffee is about the taste as much as the art of creation." “As a passionate home brewer, it’s easy to get caught up in buying every new device,” confides Syeh Naveed, the face behind the blog The Need for Coffee. “While fancy equipment can be tempting, if your brewing space isn’t clean and organized, it detracts from the experience. And worst of all, having too many brewers can lead to decision fatigue.” Naveed suggests simplifying your home coffee setup by sticking to one or two devices, helping to keep things simple while still maintaining your options. Your home coffee bar might have multiple coffee contraptions, but make sure they are each serving a distinct purpose, focusing on the following brewing methods.  Pour-over Pour-over coffee is a hands-on brewing method that gives you more control over how your coffee turns out, letting you really bring out the unique flavors of the beans. You simply pour hot water slowly and evenly over ground coffee in a filter, which results in a clean, smooth cup with lots of depth. Since you can tweak things like the water temperature, grind size, and how you pour, it’s perfect for anyone who loves experimenting to create their ideal brew. Plus, it’s simple and has a nice, relaxing ritual to it, which makes it a go-to for many coffee lovers. “You don’t need a ton of fancy gear to brew amazing coffee at home - just stick to what makes you happy,” suggests Alejo Galindo, one half of the duo at friendly coffee resource The Coffee Nerds. “A glass flask style brewer is a solid choice for manual pour-overs and easy to store when not in use. Just make sure to have a decent grinder and a water kettle for best results.” Handheld presses, plungers, and stovetop espresso Handheld tools, like portable espresso makers, manual presses, or stovetop brewers, are a great option for coffee lovers who want to enjoy stronger coffee on the go, in small spaces, or on a budget. These compact devices use manual pressure to brew rich, concentrated coffee without needing a bulky machine. While they require a bit more effort compared to automatic machines, they offer tasty results and the flexibility to brew anywhere, whether you’re at home, traveling, or camping. “If you love espresso and are short on space, a manual coffee press will take your love for coffee out of this world. Easy to use and easy to clean this brewer provides a fantastic concentrated coffee with a unique design and consistent results,” shares Matt Milletto, owner of classic Portland, OR roaster, Water Avenue Coffee. “Handheld espresso makers are perfect for espresso-based drinks without taking up any counter space,” Galindo agrees. Another recommendation comes from the experts at Pawling Coffee Roasters in Pawling, NY. “A plunger-style coffee device is ideal because it brews high-quality coffee without taking up much space. Once you gauge how much coffee you use per batch, you can eyeball it going forward. As long as your setup is organized, it looks great and lets you focus on what really matters: the delicious taste and aroma of freshly brewed coffee.” Jim D’Andrea from Maker’s Coffee Company adds, “Brewers like these fit any kitchen and produce amazing results. An electric kettle adds a simple way of heating water to ideal brewing temperatures which makes a huge difference in taste.” Automatic machines Home coffee machines are a great investment for coffee lovers who want to enjoy cafe-quality brews right from their kitchen. These machines come in various types, ranging from manual and semi-automatic to fully automatic and super-automatic models, each offering different levels of control over the brewing process. “When creating your home coffee station, there are many options,” agrees Home Coffee Tips author Ben Farrer, a trusted source for many types of brewing equipment. “For something modern, easy to use and space-saving, I would recommend a pod machine for convenient espresso. If you want to take it to the next level, I advise a home espresso machine and an electric burr grinder.” To complement your espresso-making setup, Ferrer adds, “You can buy plenty of coffee brewing accessories to match your kitchen aesthetic, like wooden tampers and coffee mats.” Drip coffee makers are another automated classic that give you an easy and consistent brew every morning. “My favorite drip coffee maker is my go-to for the best drip coffee every morning,” says Milletto from Water Avenue Coffee. “It’s compact, precise, and delivers 8 perfectly brewed cups, bringing the local coffee shop into your kitchen.” “Treat yourself to a good espresso machine, steam pitcher, tamping mat, and knock box to elevate your coffee space,” adds Carol from decaf coffee provider based in Springdale, AR, Talking Crow Coffee Roasters. “Finish off your coffee brewing setup with a scale,” Carol continues. A scale can be used for multiple different brewing methods to help find consistency by measuring the amount of coffee and water used in your brewing process, ensuring a more predictable cup every time. As the professionals at Seattle-based Langskip Coffee suggest, experimenting with different