Like Pepsi in 1984, coffee is the "Choice of a New Generation"... but maybe not in the same way as we of older generations are comfortable with. The ways digital natives are consuming coffee today may be unique, but as with all coffee consumers before and after, they are seeking the identity, belonging, utility, and promises associated with coffee and the community it has always facilitated. 

The question we need to ask is how do we in the world f coffee shops acknowledge, welcome, include, adn understand these very important consumers? To help us explore this we are chatting with friend of the show and deep thinker extraordinaire, Kosta Kallivrousis! 

Kosta Kallivrousis has spent over 14 years working across the specialty-coffee supply chain. His unique combination of experience as a barista, licensed Q grader, and in strategic sales at both roasted and green coffee companies has given him a 360°-view of the specialty-coffee world. Kosta is passionate about building equitable sourcing relationships between coffee producers and buyers, challenging industry norms around taste and value, and advocating for greater connection and community in the coffee industry.  

Links: 

KOSTA ON INSTAGRAM: 

https://www.instagram.com/espresso_patronus/

 

Other Links:

The barista mag piece Kosta wrote about cafe raves The death of a millennial brand with Euguene Healey Postmillennials desire era's and not fixed identities by Eugene Healey How Gen Z expects brands to interact with them by Ogilvy.   

Related episodes: 

• 321 : Marketing and Moral Injury w/ Josh Tarlo of Kiss the Hippo
• 393 : The Tyranny of Taste w/ Kosta Kallivrousis
• SHIFT BREAK: Quality Still Matters
• Some Tips on Signature Drinks
• Menu Simplicity as Hospitality
• 274 : Crafting Specialty Drinks in your Shop w/ Matt Foster”
• 548: Cool Ideas For Customer Engagement

 

 Insights into the specialty coffee industry and its challenges.

KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS! 

Are you a coffee shop owner looking to join a community of other owners to help bring perspective, insight, encouragement, and accountability in a well curated setting? 

Then you need to apply to join Key holder Coaching Groups! 

Applications are now open for fall 2025 Cohort: Click below to learn more: APPLY TO KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS

 

KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING!

If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email 

[email protected]

of book a free call now: 

https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min 

 

 

SPONSORS

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The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series! 

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