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Frosted Java Closes Doors – Frisco, TX
According to this review on Yelp, Frosted Java is no more.
I think it is due to a combination of things. Namely, Location. For one thing, I’m under the impression that the rent for its location was rather high. (it wasn’t on anyone’s way to work in the morning, either) Also, it is possible that it didn’t fill the role of being a destination enough for the trickle of patrons to bring in enough dough.
I understood that they were hoping to franchise. I wish you ex-Frosted Java owners/managers/employees the best of luck.
Bon Appetit Names Progress Coffee In Top 10 List: Austin
9th item down on the list of Bon Appetite’s list of “Top 10 Best Boutique Coffee Shops” is Progress Coffee in Austin, TX. (go Progress!)
Progress Coffee
Austin
Favorite coffee shops don’t just serve terrific joe; they also act as a modern-day meeting place. This Eastside spot with Owl Tree coffee and fresh biscuits is the best hangout in town. 500 San Marcos Street, Studio 105; 512-493-0963; progresscoffee.com
http://www.bonappetit.com/magazine/2010/01/top_10_best_boutique_coffee_shops
(if you love to cook, this magazine has a lot of great info for a shockingly low subscription price)
The author (Andrew Knowlton) begins his list with a disclaimer of sorts:
A coffeehouse used to be just a few couches, ho-hum muffins, and free Wi-Fi. But a new generation of artisinal roasters and enthusiastic baristas is offering not only a quality cup of joe, but also sophisticated menus and innovative design. End result? Now you’ve got a real reason to hang out.
So take from that what you will, but you’ve got to love seeing Progress on the list! Congrats!
(Congrats to Owl Tree for the mention as well)
Coffee Updates: Ft. Worth
I received an email a few days ago from a Mr. Latchaw letting us know about a few changes in Ft. Worth.
Just a coffee drinker from fort worth, wanted to add some suggestions. Eurotaza and Panther City are now closed. The Gallery Art Cafe is pretty outstanding, sells locally roasted Aduro beans. http://galleryartcafe.com/
Panther City being closed may not be news, but Eurotaza’s closing certainly is. What is happening in Ft. Worth?
Gallery Art Cafe’s website doesn’t indicate much of an emphasis on coffee, but that’s not to say that the same is true in person. We mentioned Aduro Bean over a year ago, and they are coffee people with passion. The fact that Gallery Art Cafe is selling Aduro is a good sign.
Gallery Art Cafe
609 S Jennings
Fort Worth, Tx 76104
817.335.4646
Gallery Art Cafe has been added to our list of Retailers.
Anonymous Review of The Pearl Cup: Dallas
I saw this on the net and got permission to stick it up here.
Let me preface this by saying I hate coffee. Pearl Cup rocks.
They must be doing something right to get a simple, yet glorious, review like that. Way to go!
It probably doesn’t hurt that D Magazine voted their “Pearl Latte” the best latte of 2009.
If you’re in Dallas and in need of a decent cup of coffee, you might consider dropping in.
The Pearl Cup
1900 N. Henderson Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
Clementine Coffee Bar re-named to Thunderbird: Austin
An email update informed me that Clementine Coffee Bar’s named has officially changed to Thunderbird Coffee. If you are at all familiar with Clementine, this probably didn’t come at much of a surprise. The same folks own both Thunderbird #1 and now-Thunderbird #2 (the retailer formerly known as Clementine).
According to Chris Cusack, the only things that one should expect to change/have changed are, “A sign, some T-shirts, and that’s about it. Me and Ryan still own and operate both businesses, there’s been no change in staff, and we still offer the same delicious coffee, comfortable atmosphere, and great hospitality that you’ve come to expect.”
And if you are on the Thunderbird Coffee mailing list, you probably already know all of this.
Since yesterday was “hump-day”, it’s all downhill from here looking to the weekend. Have a good one!
From Tucson to Austin: Elixer Coffee
I saw this on Arizona Coffee about a week ago and thought folks would want to know.
Elixer Coffee has been sold, and is being relocated to Austin. I spoke with the previous owner who informed me that the new owner has had experience before. He also told me that he hopes to see what they started continue.
The most interesting aspect to Elixer’s brand image is their Studebaker truck.
I’m not sure when the move will happen, but I will do my best to keep you updated when it does.
You can also keep an eye on their website to see if they announce it when the move is made. Since Tucson is to Arizona what Austin is to Texas in many ways, I suspect that the brand will make a good fit for its new community.
Now Hiring: Thunderbird Coffee – Austin
(via: Craigslist)
Do you dream of a job with a flexible schedule, fun co-workers, a healthy environment, and a product you can be proud of? Then Thunderbird Coffee may be the perfect place for you!
