Gourmet Coffee Reviews

Something new is brewing for the February 2008 Convenience Retailing Conference in San Antonio, Texas. For the first time in the event’s history, Andrew Hetzel of leading retail coffee consultancy Cafemakers will teach attendees the “ins and outs” of specialty coffee.

Described as a unique learning platform for retailers to pursue personal and professional growth while networking among industry leaders, CRC’s 2008 symposium boasts an impressive lineup of featured speakers, including: Dr. Stephen Covey, founder and vice chairman of FranklinCovey, Steve Wosniak, co-founder of Apple Computer, and 2008 presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor, Mitt Romney.

Attendees of Mr. Hetzel’s C-Store Specialty Coffee Success session, sponsored by Sara Lee Foodservice, will have the opportunity to experience professional coffee tasting, learn the basics of specialty coffee preparation and hear case examples that highlight critical success factors necessary to implement successful specialty coffee programs in convenience stores.

The 2008 Convenience Retailing Conference will be held at the San Antonio Grand Hyatt on February 11-13.

For more information, visit cafemakers.com

The history of coffee has been recorded back as far as the tenth century. Around this period coffee was really only big in Ethiopia where it originated. It later spread throughout the muslim world, Africa, India, and eventually to Europe.

The word coffee originated from the Italian word caffe’. According to historic sources, coffee was first imported from Italy. Italy traded a great deal with the muslims in North Africa, Egypt, and the East; bringing a great deal of African goods to Italy, including coffee. Coffee eventually made its way into Europe where it was more widely accepted after it was “baptized” by Pope Clement VIII in 1600. The first European coffee house opened in Italy in 1645.

For more information, visit kristinaskafe.com

In a display of philanthropic generosity, Calvert Holdings, Inc. announced today the donation a complete portable coffee kiosk through one of its companies, to a newly formed United Methodist Church in suburban Atlanta: Sacred Tapestry .

Calvert Coffee System, a turnkey package with everything needed for a coffee shop amenity, is a one-stop solution that includes

•portable coffee kiosks (or traditional millwork cabinetry),
•equipment (espresso machine, commercial coffee brewer, display case),
•training,
•intellectual property, and
•assistance with vendor selection.

Jeff Tippett spokesperson for Calvert Holdings, Inc. who negotiated the gift said that the donation was in complete harmony with heart and nature of Calvert Holdings. “Calvert Holdings, Inc. seeks to give back to the community in a meaningful manner.” He continued by adding, “This gift has a life of its own. Sacred Tapestry can use this catalytic tool as a means to accomplish its overall mission.” Noting the ongoing potential of the gift Tippett remarked, “We hope this gift will be a revenue stream and a means of attracting new parishioners.”

The coffee kiosks will be branded by Sacred Tapestry under the name “Divine Bean Café” and plans are to eventually operate the coffee shop 7 days a week during the church’s program schedule for events such as book clubs, cycling and hiking clubs, and study series.

For more information, visit calvertcoffeesystems.com