brewing methods to find your ideal cup of coffee is one of the key steps to creating the perfect coffee bar at home.  3. Invest in a burr grinder If you’re looking for the quickest way to elevate your home coffee experience, burr grinders are essential if you value consistency and control over the grind size of your coffee beans. Mindful consumption blogger Laura Yoder at Black Coffee Beautiful nods her head to the importance of a grinder, sharing, “A grinder gives renters an opportunity for high-end flavors, even if space is limited and the budget is tight.” Unlike blade grinders, burr grinders use two abrasive surfaces (burrs) to crush coffee beans evenly, resulting in a more uniform grind that enhances the flavor and quality of the brew. “The biggest difference between average and great coffee is the quality of the grind, and a burr grinder delivers consistent results,” confirms Berry of Ember Coffee Co. "Don't skimp on your grinder while you splurge on your brewer - flip that around,” seconds Matt Boshart, owner and head roaster of Reboot Roasting located in Omaha, NE. “A high-quality burr grinder should be the focus of your home setup.” 4. Use good quality coffee beans Whether you’re using a simple drip machine or an elaborate espresso setup, starting with quality coffee beans ensures that your brewing efforts result in the best possible taste, making every cup more tasty. "You don’t need a complicated setup for delicious coffee at home,” confides owner of Florida-based Coast to Coast Coffee, Matthew. “The two most effective tips to achieve coffee nirvana are to first, get your hands on freshly roasted beans. Second, grind them right before brewing.” Keep your beans fresh The freshness of the beans you’re using is important—treat coffee like an item with an expiration date, and don’t grind the beans until right before brewing for more flavor. To keep your beans staying fresh, Michelle Kaliher from the spooky themed roaster Sinister Coffee and Creamery in Portland, OR recommends storing your beans in an airtight container, away from light and heat. “Whether you prefer the bold richness of plunger coffee or the clean, smooth taste of a pour-over, this keeps the beans fresh and full of flavor,” Kaliher advises. Try a coffee bean subscription Coffee bean subscriptions are another way to ensure a steady supply of fresh, high-quality coffee delivered right to your door. Francesca from the Lux Cafe Club, a service that provides customers with high quality coffees, reminds that the key to a great home coffee experience is freshly roasted beans. A subscription service allows for delivery of premium coffee at intervals that suit your coffee habits, with a range of options allowing you to select your preferred roast level, grind size (or whole beans), and even specific flavor profiles. Sample different flavor profiles If you’re looking for a fan favorite, “Try a medium roast, which offers a bright and balanced flavor that everyone can enjoy,” says Claudia at Haymaker Coffee. By using high quality coffee beans in your daily coffee ritual, you can tailor your coffee experience to your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy light, fruity notes or deep, rich flavors, investing in quality coffee beans is essential for unlocking the full potential of your home coffee bar. 5. Keep your at-home coffee bar organized As you develop your coffee bar at home, staying organized is crucial for both efficiency and aesthetics, ensuring that your space is easy to use and visually appealing. “If you want to create the perfect home coffee space, the best one is the one you'll use,” advises Toby of Coffee with Conscience.  “Focus on keeping things simple with quality brewing equipment and smart storage solutions for your beans,” says Katie, author of motherhood and coffee blog KT Likes Coffee. “A clutter-free setup makes your morning coffee ritual smoother and more enjoyable.” Tips and tools for an organized coffee bar “Home coffee setups can take up quite a bit of counter space, especially if you dive deeper into the hobby,” confides Andrew Richter, founder and head roaster at New York-based Gotham Coffee Roasters. “My most recent coffee bar additions have been a mountable power strip to free up outlet clutter, and a dedicated paint brush to clean my messy grinder. Keeping a work area neat helps free up space whether you're at home or in a professional shop.” “Use space-saving organizers like hooks to hang your cups and dosing vials for your favorite specialty coffees,” adds Ember Coffee Co’s owner. “Efficiency is everything—plus, storing your beans in neat little vials helps you keep the space tidy and stylish.” The professionals at Haymaker Coffee suggest keeping organized by using clear containers for your coffee and tools, making everything you need for making coffee at home easy to find. Clear, labeled jars not only help you quickly find what you need but also add a clean, decorative touch to your coffee bar.  By maintaining an organized home coffee station, you create a space that’s both functional and beautiful, making your coffee routine smoother and more enjoyable. 