Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders

And the myths just keep on coming! Welcome to part 2 of the series on Myth Coffee Shop Owners Believe. The goal here is to create space and slow down long enough to critically and intentionally examine ideas before we adopt them into the fabric of our cafes. Of course in the frenzied world many of us occupy, having time to think might itself be a rare luxury.

So today I hope you have found that time to listen and think through these subject with me. We are covering 5 more myths that need to be more deeply considered before they are automatically believed.

Today we will be talking about these myths:

1. If you build it they will come
2. Exclusivity and novelty will bring 'em in
3. More on the menu is better -or-You need to have something for everyone
4. Scaling = success
5. I can hire in knowledge vs developing it internally

Related episodes!

• Exclusivity is a Bad Strategy
• Differentiation Takes Time!
• The Power of "No"
• SHIFT BREAK: Reassessing Growth
• SHIFT BREAK: Are You Growing With Your Business?
• Taste the Rainbow! : Menu knowledge, tasting, flavor, coffee cupping approach to your offerings
• Eliminating menu items Humanely

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

Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!

www.arto.com

Visit @artobrick

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

www.pacificfoodservice.com

Who is it we are serving when we start or work in the coffee shop? If you listen to a lot of the way people talk today, you might think we expect customers to serve our needs more than we pursue meeting the needs of and serving our customers.

Today on Shift Break we will be talking about the trend of backwards hospitality that has greatly diminished the hospitality experience across cafes and what we can do to bring our priorities back in line with what tru service and hospitality means.

Here are some related episodes to explore:

• SHIFT BREAK! Why The Best Hospitality Starts With The Transactional!
• 532: Start with Hospitality
• 469: Unremarkable Hospitality and Cafe Terroir
• 430 : Embracing "Unreasonable Hospitality" w/ Will Guidara | Thank You NYC + The Welcome Conference
• 424: Developing Menu and Hospitality Guides

APPLY NOW TO 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

HIRE KTTS 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

Thank you to out sponsors!

Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/

The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com

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

Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!

www.arto.com

Visit @artobrick

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

www.pacificfoodservice.com

Once again it is Founder Friday! The world of coffee encompasses vast regions of taste and culture, all united by the communal cup of coffee. In the Philippines there has been an incredible movement of specialty. Yardstick Coffee stands as one of the original specialty coffee roasters and retailers that has built a solid and growing company that continually pursues new ways to serve people through services of wholesale, roasting, equipment, and more.

Today we are going to be talking with one of the founders of Yardstick Coffee, Andre Chanco!

Andre Chanco began his career in IT, working as a consultant for a multinational company before making an unexpected pivot to coffee. While working part-time at Papa Palheta—one of Singapore's pioneering specialty coffee roasters—he immersed himself in coffee roasting, eventually becoming a full-time apprentice. Over the years, he took on responsibilities in green buying and marketing, setting the foundation for his future in coffee.

In 2013, Andre co-founded Yardstick Coffee in Manila with university friends Kevin and Jessica. What began as a wholesale roasting and equipment business has since evolved into one of the Philippines' leading specialty coffee brands. Today, Andre serves as Head of Product and Brand, overseeing green coffee sourcing and the company's product development.

Founded in 2013, Yardstick began as a B2B coffee roaster and equipment distributor, becoming the official partner of La Marzocco and Rocket Espresso in the Philippines. With just one showroom and training space in Makati, Yardstick offered coffee roasting, SCA certification workshops, and equipment solutions for cafes and restaurants.

Following the pandemic, Yardstick shifted its focus to retail, evolving into a customer-led, community-driven coffee brand. Today, Yardstick operates nine stores across Metro Manila, with plans to open two more by the end of 2025. The company continues to roast specialty coffee in-house, with a strong emphasis on quality, accessibility and discovery. Yardstick has also proudly hosted the Philippine AeroPress Championship for over a decade, championing accessibility, collaboration, and growth in the local coffee scene.

I hope you enjoy this conversation that takes you all the way from the founding of Yardstick, into the inner workings of their organization, management and philosophies- to today and what their focus is to continue to deliver exceptional experiences in all areas of the company.

Links:

https://store.yardstickcoffee.com/

http://www.drinkmorning.com/

http://www.standardsupplystudios.com/

https://www.instagram.com/yardstickcoffee/

Related episodes:

• Special! "Thinking Differently" Series | Filipino Coffee w/ Ron Dizon of Teofilo Coffee!
• 310 : Founder Friday w/ Jelynn Malone and Beverly Magtanong of Mostra Coffee
• 188 : Founder Friday w/ Jon Allen of Onyx Coffee Lab

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

Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!

www.arto.com

Visit @artobrick

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

www.pacificfoodservice.com

In forums, trade shows, and conversations everywhere, people are talking about their problems, and that's not a bad thing! The problem starts when the talk is not productive and starts to warp reality and damages our ability to work, serve and lead well due to the bitterness commiseration tends to produce.

Today on Shift Break we will be talking about the problems that commiseration brings and how we can recognize and redirect the way we talk so we can be as objective as possible in how we see the world of positives and challenges that surround us.

Here are some related episodes to explore:

Gossip!

Who You Are + What You Do

APPLY NOW TO 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

HIRE KTTS 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

Thank you to out sponsors!

Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/

The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com

What we believe is often a mixture of what we heard , what we have experienced, and what is convenient for us in the moment. The truth is, we are desperate for certainty and as our desperation grows, our ability to be reasonable and discern goes down. Thats when ideas turn into rules based on nothing more that our desire for getting an answer. Then a myth is born.

This is part one of a 2 part episode series that will break down about a dozen myths that have wormed their way into the minds of owners so deeply that to question them may sometimes seem silly or even dangerous.