Want to know more? Here’s what some of the employees at Thunderbird Coffee have to say:
“Our regulars are awesome. Getting to know our customers is one of the best parts of the job.” –Becca
“I love having direct communication with the people I work for. It makes me feel like I actually matter.” –Mark
“I’ve never had a problem getting a day off when I needed it.” –Ryan
“The coffee is so good. I really feel proud of what I serve.” –Bob
“Not only is the coffee great, but we have really awesome beer.” –Ryan
If this sounds like what you’re looking for, come in to Thunderbird Coffee at 1401 Koenig on Sunday, August 30 at 12:00 noon for an audition with our hiring managers. Please also bring your resume and any references.
Due to the high volume of applicants we got last time, we are making it our priority to see as many people as possible and call the best and the brightest back for further discussion.
DO have a great attitude!
DO bring your resume and references.
DO be ready to tell us why YOU are the best person for the job!
DO NOT come in any time before Sunday, August 30, at 12:00 noon.
DO NOT call or e-mail about this position.
DO NOT worry. If we can’t see everyone who shows up on Sunday, we will schedule another audition date.
Positions are limited, and applicants will be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please show up on time!
- Location: Thunderbird Coffee
- Compensation: 6.55/hr+tips, 7.50/hr +tips
Random Picture Friday #18: Coffee Top Storage
(via: toxel.com)
Designer: Josh Harris
Product vs. Atmosphere
For many people, the idea is pretty straightforward in regards to restaurants and food.
1. If the food is fantastic, but the place is a dump (i.e. – renouned barbecue joints), people will come back in droves.
2. If the food is forgetable and the service was good, it tells you something about the place.
3. If the food is wonderful, the service is great, but the ambience is lacking, you will notice, but you will still return.
4. If the ambience is fantastic, the service is great, but the food is mediocre, the odds are good that you will not return because while it scored highly on the peripherals, it missed it where it counts.
Why is this different than in part 2, where the business will still survive? Expectations.
In scenario 4, it seems that the ambience and service were building up to a glorious climax of fantastic cuisine. The food did not deliver, and thus, the entire experience is anti-climatic. They will not have bad things to say, necessarily, but the odds of their returning are very slim.
This is very easily understood by most people. You don’t get innovative high end cuisine from Applebee’s , but you also don’t expect it when going in, even if your neighborhood location has great service.
Translated to specialty coffee retailing, one can use the same logic. If a fortune is spent on the ambience, and the service is knock-your-socks-off-great, one should expect the coffee to be on level as well. More often than not, the coffee fails to deliver the satisfaction of a culinary climax to the experience, yet many of these places ride the wave of niche market branding. The niche of Specialty Coffee.
Many have gotten away with it for a long time in part, I believe, because the mediocrity found at well-known ubiquitous chains became the standard for the average consumer. Serve the same with a better cultural feel, and it’s low-hanging fruit: gauranteed success.
So why are we seeing some of these places going out of business these days?
The economy is partially to blame. This is a factual truth. The big chains are feeling the effects as is evidenced by their menu changes and shifts in marketing strategy. People are still willing to spend money, but now they are paying more attention to the value of what their money is getting them. In short, they are more concerned with the quality of the products they are buying. (key word: products)
While the service may have stepped up a notch, and while prices may have been reduced, some retailers may find their sales still dropping. Take the new French “fooding” approach. Give them more for their money. Great coffee can be easily approachable for the average joe (no pun intended).
This doesn’t have to mean spending more money(although it could). I am often amazed at how many retailers don’t actually take the time to learn about coffee before opening a company that specializes in making and serving it. Many have been convinced that selling culture is the way to run a coffee house, but what good is that for people who drop in on their way to work in the morning? All those people want is a great cup of coffee done well, and done in a timely manner. This means that what is important for a profitable coffee retailer is, above all, the quality of their products.
Yes, atmosphere is important, but in a hierarchy of factors, I would argue that it takes a back seat to product quality. After all, you’re not selling atmosphere. Atmosphere is intended to draw people in to buy products. It is secondary.
In a time when it is important to really focus, why not take a look at your shop’s coffee and training program. Is it enough? Have you shopped your competition? What can you learn from each other? It may be time to reevaluate things, and to start focusing on the heart and soul of your business. Your products.
SB's Espresso Happy Hour: Lubbock, TX
Via Facebook:
Sugar Brown’s Coffee is feeling generous. Espresso happy hour – take a break from your back-to-school shopping with a free espresso macchiatto Tuesday from 1-3 pm!
You heard it here. What a great way to promote new customers to try them out. Also a great way for existing customers to try a real macchiato, risk free.
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