The best way to learn about coffee

[Margo R]

Hello everyone.
I am wondering what the best way is to learn about coffee. Again, I am planning on opening my own Coffee House in the near future, but until then, I want to learn as much as possible.

I am wanting to buy a roaster, (thinking about the Gene Cafe Roaster), and would like to learn at home to start.

Any ideas on this?

Thank you all.

[Tiger]

Bellingham, WA.

Punita Patel said:

Where are you from Tiger??

[James Tiger]

That is very good sound advice! A business mindset has to be foremost in any endeavor in which to survive! Grant it, personality, hard work, basic understanding of the industry are obvious traits to which someone must acquire. But, you are absolutley correct in saying that you must also have some very basic knowledge; at the least, in business!

Jay Caragay said:

If you really want to learn about coffee and operating a coffee joint, find yourself a shop that shares your vision for coffee (or barring that, any quality-oriented shop will do) and get a job. Work in the kind of environment you want to create and learn how the business runs. Learn the barista craft.

But more importantly, spend time educating yourself on business concepts. Sure, all those seminars and workshops are great for chat and meeting passionate coffee people, but like chefs, most coffee people are poor business people. And to run your own company, you need to be a decent business person. Learn about management, hiring, firing, accounting, law, regulations, health codes and the "boring" side of business.

There's been more than one occasion where I wish I took more law classes, accounting classes and management classes in college. Instead, I was an art/film student - which means I can save tens of thousands in graphic design and production costs, but I would have done better with a more thorough understanding of the business side of business.

[The Coffee Institute]

Margo,
Beyond school...one of the best ways to learn post education(which gets you on the right path)...experience and coffee community involvement are indispensable.
You can learn a ton from the people in this industry.
-Chris Deferio