6. Let your coffee station be an expression of your style As you develop your coffee bar at home, personal touches are what make a coffee station feel like it belongs in your space. Styling your coffee corner is an opportunity to have fun and express your creativity while making your coffee routine more enjoyable. “A plant or two, a jar of cinnamon sticks, and a cozy mug make the space feel warm and inviting,” affirms Lauren Dryer from the Scandi-inspired Langskip Coffee.  However, there are many ways to help your home coffee bar feel more personalized. Display unique mugs and drinkware “The perfect home coffee station combines style and functionality, creating a cozy corner to elevate your daily ritual,” emphasizes Eleni, the potter behind Pottery by Eleni. “Start by adding a special touch with a handmade mug, offering both beauty and comfort with each sip. Complete the look with a cream and sugar set, a charming countertop accent that keeps essentials within easy reach while adding an artisanal flair to your space.” Double-walled glass mugs also offer a stylish touch to your space while keeping your coffee at the perfect drinking temperature, and come recommended from the experts at Kaffe Products. “Set out a coordinated set of mugs for a cohesive look,” agrees Diane from the pod machine company Bruvi. “Showcase your style with sugar and spoons in attractive containers like neutral ceramics or baskets on a small tray.” Use decorative organization “Our mantra is to minimize clutter but maximize style,” continues the coffee experts at Bruvi. “Clear glass or acrylic canisters don’t take up visual space but are a great way to display coffee pods.” For easy clean-up and mess-free brewing, Nomad Coffee Club recommends adding a stylish coffee tray to minimize messy grinds or coffee stains on your countertops. “Use a small, dedicated corner with floating shelves for easy access to mugs and coffee beans,” adds Gunnar Monson, the face behind Sasquatch Coffee in Oregon. “Keep your home coffee bar organized with labeled jars for beans and tools, making your morning brew as seamless as it is enjoyable.” Add art and other personal touches “Don't be afraid to showcase your personality through quirky signs, vintage finds, or color schemes that speak to you,” advises Stephanie LeBlanc, author of the home styling blog Celebrated Nest. “Remember, your coffee bar should reflect your taste while still being practical - it's all about making your daily brew feel special.” “I love tying in personal touches,” agrees Maggie, the creator behind Coffee With Maggie and the early bird newsletter. “My coffee corner has a few plants, and features a custom painting my best friend, By Annie B., did of the cups from all my favorite coffee shops which ties the whole space together.” Customize your space with renter-friendly style options When creating a rental-friendly home coffee bar, it's important to focus on styling options that won't require permanent changes or damage to the space. “For personalization, go for renter-friendly options like peel-and-stick wallpaper or removable hooks to hang mugs or decor without damaging walls,” recommends hosting expert Gina Dickson of Intentional Hospitality. You can also focus on the aesthetics of your brewing equipment to bring more style to your at-home coffee bar with practically no effort. “Your morning coffee sets the tone for the rest of your day, so regardless of your favorite brew method be sure to choose one or two products that are unique, expressive of your personality, and elevate your daily routine,” says Aby Henry, the owner of Portland’s Bridgetown Sparrow Ceramics. Artfully crafted, matching pour over and mug sets are one of Henry’s favorite ways to add flair to any home coffee bar. Finish off your renter-friendly coffee space with colorful trays, baskets, or countertop organizers for an easy and aesthetic corner of your home. Change up your home coffee bar to match the seasons If you love to change things up in your home for each season, your home coffee bar is the perfect place to start celebrating. “Provide a functional and pretty space for your guests to enjoy a cup of coffee, starting with styling the space with seasonal decor items,” says country living blogger Lynn Langford with At Home in the Wildwood. “Risers and tier trays are perfect for decorating the area for the holidays or seasons. I also like to keep tea and hot cocoa supplies in the same area for those who might not be coffee lovers, but want a hot beverage.” “Refreshing your coffee bar for each season is my favorite way to infuse personal style into our vintage farmhouse kitchen,” adds the author of Celebrated Nest. “I love expressing my style by swapping out mugs on a tiered tray or hanging seasonal wreaths - easily adaptable ideas for any space. The key is to keep your essentials in place and decorate around them with easily changeable pieces, allowing you to transform your coffee station from summer refresh to fall cozy without any permanent changes.” Choose a color theme Using color in your home coffee station is