Plan it. Pour it. Profit. : Developing a Successful Retail Coffee Program

Plan it. Pour it. Profit. Developing a Successful Retail Coffee Program

📅Hosted by AST Zoey Thorson at Pacific Coffee Research – Saturday, Nov 8 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

In a world with over 33,000 coffee shops, standing out is no small feat. This course is designed for the dreamers ready to launch or owners ready to level up. This one-day program gives you the blueprint for building  and scaling a coffee business that’s as exceptional as your espresso. Learn the essentials, connect with other owners, and discover your next big move.

In this one-day course, we will review and collaborate on the steps of creating and sustaining a wonderful specialty coffee retail experience.  

We will cover:

• Planning and Budgeting: rent, labor, cost of goods, marketing, and operating expenses
• Coffee Equipment and Supplies: Choosing the right equipment and basic install and maintenance needs 
• Product: Choosing the rights products for your café. Think, coffee blends, milk options, and merch
• The Space: Café layout, design and the customer experience
• You Menu: Drink creation, development and costing/pricing 
• Your Staff: Interviewing, hiring, training, and retaining great employees
• Your Leaders: Coffee shop management hiring, training & resources
• Operations: Inventory, ordering, par setting, sales and labor planning and QC 
• Retail Sales and Marketing: Tips for increasing profitability
• What’s Next?  Expansion and growing your business to the next level!

This course is designed for the dreamers ready to launch or owners ready to level up.

About your Instructor: Zoey Thorson

With over two decades in specialty coffee, Zoey is a leader who has lived every side of the café experience; from pulling shots behind the bar to shaping strategy for thriving retail operations. Her 20+ years in the industry span the entire supply stream, from farm level to shop floor, giving her a uniquely grounded perspective on what it takes to build and sustain a great coffee business.

Most of Zoey’s coffee career has been spent training teams, managing cafés, and developing retail programs that connect quality, efficiency, and community. She’s a natural teacher and mentor who brings both vision and practical know-how to her students, helping them turn coffee passion into lasting success.

A true industry leader, Zoey currently serves on the Barista Guild Leadership Council, The Living Wage for Us Advisory Council, and she is an Arabica Q-Instructor, an SCA Authorized Trainer in Brewing and Barista Skills.

This is a full day course so snacks and lunch will be included.