The Coffee Experts Club Podcast

The Coffee Experts Club Podcast

Welcome to the Coffee Experts Club! If you're anything like us, then you've taken what could have been just a job and appreciated it enough to make it a calling. Coffee is at the center of communities, economies and most people's mornings. Being a coffee professional can allow you to be a stable presence in the lives of many, but it also comes with a lot of hard work and a lot of variables that need to be figured out in order to deliver that perfect cup every day. Aaron, Drew and Ben have over 25 years of combined experience in the coffee industry and they are still helping major coffee brands today with their daily operations and opening of new locations. Come join these experts as they have in depth conversations about: opening new locations, managing people, sourcing products, business strategies and pitfalls and a whole lot more. And when you're ready to make this world your own, let us help you open up YOUR FIRST COFFEE DRIVE THRU! www.myfirstdrivethru.coffee FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeeexpertsclub

Episodes

April 30, 2025 23 mins

In this episode:

In this episode, Ben and Aaron explore the vital role of surrounding yours...
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    In this lively episode, Ben and Aaron share their insights on keeping a coffee busi...
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    In this episode, Drew and Ben dive into the essential topic of selecting the right...
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    Join hosts Aaron, Drew, and Ben as they brew up a lively discussion about the ever...
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    Drew and Aaron dive into the exhilarating, yet challenging world of opening a new coffee shop location. The duo shares their real-time experiences, fresh from the...
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    This week, the trio dives into Read more
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    In this episode, the team dives into the latest Starbucks headline—1,100 corporate layoffs and a 30% menu reduction—unpacking what it...

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    In this episode we tackle one of the biggest challenges for coffee shop owners—rising costs and how to communicate price increases to customers. With commodities like coffee, milk, syrups, and even cups on the rise, how do you balance profitability while maintaining customer loyalty?

    Join us as we discuss strategic ways...

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    On this episode, Aaron and Ben dive into one of the biggest cost drivers for coffee shop owners—coffee beans. With green coffee prices surging by over 60% in the last five years, the need to manage costs has never been greater.

    Aaron and Ben explore why more coffee shop owners should consider roasting their own beans, breaking down the financial benefits...

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    In this episode we dive into a topic that no coffee shop owner likes to talk about—but absolutely should: employee theft, also known as shrink. From giving away free drinks to time theft and inventory mismanagement, small leaks in your business can add up to major losses.

    Join us as we discuss real-world experiences and proven strategies to minimize thef...

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    In this episode, we dive into Starbucks’ recent decision to remove the upcharge for alternative milks and explore the broader implications for coffee businesses. While this move may seem like a simple win for consumers, industry insiders know the real costs behind alternative milk pricing. We break down how Starbucks is likely absorbing and redistributing these costs, the psychology behind reducing sticker shock, and what ...

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    Thinking about opening a coffee shop but unsure about the costs? In this episode we dive into one of the most frequently asked questions: How much does it really cost to start a coffee shop? Our hosts, along with industry experts Ben and Drew, break down the numbers—from the price of building a brick-and-mortar café to the more affordable options like coffee carts and mobile setups.

    We also explore creative funding solutio...

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    In this episode we dive into the essential systems that drive successful coffee businesses. Ben and Aaron discuss the power of standardized operations, drawing lessons from franchises like Starbucks while maintaining the independent coffee shop spirit. From streamlining equipment choices to optimizing labor costs and tracking key performance metrics, we explore why having a replicable system is the secret to scaling withou...

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    In this episode, Aaron and Ben dive deep into the unpredictable world of coffee carts, trailers, and the entrepreneurial journey. From event planning nightmares and wasted product to leveraging risk for growth, they unpack the challenges and opportunities of scaling a coffee business.

    The guys share personal stories from their early days in coffee, including the highs and lows of running a cart at unpredictable events and ...

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    In this episode, we dive deep into the essential art of employee evaluations and their transformative impact on your coffee business. We explore how consistent and structured feedback not only boosts employee morale but also enhances overall performance and retention.

    Key topics include:

    • The importance of regular evaluations to recognize and retain star employees.
    • Why arbitrary raises and unclear expectations can bree...
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    In this inspiring episode of The Coffee Experts Club Podcast, we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Susan Arredondo, a coffee enthusiast who turned passion into purpose. Starting with a mobile coffee shop in late 2020, she shares how a heart for community service—especially aiding those affected by natural disasters—sparked the idea for a coffee truck designed to serve free, quality coffee to volunteers and victims. ...

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    In this episode of The Coffee Experts Club Podcast, the team dives into the inevitable pre-launch jitters that come with starting a new coffee shop—even for seasoned professionals. Whether it's your first location or your 50th, the nerves never truly go away, but they don’t have to hold you back.

    We share insights on effective advertising strategies, the importance of standout signage, and why a strong grand opening plan...

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    November 20, 2024 27 mins

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    In this episode we dive deep into the pricing strategies that help coffee shops thrive, even in a challenging economic landscape. Aaron, Ben and Drew tackle the big question every coffee shop owner faces: "Are our prices still the right prices?" From minimum wage hikes to fluctuating ingredient costs, they discuss why regular pricing evaluations are essential and how to decide which drinks need a price adjustment without a...

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    In this episode of The Coffee Experts Club Podcast, we dive into the world of bootstrapping a coffee business and making your dream a reality. The guys share insights on the approachability of starting out in coffee, where minimal overhead and creative solutions make it possible to launch with limited resources. We discuss ways to find the perfect location, manage equipment costs, and leverage your skills to get the best o...

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    In this episode of The Coffee Experts Club, we’re thrilled to introduce Meleni Cruz, owner of Press Coffee House in Battle Mountain, Nevada—a unique coffee spot that blends small-town charm with big-city coffee quality. Aaron stumbled upon this hidden gem on a road trip and was immediately captivated by Meleni’s passion and expertise.

    Meleni shares her journey from working as a barista to buying and rebranding the coffee s...

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