a fun way to add personality and vibrancy to the space while enhancing its overall aesthetic. Incorporate pops of color throughout for a more balanced look, or use color to highlight your coffee bar as a focal point in your home. “I get the most compliments on our very pink to-go cup station. It includes matching cup sleeves adorned with our family monogram that I've designed and hand stamped, plus pink straws and hot coffee lids to match my iced/hot latte mood accordingly for the full custom cafe moment,” reveals lifestyle and home blogger Elle Wagner. “Our guests always get a huge kick out of how extra it is,” she laughs. The key to personalizing your home coffee bar is to balance style and practicality, ensuring that your decorative elements don’t overwhelm the space but instead contribute to creating an organized, beautiful area that enhances your coffee-making experience. 7. Focus on technique for perfect coffee at home The final step in elevating your at-home coffee bar is to make sure the coffee you’re making tastes great. If you’re getting the perfect flavor every time, you’ll be more inspired to use your home coffee station regularly.  Women-lead roasters Coroco Coffee Roaster Collective, based in Sycamore, IL, and Tostado Coffee Roasters in Portland, OR are powerful workhouses in the coffee space, and were happy to share the secrets to making coffee at home that mimic the professional cafe experience. Use filtered or distilled water Water plays a crucial role in brewing coffee at home, as it makes up about 98% of your final cup and acts as the primary solvent to extract flavors from the coffee grounds. The quality of the water you use directly affects the taste and balance of your coffee. “Use filtered water and keep your equipment clean to ensure each cup tastes fresh,” emphasizes Adriana Lopez, the woman behind Tostado Coffee Roasters. Filtered water can remove impurities like chlorine, which can give your coffee an off-flavor. “Consider using distilled water combined with a mineral enhancer to create the ideal mineral profile for brewing,” shares Karen Weckerly, roaster and owner of Coroco. Too-soft or distilled water can result in a flat or dull taste, but certain minerals in water are needed to bring out the coffee’s full flavor profile. Get your water temperature right The temperature of your water also matters, with ideal brewing temperatures for any manual coffee being just off boiling, around 202°F, continues Weckerly. Water that’s too hot (above 205°F) can over-extract the coffee, leading to a bitter taste, while water that’s too cool (below 195°F) might under-extract, resulting in weak or sour flavors. Use one part coffee to a higher amount of water “Experiment with water-to-coffee ratios and brewing methods to find your ideal strength,” recommends Lopez. “The golden ratio for coffee is 1:15 to 1:18 which means one part coffee to 15-18 parts water,” explains Weckerly. “This is perfect for a lot of brewing methods, including pour-overs, drip, and plungers.”  You can use a scale at first to get the hang of what this looks like, then as you get more comfortable, eyeball the amount of coffee and water you use each day for a truly seamless (and delicious) home coffee experience. Pay attention to your grind size Grind size is one of the most important factors in making great coffee at home, as it directly influences the overall flavor of your brew. The size of your coffee grounds determines how quickly water passes through them and extracts the flavors.  “A good double shot requires 17-20 grams of very finely ground coffee - think flour like consistency,” advises Weckerly.  A medium grind, with a texture resembling sand, works well for drip coffee makers and pour-over methods, balancing extraction time and flavor. For brewing methods like French press or cold brew, a coarse grind is ideal, as the slower brewing process requires larger grounds to prevent over-extraction and bitterness.  Lopez encourages home coffee enthusiasts to experiment with grind size and brewing methods to highlight the unique flavors of your favorite beans, giving you the best experience in your new home coffee bar. Go forth and create your perfect coffee bar at home  “For some, at-home coffee bars are a simple budgeting hack—but for me, it's truly a daily luxury that I miss when I'm traveling,” admits lifestyle and home blogger Elle Wagner. “The key to an iconic coffee bar is how custom you're willing to make yours. Investing in the right coffee makers, stocking and importing my favorite beans, pods, syrups, and milks, and even matching everything to my favorite color just for fun has made all the difference to using my setup on the daily.” As you start creating your own coffee bar at home, remember that it's all about making the space your own. Whether you invest in high-end equipment or start with the essentials, make sure you craft a setup that enhances both your coffee experience and your living space. With a bit of inspiration and planning, your at-home coffee bar can become the perfect spot to fuel your day and indulge in your love for coffee.

