One of the fabulous reasons (excuses?) that we have for closing over the Christmas period each year, is that we always have a refresh and a paint job over this time. ‘Are you closing over Christmas?’. ‘Yes, but we are getting the painters in’. Oh, okay, that’s a good idea, and you probably need a break too’. […]
The Importance of Looking Good – An Explanation Read More »
This is not a blog of complaint. Not at all. This is me just trying to give an insight into the life of a cafe/business owner. I am continually flattered by how much this happens though and how many people ask and how many people care, it is wonderful. But it also puts a kind of pressure on that I wish
Get a Hair Cut – An Explanation Read More »
When I started working in hospitality, one of the great training days you always looked forward to was wine tasting, especially in Hospitality College as a 20 year old from the outer suburbs whose taste for alcohol had mainly consisted of bogan Aussie beer and cask wine. Yay! Wine! In class! The poor lecturer, trying to teach us all
What we did one night – A Staff Training Exercise Read More »
We have updated the website, (I hope you noticed), so now we have the blog section, this one, separate to the menu section, but, if you are interested, the menu will still be down below so you can have a quick look if you are tempted. This week it’s about getting up early: Respect. When Kaffeine first
Respect to those Early Starters Read More »
Okay, so you want to open a cafe? Excellent. Is it because you love making coffee, or love making food, or love serving customers? Is it because you want to be your own boss? Is it because you think it’s a great way to make loads of money and a great sexy lifestyle? Well here is a tip. You
DIY – Running a Coffee shop is not just about making coffee – An explanation Read More »
So, this is not a gripe, well perhaps it’s a little one, it’s more of a request, to the owners who employ, the managers who manage and all-importantly, the staff who work in any part (but mainly cafes) of the hospitality industry where tables need to be cleared. Personally for me, working in the hospitality industry
Clearing Tables – It’s a part of your job – An Explanation Read More »
Our lead barista James, who has just left to return to Australia, went to one of the best restaurants in the UK as a leaving gift to himself and his fiancée. Now, James is one of the best baristas and in fact one of the best hospitality people I have ever met. He has very, very high standards
Last week I wrote a short list of what it was like to open a coffee shop, but focussed on before opening. This time I will update a few more words on the before, but then focus on the after, especially the first six months. In other good news, it is the end of the
After Opening a Coffee Shop – An Explanation Read More »
I am asked on occasion, ‘what was it like when you opened?’ or ‘what was it like to open a coffee shop?’ So I have been thinking about those types of questions recently and how to answer them. This is my attempt, but I am going to go back in time to before opening, because
Before Opening a Coffee Shop – An Explanation Read More »
Three years ago I turned 40, perhaps for some people a cause for celebration and a huge party with all your friends, perhaps one last rave up before you retire? I didn’t, no, instead I finished at my full time, comfortable salaried position at the greatest cricket ground in the world and became self employed.
Three Years Ago – An Explanation Read More »
