Whether you’re planning to open your first café or you’d like to improve the performance of an existing shop, barista training should be at the top of your priority list. Although you may have spent hours researching the best commercial espresso machines and coffee grinders, these products can only perform as well as your team.
Ready to learn more about why barista training is a must? Here’s a deeper look into why training for your team is an investment that will pay off in the long run:
Make the Most of Your Equipment
If you’re considering splurging on a high-end espresso machine and/or accessories, it’s critical to ensure that your team knows all the ins and outs of operation and maintenance.
In addition to taking proactive measures like investing in a water filtration system to prevent scale buildup, you can protect your machines by providing proper usage training. The ability to pull a beautiful shot of espresso and steam milk to perfection are important skills for a barista to have, but they should also be able to thoroughly clean the equipment and troubleshoot when necessary.
Prevent High Turnover
When baristas are empowered with the skills they need to succeed, they’re more likely to remain in the role for a longer period of time. The reality is that many shop owners don’t have a solid training program in place, and new baristas are often thrown into the deep end to figure it out on the fly.
Even seasoned pros can get flustered during busy spells, so inexperienced baristas are especially susceptible to experience stress on the job. The goal is to have an experienced team, each of whom has the knowledge to thoroughly train new members. When a café has high turnover, it creates a vicious cycle. Current team members may not know enough to teach newcomers the ropes, which leads to more chaos behind the bar.
Improve Sales
By investing in your baristas’ education, you’ll benefit your brand by becoming known as the shop that consistently crafts high-quality espresso beverages. One of the biggest weaknesses of stores that skimp on training is that would-be regulars remember the inconsistency and look for other options.
When each member of the team has completed a thoughtfully-designed training program, you may notice an increase in sales and customer loyalty.
Opening a café requires a plethora of decisions, from the commercial espresso machine you choose to the type of beans you’ll use. Although your choice of equipment is a critical component in the success of your shop, barista training is also a significant factor. By providing extensive training, you’ll protect your investment, lower turnover rates, and improve customer loyalty.
The first step in familiarizing yourself and your team with the tools of the trade is to make your selections. When you’re ready to browse coffeehouse supplies, we’re here to help. We carry all the products you need to stock your café, and we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have.