  Let’s pull back the curtain on Big Coffee for a moment. We all know the drill: a convenient drive-through, a familiar name, and a cup of coffee that you drink without thinking too much about it. Companies like Caribou and Starbucks have built empires by making us believe we’re getting something special—but let’s be real, you’re being sold a product that’s designed to maximize profit, not quality. Cutting Corners, Maximizing Profits Here’s the thing about commodity coffee: it’s all about the bottom line. The beans used by big chains aren’t selected for their flavor complexity or unique origin—they’re chosen because they’re cheap and available in massive quantities. If you’ve ever wondered why your coffee tastes flat or leaves your stomach in knots, this is why. Commodity coffee is roasted dark, often to the point of bitterness, to mask the flaws in low-quality beans. Then they load up on syrups, sugars, and artificial flavors to make the drink palatable. It’s a method that works well for turning a profit, but it has little to do with providing a quality coffee experience. In contrast, at Ember Coffee, our beans are sourced and roasted with care. We use an air roasting process that ensures each bean is evenly roasted, preserving the true character and flavor of the coffee. We’re not interested in cutting corners or hiding flaws. We’re about making coffee that respects the bean, the farmer, and you, the customer. Big Coffee CEOs vs. Local Roasters Here’s a reality check: while small, independent roasters like us are scraping by to deliver quality coffee, Starbucks and Caribou are paying their CEOs millions. It’s a classic story of big business taking shortcuts and reaping the benefits. Their coffee prices are high, but that money isn’t going to the farmers who grew the beans, nor is it being reinvested into quality. Instead, it goes toward billion-dollar marketing campaigns, sleek cafes, and fat paychecks for executives. Meanwhile, your local coffee roaster—like Ember Coffee in Big Lake—is investing every spare dollar back into better beans, better roasting techniques, and the community. We’re focused on quality and heart, not just profit margins. Sugar as a Disguise Have you ever looked at the ingredient list for your favorite Starbucks Frappuccino? It’s packed with sugar and artificial flavors. And there’s a reason for that: sugar masks bad coffee. If you’re starting with low-quality, commodity-grade beans, adding sugar is the easiest way to make it drinkable. Unfortunately, it’s also a way to get people hooked on a product that’s masking its flaws. At Ember Coffee, we prefer to let the beans speak for themselves. The bright citrus of our Ethiopian single-origin or the smooth caramel of our 10,000 Lakes Blend don’t need a sugar crutch. We roast to bring out natural flavors that make your cup of coffee a pleasure, not an assault on your senses. The Damage of Supporting Big Coffee When you buy your coffee from a big chain, you’re supporting a system that puts profit above everything else. Commodity coffee is often produced under poor working conditions, with little regard for the farmers or the land. Big Coffee is all about volume—about producing as much as possible as cheaply as possible. This leads to practices that are not only bad for the environment but also exploit the very people who grow the beans. Minnesota’s Best artisan roaster, Ember Coffee, believes in fair practices and quality at every step. From the farm to the roastery, we’re committed to sourcing our beans responsibly and roasting them to perfection. We do this because we believe that better coffee starts with respect—for the process, for the people, and for the planet. You Deserve Better Coffee If you’re tired of being sold a sugary, bitter lie, you’re not alone. People are waking up to the fact that coffee can be better—that it can be full of personality and flavor, not just caffeine and sugar. Coffee should be an experience that’s rich, nuanced, and satisfying, and that’s exactly what we strive to deliver at Ember Coffee. Next time you think about grabbing that Starbucks drive-through or Caribou iced mocha, consider this: you deserve a coffee that’s made with care. A coffee that’s crafted by a team who loves what they do. At our Big Lake coffeeshop, we’re here to provide you with just that—coffee that has heart, flavor, and the integrity that comes from doing things the right way. Support Your Local Roaster When you support local roasters like us, you’re not just buying a cup of coffee. You’re supporting a small business that cares deeply about quality and community. You’re choosing a product that respects the craft and delivers an authentic experience. We’ve been named Minnesota’s Best for a reason—because we care about every single cup we serve. So let’s rethink where we’re spending our coffee dollars. Instead of paying for a CEO’s bonus, invest in something real, something with heart. Come visit Ember Coffee in Big Lake, and taste the difference that true passion makes. Because good coffee shouldn’t need sugar to taste good, and it certainly shouldn’t be about maximizing someone else’s profit at your expense. Thank you for caring. Thank you for believing in small businesses, for valuing quality over convenience, and for being a part of this journey with us. Together, we can make coffee something meaningful—something that’s full of integrity, flavor, and hope. Your support means the world to us, and we’re excited to keep bringing you the best coffee we can.