Today we will be talking about these myths:

1. "Automation saves you on labor and training"
2. "Independent cafes deserve support"
3. "Inspiring words create change"
4. "The right people will just get it"
5. "If it works for them, it will work for me"

Related episodes!

• 373 : The Owner's Role: 5 Behaviors for Effectiveness
• 243 : Encore Episode! "The Sleepwalking Barista (Owner)"
• Breathing Life Into Your Coffee Shop
• 485: Your Shop Vs the Industry

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

Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!

www.arto.com

Visit @artobrick

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

www.pacificfoodservice.com

Have you ever made a regrettable decision in the moment that you would have made differently if you had given yourself a bit more time and space to reason it through? I think we have all been there. Many are there right now!

Every time we decide something in the present based on desperation, impatience, or fear, the future version of ourselves and other, suffer for it. There have been countless examples of owners deciding on hiring, programs, expansion, menu items etc that seemed like a good idea, until the more reasonable future

Today on Shift Break we will be talking about the importance of considering the the downstream impacts of the bright ideas and brain waves we get so present you won't inadvertently sabotage future you's success.

Here are some related episodes to explore:

• 184 : Making Great Business Decisions w/ Dave Stachowiak
• 253 : Mindsets that Sabotage Success
• 414: Secret Ingredients for a Successful Coffee Shop

KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS ARE LIVE!

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

HIRE KTTS 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

Thank you to out sponsors!

Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/

The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com

Becoming a great manager is as much for other people's benefit as it is for your own. In order to do this you have to see it as a practice that incorporates certain mindsets and habits that contribute to developing you into the kind of person who can guide and develop others

Today on the show we will talking about three very important areas that managers should be focused on incorporating and improving as they work throughout the week.

My advice...practice these things intentionally and work at recalling your day and your week every week as you plan the next one. See where you did great and keep it going, or see where you were challenged and improve it next time.

I hope this episode helps jump-start your transformation. Please listen to the episodes below and treat it like a cafe manager mini-university.

If you are here and listening it means you already want to get better. I know you can do it and I am thankful for the work you are putting in to serve others well!

Related episodes!

• 229 : 7 Tips for New Managers
• 141 : The 27 Challenges Managers Face w/ Bruce Tulgan
• 028 : Why it's Ok to be the Boss w/ Bruce Tulgan : A guide to defining and fighting the under management epidemic in your cafe so you can be the manager your staff need
• 475: Essential Tools for Cafe Management
• 472: Why Technical Skill as a Leader is Not Enough w/ Jonathan Raymond, Refound, Author: Good Authority
• 453 : The Craft of Operations
• 427 : Encore Episode: What you MUST Know About Employee Culture w/ Stan Slap
• 368 : Walking the Line Between Leadership and Friendship
• 336: A Cafe Leadership Masterclass w/ Selina Viguera of Blue Bottle Coffee
• 244 : Top 10 Ways to Lose Employees
• 172 : Why Tracking Performance is a Must!
• Creative Avoidance : Thoughts on Long-game Management

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

Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!

www.arto.com

Visit @artobrick

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

www.pacificfoodservice.com

Hey everyone! I was sitting at my desk thinking about the various services and means KTTS has created to help coffee shop owners and leaders in the last 8 years.

Seems we have grown a lot!

From a podcast with 1,000+ episodes and 3 million+ downloads, to consulting and coaching 85+ cafes, training barista teams, speaking around the country multiple times per year for 20+years, and the latest addition, the Key Holder Coaching Groups which is in its 5th season!

I wanted to take a moment to chat with you here, pretty informally, to explain these areas of Keys to the Shop and give you some clarity about the why behind them, what they look like, and how they help people like you.

Below are some links that will take you to where you can learn more. But of course, the best way is always to reach out and have a conversation with me. Just email: [email protected]

Service Links:

CONSULTING

One-on-one consulting with coffee shop owners and their leadership teams to help improve operations, people, and quality. We also help new owners and their teams open their first cafe.

KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS

A curated space where you can bring real challenges to the table, get clear feedback, and grow alongside others who are just as invested in getting better.

If you're looking for community, clarity, and accountability to move your leadership forward, this might be the right next step for you. Click above to apply.

SPEAKING

I have been speaking at trade shows, industry organizations, coffee schools, and conducting workshops for quite a long time. Reach out if you are looking for a focused workshop for your team or need a speaker for your event.

CAFE CLARITY CALLS

In these 3 one hour intensive sessions we will tackle your most pressing issues and challenges through discovering root causes, and developing clear solutions and strategies for sustainable success!

Click here to schedule a free discovery call:

KTTS Consulting Discovery Call

Social Media Links:

Instagram: @keystotheshop

LinkedIn: Chris Deferio

We like to use the word "creativity" when describing ideal traits in coffee shop staff. In some ways, this is admirable and very useful, for a lot of us though, without exploring and establishing the details behind it and how exactly it looks to be creative, we end up with a lot of confusion, inconsistencies, and dropping the ball on quality service. Do we really want baristas going rouge getting "creative" with core menu items?

Today on Shift Break we will be talking about where and how to apply creativity in the various places in the coffee shop. The goal if that it it never turns into a liability for consistency, or a word used to make up for a lack of training on a standard, but something that adds depth to the whole cafe experience

Here are some related episodes to explore:

• 424: Developing Menu and Hospitality Guides
• 301 : Hiring and Training for Excellence
• 191 : Retraining your Staff on new Standards
• Exceptions to the Rules: Toxic Traditions
• The Good and Bad of Job Descriptions

KEY HOLDER COACHING GROUPS ARE LIVE!

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

HIRE KTTS 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

Thank you to out sponsors!

Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/

The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com