  Let's be real for a second. If you've ever bought an $8 bag of coffee at the grocery store and found it tasted like actual dirt, there’s a reason for that. It's not you; it's the coffee. The truth is, quality costs, and there’s no way around it. Today, let’s break down why some coffee just isn’t worth it—and why you, the coffee lover, deserve so much better. The Commodity Coffee Trap Cheap coffee is a trap—a convenience play that ultimately costs you in flavor and experience. Some of the old-school roasters got caught up in the commodity game, driven to sell coffee for as cheap as possible, cramming those aisles at the grocery store with their $8 bags. But think about this: how can you expect great quality when the whole point is to be the cheapest on the shelf? The answer is, you can't. You can’t deliver a cup with nuance, flavor, and depth for $8. The economics just don’t add up, especially when you consider the actual cost of specialty-grade coffee. The Real Cost of Quality Coffee Let’s do some simple math. Most specialty-grade coffee starts at around $4-$5 per pound for the green, unroasted beans. This doesn’t even account for the 15% moisture loss during roasting. Add to that labor costs, overhead, packaging, shipping, and—oh yeah—a small margin of profit to keep the lights on. Suddenly, that $8 bag sounds more like a gimmick than a genuine attempt at good coffee. At Ember Coffee, we take pride in our air roasting process—a method that ensures even heat distribution and highlights the true, complex flavors of our beans. It’s not about cutting corners; it’s about celebrating what coffee can be. That’s why we’ve earned our reputation as Minnesota’s Best coffee shop and why we’re not interested in the commodity game. We believe you deserve something better. Why Cheap Coffee Tastes Like Dirt If your coffee tastes like butt or feels like it’s wrecking your stomach, there’s a reason for that too. Commodity-grade beans are often grown for yield, not quality, which means they’re picked green, improperly processed, and jammed into big roasting machines that char them to a bitter crisp. It’s no wonder that all you taste is smoke and burnt rubber—it’s the flavor of shortcuts. At Ember Coffee, we know the difference between roasting for flavor and roasting to mask flaws. Cheap roasters lean heavily on dark roasting because it hides all the defects. With our artisan roaster approach, we roast to enhance the bean’s natural qualities—whether it’s the bright citrus of a washed Ethiopian or the buttery caramels of our 10,000 Lakes Blend. A Challenge to Roasters To my fellow roasters out there: we can do better. Let’s step away from the race to the bottom, where the goal is to crank out the cheapest product we can. Let’s put the customer first and make coffee that respects the process, the farmers, and the people drinking it. Every bag of coffee is a story. It’s the story of where it was grown, how it was harvested, and the care that went into roasting it. When you reduce that to a dollar figure—an $8 bag—it’s like taking a beautiful book and tearing out half the pages. We owe it to ourselves, our craft, and our customers to do better. The Ember Difference At Ember Coffee in Big Lake, we’ve always taken a different path. We roast with intention, using our air roasting technology to achieve the kind of precision and consistency that you simply can’t get in mass-market roasting. That’s why we’ve become an award-winning coffee shop—because people can taste the difference when care and quality come first. If you’ve been drinking cheap coffee and wondering why it doesn’t quite sit right, consider this your invitation to experience something better. Specialty-grade coffee isn’t just about snobbery or spending more money. It’s about tasting what coffee is meant to be—a drink that’s rich, complex, and satisfying, not one that tastes like an ashtray or upsets your stomach. Put Quality First The next time you’re in the grocery store and tempted to grab that $8 bag, take a second to think about the real cost. You deserve more than shortcuts. You deserve the kind of coffee that’s crafted with care—where every bean is roasted for flavor, not for convenience. That’s the kind of coffee we make at Minnesota's Best—and the kind of coffee you’ll find at Ember Coffee. Let’s change the way we think about coffee. Let’s demand more from our morning cup—whether that means stopping by our Big Lake coffeeshop or ordering a bag of freshly roasted beans online. Because life’s too short for bad coffee.

  There's always that one question that comes up at Ember Coffee: "Got anything darker?" For years, I’ve held the line on our roast profiles. I believed in keeping things on the lighter side, allowing the nuances of our specialty-grade beans to shine. But lately, I’ve been reconsidering—and it all started with a piece of history from Michael Sivetz. The History of Coffee Roast Levels The world of coffee roasting is filled with different roast levels, each offering its own distinct flavor profile. From light to dark, the way coffee is roasted affects everything—brightness, body, bitterness, and even aroma. Lighter roasts have been favored for their fruity acidity and floral notes, while dark roasts have traditionally offered boldness and deep caramel flavors. Michael Sivetz, a legendary coffee engineer, published his thoughts on roasting in the 1960s, when he wrote a manual for an 8-pound air roaster—a predecessor to the very air roasters we use at Ember Coffee today. He suggested that the ideal roast temperature was 450°F, rather than the usual 430°F used for lighter profiles. This got me thinking—maybe there was something about the dark roast experience that I hadn’t fully explored. Experimenting with Higher Roast Temperatures I’ve always aimed to bring out the best possible flavors in our beans. But the idea of roasting a little darker, somewhere between 450-470°F, sparked my curiosity. Could I create a darker roast that still highlighted the complexity of our beans without overwhelming them with bitterness? Most of the time, dark roasting has been used by commodity roasters to mask poor quality. Roasting dark can easily become a way to hide flaws—but what if, instead, we could balance darkness and caramelization while retaining those incredible, specialty-grade aromatics? So, I rolled up my sleeves, fired up our roaster, and started experimenting. Dark Roasts vs. Specialty Roasts: What’s the Difference? When it comes to dark roast, it’s easy to go too far. The result? A smoky, bitter cup that could be made from just about any coffee out there—no character, no identity. That's why commodity coffee companies often choose the darkest possible roast for cheap beans; it masks their shortcomings. But that’s not what we’re about at Minnesota's Best artisan roaster. Our goal is to celebrate the bean in every way we can, even at a darker roast level. The trick is in the balance. As I experimented with roasts in the 450-470°F range, I noticed some interesting things. Roasting at this temperature lets me develop deep, rich flavors—think dark chocolate, toffee, even hints of smoky sweetness—but still keeps the unique characteristics of the bean intact. Our air roasting process helps achieve that balance; the even heat distribution and precise temperature control are key to avoiding the bitterness that often plagues dark roasts. A New Roast Level for the Masses After months of tweaking, testing, and tasting, I’m excited to announce that we’re introducing a new line of darker roasted coffees here at Ember Coffee. These roasts are going to be in that sweet spot—not too light, not too dark, but just right for those who love a bold cup with depth, while still appreciating the artisan qualities of specialty coffee. I want these roasts to embody the warmth of our Big Lake coffeeshop, where community and flavor go hand in hand. This isn’t about masking flavors; it’s about enhancing them, adding that extra layer of richness and caramel while keeping the underlying brightness and complexity that makes Ember Coffee special. Why You Should Give Dark Roasts a Chance For those of you who’ve been loyal to our lighter roasts—I get it. Light roasts are beautiful and complex, but there’s a whole world of flavor that opens up at higher roast temperatures. A well-done dark roast can be comforting, bold, and surprisingly nuanced. With our new releases, I hope to bring that experience to you—the richness of a classic dark roast without the burnt, one-dimensional taste that’s often expected. If you’ve been one of those customers asking for something a bit darker, now’s the time to give it a try. You’ll get that boldness you’ve been craving, but with all the careful craftsmanship you’d expect from an award-winning coffee shop. And if you’re in the neighborhood, come down to Ember Coffee in Big Lake and let us brew you a cup of our newest creation. I think you’ll be surprised by what a little extra heat can do. The Ember Difference At Ember Coffee, we’re always looking for ways to push boundaries without sacrificing quality. As a Minnesota artisan roaster, our mission has always been to offer coffee that’s crafted with love, precision, and respect for the beans. These new dark roasts are a testament to that mission. They’re not about following trends—they’re about evolving, exploring, and always striving to bring you the best coffee possible. Come taste the difference. Whether you’re a light roast purist or a dark roast lover, our goal is to bring you on this flavor journey, one cup at a time. Let’s explore depth, boldness, and nuance together.

  Why do some coffee lovers insist that pour over is the only way to go? There’s something about the pour over method that brings out the passion in coffee enthusiasts. At Ember Coffee, we love talking about what makes a cup truly special, and pour overs are definitely worth exploring. They have a rich history, and the flavors they extract are unlike anything you’d get from a regular drip machine. Today, we'll dive into the Chemex, V60, and Hario methods and how they compare to your trusty Mr. Coffee machine. A Brief History of the Pour Over The pour over method has been around for over a century. It all started in 1908 when Melitta Bentz, a German homemaker, decided she wanted a cleaner, smoother cup of coffee without the bitterness that typical percolators produced. She invented the first paper coffee filter and the concept of the pour over was born. Fast forward to today, and pour over coffee has become a favorite for those who love the artisan process of brewing. Pour over brewing isn't just about making coffee—it's about taking your time and truly appreciating the beans. Here at Ember Coffee, we know our air roasting process helps unlock flavors that are perfect for this method. Minnesota’s Best coffee shop wouldn’t be complete without a little pour over magic. Chemex vs. V60 vs. Hario There are a few popular tools for making a pour over: the Chemex, V60, and Hario are some of the most well-known. Let's break down the differences: Chemex: Smooth and Balanced The Chemex is an iconic coffee brewer—its hourglass shape and wooden collar are unmistakable. Invented in 1941, the Chemex uses thick paper filters that remove much of the oil from the coffee, resulting in a clean and smooth cup. It’s ideal for those who like a mellow, well-balanced flavor without too much bitterness. If you're brewing with Ember Coffee’s air-roasted beans, you'll taste all the nuanced flavors that our roasters carefully craft. V60: Bright and Crisp The V60 by Hario, on the other hand, is a favorite for those who like a little more brightness and acidity in their coffee. Its conical design with spiral ridges allows for greater control over the flow rate and extraction, which means you can really dial in the flavor. The V60 is a favorite among baristas because it gives you the flexibility to highlight the more delicate notes in a coffee—perfect for those mornings when you want something bright and lively. Hario Switch: Versatile and Foolproof The Hario Switch combines the control of the V60 with a clever valve that allows for immersion brewing. It’s a versatile tool that lets you experiment with both pour over and immersion methods. If you’re new to pour overs and feeling intimidated, the Switch can be an approachable gateway. The Minnesota roaster in us loves seeing how different methods bring out different flavors. Why Pour Over Tastes Different Than Mr. Coffee So why does a pour over taste so different from the trusty Mr. Coffee? It all comes down to control. With a pour over, you control the water temperature, flow rate, and brew time—all key variables that affect how your coffee tastes. Pour overs allow you to highlight specific tasting notes, whether that’s the buttery caramels of our 10,000 Lakes Blend or the bright citrus of our Ethiopian single-origin. Mr. Coffee machines are convenient, but they’re designed to brew quickly and efficiently, sometimes at the cost of flavor. They often don’t reach the optimal temperature for coffee extraction (195-205°F) and can brew too fast to let the coffee grounds fully bloom. The result is a cup that’s often flat and lacking complexity compared to a carefully brewed pour over. How to Get Started With Pour Overs If you’re ready to give pour overs a try, we recommend starting with freshly roasted beans from a Minnesota artisan roaster like Ember Coffee. Freshness is key—air roasting helps us highlight all the unique qualities of each bean, so you get a more flavorful experience. Grind Size Matters: For pour overs, you want a medium-fine grind. Think of it like sea salt in texture. A consistent grind ensures even extraction, giving you that smooth cup. Water Temperature: Aim for 195-205°F. Too hot, and you’ll burn the coffee; too cool, and it’ll be under-extracted. Take Your Time: Pour overs are all about taking it slow. Pour a little water, let the coffee bloom, then continue pouring in a slow, steady spiral. This lets the coffee grounds expand and release all those rich oils and gases. Pour Over: More Than Just Coffee Pour overs aren't just about getting caffeinated—they’re about the ritual. Taking the time to grind, bloom, and pour is almost meditative. At Ember Coffee, we often hear from customers who say that making a pour over is the best part of their morning. It’s a way to connect with the coffee, to appreciate the work that went into growing, roasting, and finally brewing it. If you’re in Big Lake, stop by our award-winning coffeeshop and ask our baristas about pour over tips. We love helping people discover their ideal brew method, and our Minnesota's Best title means we’re always ready to share what we know.